Phrae - Temples

Phrae has beautiful nature, but the province is also home to many interesting temples.

Chedi of Phra That Cho Hae

One of the most famous temples in Phrae is Wat Phra Thot Cho Hae, which originally was built in the 14th century. The chedi is 33 meters high and 10 x 10 or 11 x 11 meters at the base - size depends on which sign you read. The chedi was built in Chiang Saen and contains (pieces of) the Lord Buddha's hair and elbow bone.

The "Cho Hae" part of the temple's name comes from the "cho hae" cloth from ancient Mengbanaxi (today Xishuangbanna in Yunnan) that was used to wrap around the chedi as part of religious rites.

Don't mind the tigers, use the Mythical Lion Staircase

The temple is located on the top of a hill. One can ascend the hill by using the Mythical Lion Staircase, although the artists seem to be confused about which carnivore looks like what.

The Buddha statue near the chedi offers a very attractive photo opportunity and is a fine work of art.

At the foot of the hill, a statue of a reclining Buddha is unceremoniously hidden away in a rather inconspicuous structure. It deserves better.

Wat Chom Sawan

Wat Chom Sawan (located near the current city center) is a much newer temple. It is interesting because it is built in teak wood and built in hill-tribe (Thai Yai) style. It was built during 1900-1912. The interior is nicely engraved teak with colored glass to enhance the effect.

The Buddha image is heavily influenced by Burmese style, so Wat Chom Sawan is a wonderful mix of cultures and architectural styles.

The last temple from Phrae that I mention will - unfortunately - remain nameless. I forgot to note the name down. This temple was located about a dozen kilometers down a road the dead-ended in a valley north-east of the provincial capital. While the main temple structures were a the valley floor, near a picturesque stream, the chedi was located up at the end of several long stair cases. These stair cases were, however, devoid of any mythical lions.