🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Phra Thaen Sila At is a temple Uttaradit locals have felt close to for a long time — not just a pretty old temple, but a place people here have come to pray at for generations. The temple sits on a small hill in Thung Yang, Laplae district. It was originally called Wat Mahathat, an ancient temple with no clear record of who built it or when. All we know is that its name goes back to the Ayutthaya period, and it was later raised to royal temple status in 2006.
What makes this temple special is the Phra Thaen Sila At, a large rectangular slab of laterite stone inside the viharn. People long believed that all five Buddhas of this present aeon came, or will come, to sit and meditate on this stone seat. That belief has made it a place of pilgrimage for people across the lower northern region for a very long time.
The Stone Seat — the Heart of the Temple
The seat itself is a rectangular slab of laterite, roughly 8 feet wide, 10 feet long, and 3 feet high, with a lotus-petal pattern around the base. Above it stands a beautifully built Chiang Saen-style mondop that shelters it. The whole thing sits inside the viharn, and it's the corner that fills up with people praying on important religious days.
The viharn you see today is a rebuilt version, because the original was destroyed in a major fire around 1908 (during the reign of King Rama V). The laterite stone seat, being stone, survived — so it's still the original we can pay respects to today. There are signboards in the temple telling these stories, and reading them before you go in to pray makes the whole visit hit deeper.
- The laterite stone seat under the Chiang Saen mondop — the main spot for prayer
- The royal viharn — architecture rebuilt after the fire, with lovely carved woodwork
- The surrounding cloister — a cool, easy walk with views over Khao Tao hill
How locals pray here
People here like to come and pray at the stone seat for clarity of mind and peace of heart, since it's regarded as a place of meditation. Dress modestly, take off your shoes before stepping up into the viharn, and keep your voice low — there are often people sitting and chanting.
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Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon — Easy to Pair With
A lot of people don't realise that close by — on the same hill but a different peak — is another important temple, Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon, to the east. It's just a few minutes away. Locals usually finish at the stone seat and carry on to the second temple in one go. They make an easy sacred pair of Thung Yang.
Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon
Right next door on the same hill, with a pair of Buddha footprints. Easy to visit straight after the stone seat.
Thung Yang Ancient Town
This area is an old town, with traces of city moats and ancient temples scattered around. Good for anyone who loves history.
Getting to Wat Phra Thaen Sila At
The temple isn't far from central Uttaradit — about 5 km from the provincial bus station, an 8–10 minute drive. It's on the road toward Laplae, well signposted the whole way and easy to find.
- Private car / rental — the most convenient. There's parking at the temple, and searching "Wat Phra Thaen Sila At" in Google Maps takes you right there.
- Rented motorbike — available in town, good for a relaxed ride with roadside photo stops.
- Songthaew / local taxi — there are runs on the town–Laplae route. Ask about timings at the market or bus station first.
- Train — get off at Uttaradit train station and take a connecting ride about 5–6 km to the temple.
Opening hours — free entry
The temple is open for visits and prayer free of charge every day, roughly 08:00–17:00. Mornings are cool and quiet before the crowds, ideal for photos and sitting in peace.
The Phra Thaen Sila At Festival — the Busiest Time
If you want to see the temple at its liveliest, come during the Phra Thaen Sila At festival, held every year around the full moon of the 3rd lunar month, which falls on Makha Bucha Day (roughly late January to February, depending on the year). It's one of Uttaradit's biggest merit-making events, drawing people from across the lower north, with a market, local food, and performances around the temple.
- Make merit, apply gold leaf, and pray at the stone seat in a full temple-fair atmosphere
- Browse and try Laplae–Thung Yang local food from stalls that only open during the festival
- It gets crowded and parking is tight at this time, so allow extra time and arrive early to keep things easy
Weekdays are nice too
If you'd rather skip the crowds, a weekday outside the festival is quiet and just right. You can pray at the stone seat without queuing and get nicer photos of the mondop.
What Else to Do Nearby
The temple sits on the Laplae route, one of the more fun areas to explore in Uttaradit. After praying, you can carry on to several spots in one trip — the old town, local food, and seasonal fruit.
Laplae Old Town
A district of old wooden houses, a town gate, and the legend of Laplae. Fun to wander and photograph.
Where to eatLaplae–Thung Yang Local Food
Khao phan phak, mi phan, and other local dishes you can really only find around here.
Plan a full Uttaradit trip — temples, the old town, and local food
See the Uttaradit travel guide →