🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Sri Khom Kham sits on the shore of Kwan Phayao, the largest freshwater lake in northern Thailand, on Phahonyothin Road about 3 kilometres from town. It's the first and only royal temple in the province (elevated to that status in 1980), and locals treat it as the spiritual heart of the city — for the big annual merit-making festival as well as everyday visits to pay respects. The reason everyone comes is Phra Chao Ton Luang, the colossal Buddha image inside the large viharn at the centre of the grounds.
Phra Chao Ton Luang, the largest Buddha in Lanna
Phra Chao Ton Luang is a stucco Buddha finished with lacquer and gold leaf, seated in the Bhumisparsha (subduing Mara) posture in the Chiang Saen style. The lap measures 14 metres across and it stands around 16 metres tall — the largest Chiang Saen Buddha image in the Lanna region. Construction began around 1491 in the reign of Phaya Yot Chiang Rai, a Lanna king of the Mangrai dynasty, and took several decades to complete. Standing in front of the real thing, you feel the sheer scale — you have to tilt your head back to take it in. The serene Chiang Saen face is genuine, and rarely seen at this size.
- Phra Chao Ton Luang viharn — the large hall at the centre of the temple, the main place to pay respects, open the whole time the temple is open.
- Chiang Saen style — look at the face, the hair and the flowing lines of classic Lanna craftsmanship, clearly different from Sukhothai or Ayutthaya Buddha images.
- A sacred symbol of the city — locals regard it as the guardian Buddha of Phayao, with the Phra Chao Ton Luang worship festival held every year in the eighth lunar full moon (around May).
How to dress
This is a temple where people come to pray in earnest, so dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off before entering the viharn. You'll fit in better and show more respect for the place. Come in the morning while the sun is still gentle: walking barefoot on the viharn floor is far more comfortable than in the afternoon.
Want more out of Phayao? Book tours & activities
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The lakeside chapel, a photo spot on the water
Walk from the main viharn towards the lake and you'll reach the chapel over the water — a modern Lanna-style building that extends out into Kwan Phayao, connected by a walkway. It was completed around 1985, and this is where most people take their photos, because you get the chapel, the lake and distant mountains all in one frame. The light is especially pretty in the evening as the golden glow hits the water.
Inside the chapel are murals by Angkarn Kalayanapong, a National Artist whose linework is instantly recognisable. If you appreciate art, go in for a closer look — it's something you won't find in an ordinary temple.
Best time for photos
For the prettiest shots of the lakeside chapel, come about an hour before sunset (roughly 5–6 pm), when the light is soft, the water is still and the crowds have thinned out. In the morning you'll get clear skies and cool, comfortable air instead.
The Cultural Exhibition Hall, old Phayao treasures
On the north side of the temple is the Cultural Exhibition Hall, a two-storey museum displaying the history and old artefacts of Phayao. If the city's story interests you, it's worth a stop — it doesn't take long to walk through, but you'll come away understanding the place a lot better.
- Highlights on display — pottery and a golden ceremonial parasol over 500 years old, plus the fossil of a four-tusked elephant roughly 15 million years old.
- Admission — Thai adults 20 THB, children/monks/novices 10 THB, foreigners 40 THB.
- Opening hours — 9 am–4 pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays (unlike the temple itself, which is open daily — plan around it).
Other corners of the temple worth seeing
Buddhist Legend Garden (Heaven & Hell)
A sculpture garden telling stories of sin, merit and the life of the Buddha — an easy stroll, and good for bringing kids along to learn.
Lakeside terrace
A wide open terrace in front of the temple right by the water — sit and catch the breeze, feed the fish and take in the lake view.
Gateway and Naga serpents
Stucco Naga serpents and a Lanna-style gateway — a photo spot before you head into the temple.
Hours, fees and how to get there
- Temple hours — roughly 7 am–6.30 pm daily, free entry, no ticket needed (the Cultural Exhibition Hall charges separately, as above).
- Location — Phahonyothin Road, Wiang sub-district, Mueang district, on the shore of Kwan Phayao, about 3 km from town.
- Getting there — driving or renting a motorbike from town is easiest; it's only a few minutes away, and there's parking at the temple.
- Combine it with — it sits right on the lakeside road, so you can carry on to a lakeside cafe or a sunset spot in the same trip.
Make the most of a half day
Most people spend around 45 minutes to an hour to see the whole temple. Come in the morning, pay your respects, stop by the Cultural Exhibition Hall, then head out for breakfast or a lakeside cafe — it makes a tidy half-morning plan. If you prefer sunsets, save the temple for the evening and finish with the lake view.
Want a full Phayao plan with temples, cafes and food
See the Phayao travel guide →