Wat Phan On, Buddhist temple in old city, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Phan On is a Buddhist temple in the old city of Chiang Mai with a three-tiered teak wooden structure set on a stone base and adorned with golden decorations and intricate carvings at the entrance. The building displays typical northern Thai architecture with carefully executed details throughout.
The building was originally constructed as a throne hall in 1846 and converted into a temple in 1876 using repurposed wooden panels from the palace. This transformation shows how historical structures in the region were given new purpose.
The shrine houses red-painted teak pillars that frame where Buddhist texts rest in carved wooden containers near the main golden Buddha image. This arrangement reflects how monks here connect spiritual learning with daily worship.
The temple is located on Phra Pok Klao road next to Wat Chedi Luang and is open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM with no entrance fee. Its central location makes it easy to combine with other temples in the area.
The temple received its name from the many kilns that once operated there to cast Buddha images for the neighboring Wat Chedi Luang. This craftsmanship connection to the adjacent shrine reveals a part of local production practices that visitors often overlook today.
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