Wat Si Khom Kham, Buddhist temple in Wiang, Thailand
Wat Si Khom Kham is a temple in Wiang situated next to Phayao Lake, featuring a monumental Buddha statue about 16 meters tall and 14 meters wide. The complex includes multiple structures, including a wihan built on stilts above the water that displays both traditional and modern Thai artworks.
The temple was founded in the 12th century, with the current structure completed in 1923 and housing the largest Buddha statue from the Chiang Saen era in Thailand. This statue represents a transition between earlier religious traditions and the modern temple architecture that followed.
The temple houses 38 Buddha heads from the 14th century carved from local pink sandstone, showing how artisans of that era worked and what mattered to them. These sculptures reveal the artistic traditions that developed in this region.
The grounds offer several access points to the lake, and the stilt-built wihan is easy to explore, though the stairs can be steep. It is wise to check weather conditions beforehand and wear comfortable shoes for moving between buildings.
Local accounts tell that the Buddha selected this location himself, marked by a spot where a bird planted a seed that grew into a tree. This story connects nature and faith in a way that surprises many visitors.
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