Tak Wats - Temples - Shrines


Tak Province

Wat Mani Banphot

This temple houses the famous Saen Thong Buddha Image, which was casted in the Chiang Saen era and can be dated back to the late 1200s.

Wat Si Talaram

The most unique feature of Wat Sri Talaram is its European-style architecture, reflected in its ordination hall. In addition, enshrined within the sermon hall made of carved wood is an ancient Ayuthaya-style Buddha image.

Wat Phra Boromthat and Ancient Tak City

The area of Wat Phra Boromthat in Amphoe Ban Tak is the former site of Ancient Tak City. Lying along the bank of Maenam Ping, approximately 25 kilometers north of the City, the site contains several ruins including the legendary hill-top pagoda in Phum Khao Binth style (of Sukhothai era).

The pagoda was built by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great to mark his victory in the hand to hand combat on the elephants back against King Khun Sam Chon, the ruler of Muang Chot (currently Amphoe Mae Sot). The pagoda shares Myanmar's famous Chawedagong's features and houses holy Buddha relics. Locally known as the royal pagoda or Chedi Yutta Hatthi, it is located next to Wat Phra Boromthat.

The temple (Wat Phra Boromthat) itself is extraordinary with wooden door panels and roof decorations that are magnificently crafted. In addition, the story of the Lord Buddha is depicted on the temples wooden window panels which are covered in real gold.

Wat Don Kaeo

This temple houses Thailand's biggest and most beautiful marble Burmese-style Buddha image. The width of the image base is 50 inches while the height is 63 inches. The temple is situated on the Mae Sot-Mae Ramat-Tha Song Yang route at Km. 33. To get there from the main road, take a left turn and proceed for another 2 kilometers.

Wat Chumphon Khiri

Situated in Mae Sot Municipality, the temple was built approximately 200 years ago. Several restorations have been made, including the construction of the new chedi in the same architectural style as that of the Chawedagong in Myanmar. Attractions within the temple include a Buddha image in the Maravichai style and a 200 year old drum.

Wat Mani Phraison

Located in the Mae Sot market, Wat Manee Pharison features a unique Samphuttae Chedi. On top of the big chedi, there are 233 small chedis that house 512,028 small Buddha images. In addition, on the site is a chapel that is over 200 years old.

Wat Phra That Doi Hin Kiu

Overlooking Maenam Moei and Myanmar is Wat Phra That Doi Hin Kiu, a hill-top forest temple, just 11 kilometers northwest of Mae Sot. The chedi is special as it is constructed in the same style as Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Myanmar. In addition, the chedi was built on a rock which seems to have been balanced on the edge of a cliff.

Wat Thai Wattanaram

This temple is located at Mu 1, Tambon Ta Sai Luat, on the way to the Rim Moei border market, just 500 meters from the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. The temple was originally known as Wat Thai Yai as the construction of the temple was greatly influenced by Burmese culture and Mahayana Buddhism. Enshrined within the temple are a reclining Buddha image and a marble Buddha image. In addition, on the second floor of the main Viharn, a collection of Burmese musical instruments, including tuned drums and gongs are on display.

City Pillar Shrine of the Four Great Kings

This shrine is situated at Ban Pak Rong, by the Kittikachorn Bridge, south of the city. The Shrine was established to honor Thailand's four former Great Kings who were associated with Tak. These Kings called for several strategic troop assemblies in the province to fight against invading forces. In this light, the Shrine represents utmost respect for the Kings dedication to the country.

Shrine of King Taksin the Great

Located near the Tak TAT office, at the intersection of Charojwithithong Road and Mahatthai Bamrung Road, the Shrine houses Tak's most famous statue of King Taksin the Great. The Shrine was established in 1947 to honor King Taksin the Great who, as a designated ruler of Tak, successfully defeated the Burmese invasion of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. During his reign, he moved the capital from Phra Nakon Si Ayutthaya to the bank side of Maenam Chao Praya and named it Krung Thonburi. That is why his statue, which is in the sitting position with a sword lying across his lap, has the following inscription at the base Phra Chao Taksin of Krung Thonburi. The site is also a center of an annual celebration during December 28 January 3.