important temple. The 14th century temple is located on a small hill East of town across the Nan river, from where good views of the town of Nan and the surrounding valley and river can be had.
The temple derives its name from the Phra That Chae Haeng, the gilded chedi that contains a relic of the Buddha.
The Wat Phra That Chae Haeng was founded in 1355. The structures of the temple complex show a mix of several architectural styles, including Lanna and Thai Lü.
Naga balustrades towards the courtyard
A broad walkway flanked by long balustrades leads up to the temple grounds. The lower end of the balustrades is topped with massive 4 meter high heads of the mythological Naga snake, the body of the serpent extending all the way up to the temple area. On top of the mound is a square walled courtyard accessible through entrance gates. The large courtyard surrounded by open galleries contains a chedi, a viharn and a mondop.
Thai Lü style Viharn Luang
The Wat Phra That Chae Haeng’s viharn named Viharn Luang is built in Thai Lü style. The entrance to the viharn is guarded by two large white lions. Over the main entrance door is a stucco relief of interwoven Naga serpents. The plastered walls contain small windows. The viharn has a three tiered roof with wooden carved eaves, the roofs ends are ornamented with Chofah. Two rows of white pillars inside the viharn support the roof. The large Sukhothai style Buddha in the viharn is the temple’s principal Buddha image.
Gilded chedi and mondop