Phayao : Wat Si Umong Kham

The Chiang Saen-style Chedi at Wat Si Umong Kham is still in good condition. The Lanna-style Buddha statue, Phra Chao Lan Tu, is regarded as the most beautiful anywhere.



Wat Si Umong Kham was one of two temples we visited in the city of Phayao. It is also close to the lake in the center of the city. This was another temple which was closed when we arrived, and we were able to get the monks to open it for us. The presiding image here is Luang Phor Ngnam Muang or Phra Chao Lantue, said to be the most beautiful Lanna-style image. And we can only agree with this statement!



The friendly monk also pointed out a special Buddha image which sat beside the main image. It is one of only two images in this style. The other image is located in Chiang Mai. Three years after our initial visit we went back to this temple in 2008 and got a personalized tour again and even met the abbot of the temple. To the side of the temple are also two Buddha images which are several hundred years old.