Wat Phra That Mae Ya Mon, or Phra That Doi Mae Ya Mon, is a temple that has been abandoned for several hundred years. It was rediscovered in 2007 when a monk on a pilgrimage stumbled upon it. Together with the local community, efforts were initiated to restore the temple by building a new chedi around the original damaged one, now known as Phra That Mae Ya Mon. They also constructed two large Buddha statues: Phra Maha Chakkraphat and Phra Maha Prith, which stand majestically on a hillside by the banks of the Mekong River, visible from afar both by land and water. This site serves as a place for monks, novices, nuns, and the general public to practice meditation while also being a cultural tourism destination attracting visitors from both Thailand and abroad. Many people hold beliefs about the sanctity of this temple, considering it a sacred site in Buddhism, a realm of the Naga, and a gateway to the underwater kingdom, among various other legends. It has become a popular destination for those seeking blessings and spiritual experiences.
Photo Credit: chiangraifocus.com
Wat Phra That Mae Ya Mon
Province: Chiang Rai