Wat Pha Khao Pan Temple
Hilltop Buddhist temple overlooking surrounding countryside
Wat Pha Khao Pan at a Glance#
Unlike the other temple ruins in Chiang Saen, Wat Pha Khao Pan is a working Buddhist temple, though it is thought to have been founded in the 14th century.
Facing the Mekong River, its most significant feature is a magnificent Lanna-style chedi. Niches on the four sides of its square base contain images of the walking Buddha, with the hands of the east-facing figure both pointing to the ground, a posture common in Laos but rarely seen on Thai images. The small viharn is lavishly gilded and relatively recent, though the two elephant heads wrapped in naga coils at either side of the steps are an unusual and charming touch.
As with many temples in this region, the architectural and decorative style owes more to traditional Laotian Buddhist forms than to Thai Buddhist design.
Best Time to Visit Wat Pha Khao Pan#
For hilltop temples and comfortable walking, go in November-February when temperatures are coolest and skies are clearest.
Weather & Climate near Wat Pha Khao Pan#
Wat Pha Khao Pan's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 13°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1263 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (168 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (241 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (265 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (198 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.