Wat Thai Wattanaram Temple
Buddhist temple featuring traditional Thai ordination hall
A Thai Buddhist temple complex where visitors come to study temple architecture and observe daily rituals; tourists often photograph chedis, attend brief ceremonies and explore nearby local markets and streets.
Wat Thai Wattanaram at a Glance#
Hours: Daily dawn-dusk
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Best Time to Visit Wat Thai Wattanaram#
The cool, dry months (November-February) are the best time to visit for comfortable weather and easier travel.
History & Culture of Wat Thai Wattanaram#
The main point of interest at Wat Thai Wattanaram is that it was built for the Shan (or Tai Yai) ethnic minority. This group is closely related to mainstream Thais in northern Thailand, speaking a similar language and observing similar holidays, but the Shan have a distinctive culture of which they are very proud.
The temple was built in 1867 following the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, which differs from Thai Theravada Buddhism in several ways. Most importantly, Mahayana Buddhism has strong ties to the style practised in Burma and China, and Shan devotees come here in lieu of taking a pilgrimage to Mandalay, where a similar but grander temple is found.
The most striking feature is an enormous reclining Buddha image, around 30 metres long, set under a shelter behind the viharn. This back area of the temple also holds an impressive line of 28 seated Buddhas, while the second floor of the viharn houses an interesting collection of Shan musical instruments.
Weather & Climate near Wat Thai Wattanaram#
Wat Thai Wattanaram'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 15°C to 36°C. Heavy rainfall (2445 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (249 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (404 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (521 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (559 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (365 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (204 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.