Wat Buak Pet

Lost in time? Not quite, but at Wat Buak Pet, the whispers of the 19th century seem to linger. Wat Buak Pet’s Viharn, built in 1837, showcases a captivating blend of architectural styles. The stepped roof is a nod to the Lanna style. Meanwhile, the ornate gables, adorned with the Chofa bird and Hong goose, reveal a Central Thai influence. Notice the intriguing serpents with bird beaks guarding the entrance steps. Inside, marvel at the pulpit crafted by Princess Chamarirachathewi, consort of Chiang Mai’s last monarch, Prince Keo Nawarat. Wat Buak Pet’s murals are a true treasure. These 19th-century masterpieces, belonging to the Shan school with Konbaung influences from Burma, narrate the life of Buddha. Scenes of the Great Departure and the Awakening unfold before your eyes. The murals also depict Buddha’s ten previous lives, including Temiya, Sama, Nemiraja, Mahosadha, and Vidhura. Glimpses of local Lanna life are woven into the artwork. Sadly, time and termites have taken their toll. A restoration by Bangkok’s Academy of Fine Arts has breathed some life back into these fading narratives. Wat Buak Pet’s current Ubosot is a newer addition. The original structure, located about a kilometer northeast, has been replaced. While the exact construction date remains a mystery, the Ubosot received Wisunkamsima status in 1954. Wat Buak Pet stands as a testament to artistic fusion, historical whispers, and the enduring spirit of Lanna culture.