Unearthed beneath the surface lies Wat Phan Lao a testament to Chiang Mai’s rich past. Picture this ancient temple. It stands as a poignant reminder of Wiang Kum Kam’s once-thriving religious life. Wat Phan Lao wasn’t just any temple. It held a significant place in 16th-century life.
Located in the Nong Phuoung Sub District near Chiang Mai Wat Phan Lao stood proudly outside Wiang Kum Kam’s walls. This placement made it somewhat of an outlier in the archaeological area. The Ping River once flowed nearby further shaping its unique setting. Excavations from 2002 to 2003 revealed the temple’s secrets. The structures lay just 50cm beneath the surface. Prior to excavation bulldozers road building and encroaching housing had damaged the site.
Archaeologists uncovered fascinating artifacts. Among them a gilt lacquer bronze Buddha. It’s a 27.2cm masterpiece of 16th-century Chiang Saen art. Spiral and floral stucco motifs adorned the walls. A tuo ngao stair balustrade added elegance. Fragments of roof tiles and layers of a chedi’s moldings gave clues to its architectural grandeur. These finds confirmed the foundations housed religious buildings. The foundations themselves are interestingly divided into two groups. One group runs east-west the other northeast-southwest. This layout suggests that Wat Phan Lao expanded over time.
Wat Phan Lao was clearly an important religious center. Its complex layout and elaborate structures attest to its status. Sadly Wat Phan Lao’s story ended with the city’s abandonment. The temple’s ruins stand as a powerful reminder. They speak volumes about the faith and devotion of the people of Wiang Kum Kam. They invite visitors to connect with a forgotten era. Let us leave Wat Phan Lao pondering the mysteries of the past. We will continue our journey soon.