Ever wondered about the secrets held within a palm grove? Wat San Pa Sak Won Urai Thamma Ram holds just that. This isn’t just any temple. It’s a sanctuary nestled near the Ton Kwain intersection south of Chiang Mai. Its name is long and impressive a testament to its significance.
The temple boasts a remarkable man-made woodland. This impressive collection of trees a testament to years of careful planting and nurturing. It covers 28 rai more than the well-known Dokmai Garden. Most were planted only eleven years ago.
But it’s the palm collection that truly captivates. Among them is the Arenga westerhoutii a sugar palm with tennis-ball sized fruits growing in clusters up to 3 meters long. These fruits aren’t just pretty. Their seeds are used in food and desserts. The head monk Phra Ajatpu explained something remarkable these palms die after fruiting. This fact makes the temple’s collection all the more precious.
The sugar palm isn’t the only treasure. The Arenga westerhoutii also provides sweet sap for sugar or alcohol. The leaves are useful for thatching. The fiber makes brushes. The leaf buds are even edible.
This species grows wild across Southeast Asia. Its name ‘westerhoutii’ perhaps honors Johan Bartholomew Westerhout a 18th century Dutch official. ‘Areng’ itself is Malayan for ‘palm’. This temple’s palm grove is a living testament to nature and human cultivation. A quiet testament to the temple’s dedication.
The temple’s peaceful grounds offer more than just botanical wonders. It’s a place for quiet reflection. A place for contemplation amidst the lush greenery and the serene atmosphere. The temple and its palm grove are a hidden gem in Chiang Mai. A place where nature and spirituality intertwine. Take a moment to soak in its beauty.