Frank Michel Cycling - discovering Wat Prasat Tham (Wat Mae Khak) Temple in Ban Mae Khak - Hang Dong - Chiang Mai
Discovering Wat Prasat Tham (Wat Mae Khak) Temple
in Ban Mae Khak - Hang Dong - Chiang Mai
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Wat Prasat Tham Temple (Wat Mae
Khak) in Ban Mae Khak – Hang Dong – Chiang mai
Nestled in the Hang Dong District of
Chiang Mai, Thailand, Wat Prasat Tham Temple, locally and affectionately known
as Wat Mae Khak. Is a deeply revered Lanna temple steeped in history and
resilience.
Established in 2309 BE (Buddhist
era) or 1766 CE (Gregorian Calender) along the banks of the Mae Mueang Jom Tong
canal, the temple originally served as a spiritual anchor for the local
community under the name Wat Sri Don Tong.
However, nature would test the
community's dedication; a severe flash flood caused the Mae Tha Chang River to
shift its course, relentlessly eroding the riverbanks and destroying nearly
half of the temple's original grounds, including its southern pavilion and
walls.
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Undeterred, the abbot and villagers
embarked on a decades-long journey of relocation and rebuilding. The temple
moved multiple times, first establishing a temporary site near a sacred Bodhi
tree, then shifting to a grove near a pond, and later moving again to make way
for a new road ordered by the ruler of Chiang Mai.
Eventually, the temple found its
present, safer home on more spacious land. Though the Department of Religious
Affairs officially renamed the site Wat Prasat Tham in 1942, the steadfast
local villagers refused to let go of their heritage, persistently adding
"(Mae Khak)" to the end of the new name.
Today, having received its official
boundary charter in 2005, Wat Prasat Tham stands proudly as an enduring symbol
of community devotion and the vibrant cultural legacy of northern Thailand.
Standing before this magnificent temple,
it is impossible not to feel a profound sense of wonder. Today, we admire its
beauty while simultaneously delving into its history. Bridging visual splendor
and historical context to transform this simple visit into a delightful journey
through time, allowing us to appreciate not only the monument’s enduring
physical grace but also the rich human tapestry deeply woven into its
foundations.
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and as always, ... always happy ride
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