Wat Phra That Cho Hae, Phrae Province, Thailand

5Arthurrvr 5:00 PM Jul 7, 2012

The number 1 'must see' in Phrae
Wat Phra That Cho Hae (the name refers to the fine satin/silk from Southern China which was originally used to wrap around the chedi) is approximately 8 kms east of Phrae City, on the 1022 road and is regarded by most Thais as the most sacred and important of all the temples in Phrae and has even been made a 'Royal' Temple by a decree from the King. For a visitor too, I would regard this as the number one place to visit in this area. The temple is situated on top of a small hill of around 30 metres, in extensive grounds, a bit like a citadel and in that respect reminiscent of the Shwedagon in Yangon. There are separate car parks all around the bottom area and part way up the hill so if the first area is full (the temple attracts many, many, Thai visitors because of the Buddha relics), carry on round and try another. There is an above average area with handicraft, relics, and food shops right by the first big car park, which is also where the coaches stop. Be warned though that there are quite a number of steps (around 120 steps depending on which set, there are many choices) to walk up, from any of the car parks, so if steps are difficult for you, maybe better to miss this temple. The temple has a 33 metre high, 11 metre wide, brick Chiang Saen style chedi, covered in brass with gold inlay, which houses some Buddha relics especially some hair and bone from his left elbow. Legend even says that Buddha himself visited and taught from this spot. Historical records show that the chedi was built in 1336-1338 and legend has it that the temple as a whole from somewhere between the late 12th Century to the 14th Century, opinion varies - though major renovations took place in 1924. The later constructed viharn is very large with good murals and its splendid main Buddha image (similar to the one in Phitsanulok) is meant to help in increasing fertility in women. There is also another newer Buddha, the Luang Pho Tun Jai Buddha in a side alcove which is also regarded as being exceptionally holy. There are a number of other smaller shrine all around the complex as well as very nicely constructed covered walkways all around the perimeter of the citadel area with many seats from where one can rest and contemplate the extensive views. Unless you are visiting at a time of a major festival this is a great temple to relax in and generally 'chill out' as despite the large number of visitors there are plenty of quiet areas - and you can even buy ice cream from a shop in the citadel complex near the relics shops! Even the toilets are cleaner than usual. Further down the hill there are a number of other buildings and statues and shrines. There is also a large secondary viharn (see my photos) which was my favourite of all as it contained a gorgeous statue of the 'Saturday' Buddha with its protective Naga serpent - Saturday because that Buddha image is auspicious for people born on a Saturday, like me. That viharn is quite large and nicely decorated in red and is a surprisingly peaceful building to visit as not many visitors make it to that part of the complex. Wat Phra That Cho Hae is also particularly auspicious for people born in the year of the Tiger. In addition, the temple hosts one of the most important festivals in Phrae around (lunar calendar) March. We really enjoyed our visit to this temple with its great atmosphere and great things to see and do. Highly recommended.

5Pratthamon Kunjaroon 5:00 PM Jul 27, 2016

Nice place for buddhism
I was born in tiger year and this place is temple of tiger year, that's why I visited there. This place is very unique, you will feel peaceful when you are there.