Wat Pha Bong

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Stefan Fussan

Wat Pha Bong, also known as Wat Mank Kalaram, is a modest yet memorable temple tucked within Chiang Mai, drawing visitors with its calm atmosphere and the distinctive gong that visitors strike three times for happiness, health, and peace. Though small in scale, the temple offers an engaging blend of local tradition and everyday spirituality, making it one of the things to do in Chiang Mai for travellers exploring beyond the major temples.

Despite its compact layout, Wat Pha Bong is often visited on walking tours of Chiang Mai thanks to its welcoming ambience, colourful details, and the lively interactions around the gong. From the friendly lady collecting donations to the steady stream of visitors trying their hand at the ritual, the temple feels both intimate and authentically local.

History and Significance of Wat Pha Bong

Wat Pha Bong is not one of Chiang Mai's grand or ancient temples, but it plays an important role as a neighbourhood religious site where locals gather for merit-making and prayer. The presence of the gong ritual, inviting visitors to participate in an auspicious act, highlights the temple's emphasis on accessible devotion and communal goodwill. The temple's alternative name, Wat Mank Kalaram, hints at older roots and local stories tied to the community that surrounds it.

Much of the temple’s significance lies in its blend of traditional Lanna architecture and modern devotional elements. From the murals inside the viharn to the life-size statue of King Naresuan in the courtyard, the site is a patchwork of religious imagery and historical homage, reflecting Chiang Mai’s layered cultural identity.

Things to See and Do in Wat Pha Bong

The viharn is one of the temple’s standout features, built in classic Lanna style with a steep, multi-tiered roof and elegant chofas rising at the apex. The bargeboards shimmer with silver and gold mosaics forming naga designs, while the ornate gable end bursts with gilt floral patterns. Inside, the red-lacquered pillars decorated with delicate motifs support a hall enriched by murals depicting the Buddha’s past lives. The central Buddha image in the Subduing Mara pose sits beneath a painted Bodhi tree, surrounded by smaller statues and portraits of revered monks.

To the west stands the golden chedi, small yet beautifully detailed. Its square base features indented corners and niches containing Buddha images framed with gilt scrollwork. The structure rises into a round bell-shaped form topped with a gilt hti finial, glowing warmly in the sunlight.

Beyond the viharn and chedi, Wat Pha Bong includes several unique elements. A shrine dedicated to King Naresuan honours the warrior king with a black-painted statue holding a spear, surrounded by small stucco cockerels symbolising his legendary cockfighting episodes. The courtyard features a large stucco Buddha image with kneeling devata figures, and signs encouraging visitors to chant mantras to overcome Mara. A colourful Bodhi tree near the gate is decorated with flags and small Buddha images, forming a peaceful spot for offerings.

How to Get to Wat Pha Bong

From Chiang Mai International Airport, Wat Pha Bong is around a 15-minute drive by taxi or rideshare. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to on Booking.com. From Chiang Mai Railway Station, take a red songthaew or taxi into the Old City, followed by a short walk depending on your route. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Visitors arriving by car can follow the Old City moat road and park along nearby side streets close to the temple.

Practical Tips on Visiting Wat Pha Bong

• Best time to visit Wat Pha Bong: Early morning or late afternoon for shade and quiet.
• Entrance fee in Euros: Free; donations appreciated.
• Opening hours: Typically daylight hours.
• Official website: None.
• How long to spend: 15-25 minutes.
• Accessibility: Mostly flat surfaces; some steps into the viharn.
• Facilities: Small shop run by the gong attendant; cafés nearby.
• Photography tip: Capture the gong ritual with the viharn in the background for local atmosphere.
• Guided tours: Occasionally included in neighbourhood walking tours.
• Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and street stalls within a short walk.

Where to Stay close to Wat Pha Bong

Staying near Wat Pha Bong places you close to many Old City attractions while keeping the atmosphere relaxed. For a boutique stay with lush gardens, Tamarind Village offers comfort and traditional Lanna charm. A central, elegant choice is U Chiang Mai, ideal for exploring on foot. For refined interiors and an indulgent stay, consider The Inside House.

Is Wat Pha Bong Worth Visiting?

Yes. Wat Pha Bong is a delightful stop for travellers interested in local traditions, everyday Buddhist practices, and smaller community temples. Its giant gong ritual is fun and meaningful, while the architecture and courtyard make it an inviting place for a short but memorable visit.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (119)

Wat Pha Bong (Mangkhalaram) is a small, peaceful temple in Chiang Mai offering a quieter alternative to nearby, more visited sites; visitors note a beautifully decorated ubosot, a very large Buddha statue, and opportunities for candle-and-flower offerings and wishes, plus a deep resonating gong to strike with a mallet.

Neil Aronson

3 months ago

"Nice small temple with some interesting decorations. Inside the small Ubosot is very beautiful."

Neko Chan

a year ago

"Just passed by this temple on my way walking to the Wat Chedi Luang. Not crowded with tourists and you may tour around the temple peacefully. Thelittle monk sculpture at the entrance is very cute...."

See More See Less

The Compass Guy

a year ago

"May all be happy. Wat Phabong is a serene and historically rich temple located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, offering visitors a glimpse into traditionalLa a architecture and Buddhist culture. This lesser-known gem provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling tourist spots, making it ideal for those who want to experience a more local and spiritual side of Chiang Mai. The temple has a long history dating back to the early years of the La a Kingdom, serving as a center of religious learning and community gathering for centuries. Wat Phabong features intricate carvings, beautifully decorated statues, and traditional pagodas, all of which reflect the artistry and cultural heritage of Northern Thailand. The temple grounds are often adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, adding to its tranquil ambiance. Wat Phabong is an ideal spot for meditation, reflection, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The temple offers insight into the deep-rooted spiritual practices of the region and gives visitors a chance to co ect with Chiang Mai’s historical and cultural essence. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply a curious traveler, Wat Phabong is a worthwhile visit that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Northern Thailand’s heritage...."

See More See Less

FAQs for Visiting Wat Pha Bong

Nearby Attractions to Wat Pha Bong

• Wat Phra Singh - One of Chiang Mai’s most significant temples with a revered Buddha image.
• Wat Chedi Luang - Home to Chiang Mai’s iconic ruined chedi and the city pillar shrine.
• Wat Phan Tao - A striking wooden temple built from recycled teak beams.
• Three Kings Monument - A historic landmark and popular meeting point.
• Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre - Exhibits exploring the city’s history and heritage.

The Wat Pha Bong appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting !

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Nearby Attractions

• Wat Prasat (0.1) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Wat Phra Singh (0.1) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Wat Tung Yu (0.2) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre (0.5) km
  Museum
• Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang (0.5) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Three Kings Monument (0.5) km
  Statue
• Wat Chedi Luang (0.5) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Wat Phan Tao (0.6) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Wat Ratcha Monthian (0.6) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Lanna Folklife Museum (0.6) km
  Museum