Phra That Pha Ngao Temple, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province. The name of the temple comes from Phra That Pha Ngao, which is located on a large rock. The word Pha Ngao means shadow of the cliff. This large rock is shaped like a pagoda. When the sun shines through the rock, it casts a large shadow. Therefore, the locals called it Phra That Pha Ngao. In the past, the temple was originally called Wat Sop Kham, which was located on the bank of the Mekong River. It collapsed from the force of the water, causing almost the entire temple to collapse. The devotees therefore built a new temple far from the original place. Inside the temple, there are three pagodas: Phra That Pha Ngao, located on the top of the cliff; then Phra That Chom Chan, only the ruins of a 5-meter-high pagoda remain. In the area, the temple has built a chapel. Next to Phra That Chom Chan on the top of the mountain is Phra That Chet Yot, which only the ruins of its 5-meter-high base remain. The temple has built a large Phra Borommathat Phutthanimit pagoda to cover the pagoda. Inside the pagoda, Wat Hae, Phra That Pha Ngao, an ancient pagoda located on the top of the cliff. Next to Phra That Pha Ngao, about 1 km up the mountain is the Phra Borommathat Phutthanimit Chedi, which is located on the top of the mountain up a steep road that is over 1,000 years old. The white chedi is beautifully majestic and was built to cover Phra That Chet Yot. In this area, there is a viewing platform where you can see the Mekong River and the area where three countries meet: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. The Mekong River cuts through the area beautifully, making it another popular spot for tourists to come and pay homage and take pictures at the temple. There are beautiful seating areas for taking pictures, including the gate arch with the top of a beautiful golden chedi, which is similar to the gate at the Golden Triangle, the heart-shaped arch, chairs, and the name sign of the viewpoint.