Wat Saeng Kaew Phothiyan: A Hidden Gem of Art, Culture, and Spiritual Beauty

#thailandtrip #chiangrai Our visit to Wat Saeng Kaew Phothiyan was a mesmerizing journey into one of Northern Thailand's most exquisite temples, recommended by our local guide. Nestled an hour southwest of Chiang Rai along Highway 118, this hidden gem is renowned among locals yet remains largely untouched by foreign tourists. The temple grounds captivated us with a field of towering statues, including Hindu deities like Ganesha and Shiva, adding a unique cultural blend. We tried our luck tossing coins through the navel of a Buddha statue and marveled at the playful sculptures in front of the main prayer hall, where four deities, including demons with quirky modern touches like cigarettes and smartphones, held up a massive bell. The intricate elephant-headed nagas were unlike anything we'd seen before, and climbing the bell tower rewarded us with stunning views of the surrounding area. Wat Saeng Kaew Photiyan truly left a lasting impression with its beauty, creativity, and charm.