Wat Jom Sawan was built by Burmese and Shan timber merchants during the reign of Rama V (late 19th and early 20th century), who was one of the most revered kings of Thailand. It boasts a unique design, strongly influenced by Burmese art, and is certainly one of the most important temples of its kind in Thailand.
Wat Jom Sawan was designed by a Burmese architect, which only adds to its one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The building that houses the monks’ living quarters overlaps with the prayer hall, and the roofs join together like interlocking jigsaw pieces. It’s a carefully crafted compound deserving of its regular praise.
Inside the prayer hall, a high ceiling displays delicate wood carvings and is partially supported by a set of fantastic wood pillars. Impressive decorations abound, including lacquered rattan statues and traditional Buddha images carved from ivory.
The most memorable artifact in Wat Jom Sawan is an ivory slab that has been carved with sacred Buddhist texts. In keeping with the temple motifs, the writing on these slabs is Burmese. Another relic that gets a lot of attention is a ceremonial bamboo basket that has been coated with sheets of gold. There aren’t many (if any) of these left in the world.
Getting There
Hiring a tricycle is best, as it’s a bit of a walk from most hotels.
Need to Know
- What is it? A Burmese-style temple in Northern Thailand
- Opening hours: 06:00 to 18:00, daily
- Entrance fee: Free
- Address: Ban Mai Road.
- Where: on Ban Mai Road, about 1km east of the old town.