Undeniably one of the most worthwhile temples in Phrae, Wat Phra Non with its reclining Buddha image seems out of scale for this sleepy, provincial capital.
Those who find it unfair to lavish praise on Wat Phra Non without giving due recognition to the older and perhaps more significant Wat Luang need not despair. These two temples are practically neighbors, and it’s worth including both of them on a tour of the town.
Construction on Wat Phra Non began in the 18th century. The large ordination hall, just inside the gate, is a classic piece of Lanna architecture with a multi-tiered roof and elegant gables. However, the star of Wat Phra Non is a 10-meter-long reclining Buddha statue located in a small viharn to the left and behind the ordination hall. This room has no windows, but light is let in through vertical slits in the wall. Next to this building and behind the large ordination hall is a Lanna-style chedi.
A group of silversmiths is also associated with Wat Phra Non. They operate a workshop next to the temple, and visitors can stop by to purchase jewelry and souvenirs of the temple.
Wat Phra Non is located on Pranomnuea Road, near Wat Luang and Vongburi House in the center of Phrae town.
Getting There
Walk from the town center along Charoen Muang Road, then turn left onto Kham Lue Road, then right onto Pranomnuea Road.
Need to Know
- What is it? An 18th-century temple in Phrae named after its 10-meter reclining Buddha image
- Opening hours: 06:00 to 18:00, daily
- Entrance fee: Free
- Address: Pranomnuea Road.
- Where: in the northwest corner of the old town.