This spectacular temple sits atop a teak-covered hill eight kilometers to the southeast of town.

The most important part of the temple is the chedi, which is 33m high and coated in gold sheets. The name of the wat (Cho Hae) is derived from a kind of satin which devotees wrap around the chedi. Another reason for the temple’s fame is that the principal Buddha image here, called the Phra Jao Than Jai, is thought to change the fortunes of women who want a child but are unable to have one, if they pray in earnest before it.

This is one of Phrae’s more important religious sites, and it dates to the Sukhothai period. The best time to visit the temple is in March, when the annual fair is staged. It’s a favorite time for locals to get out and make merit, though the place is so popular that you are likely find crowds making offerings here on any day of the week.

Make arrangements with a songthaew driver in the city center, or rent a motorbike and go on your own. Trains from Bangkok arrive in nearby Den Chai, a 30 minute drive from Phrae.

  • What is it? One of Phrae’s most important temples.
  • Opening hours: 06:00 to 18:00, daily.
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Address: Pa Daeng district.
  • Where: about 8km southeast of Phrae, along Highway 1022.