Tha Ton’s only significant sight is Wat Tha Ton, which offers a good view of the river and the surrounding area. Look for the huge gateway on the main road, from where a narrow road climbs up to the summit, passing temple buildings and statues along the way.
This sprawling monastery occupies 160 acres on nine levels and serves the community in several ways. There used to be a meditation center here where foreigners could study but it has now closed.
About halfway up the hill, on the third level, are two enormous Buddha images that are visible for miles around, and at the top level is a new and colorful chedi, called the Phra Boromathat Rajamonk Klajarn Samanachant Chedi Kaew, from where there are sweeping views of the countryside around.
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Need to Know
- What is it? A remote monastery overlooking the Kok River.
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: no entrance fee.
- Website: www.wat-thaton.org
- Where: in Thaton, Mae Ai district.
- How to get there: either take the bus from Chang Puak bus station in Chiang Mai or charter a boat and take the river cruise from Chiang Rai.