Wat Chom Chaeng

Wat Chom Chaeng sits on the eastern edge of Mae Sariang town, on Highway 108, one of four hilltop chedis that tradition holds protect the old town of Mueang Yum. It’s the closest of the four to the town centre. Entry is free, and the grounds are open daily, roughly 08:00-18:00.

One of Four Guardian Chedis

Local tradition connects Wat Chom Chaeng with three sister temples around Mae Sariang — Chom Mong, Chom Kitti, and Chom Thong — together known as the “four Choms.” Each is said to have been built by a different community (Karen, Mon, Shan, and Burmese, according to local accounts) and paying respects at all four is believed to bring wisdom and prosperity. Temple history dates Chom Chaeng’s founding chedi to roughly 1,500 years ago, credited to four hermit brothers, and says it enshrines a hair relic of the Buddha — treat that founding date as temple legend rather than a documented fact, as is typical for chedis this old.

What’s on the Grounds

A Lanna-style wooden gate marks the entrance, leading to a yellow ordination hall and two chedis. Inside the hall, Buddha images sit alongside a statue depicting Prince Siddhartha in royal dress, and murals along the interior walls illustrate the Vessantara Jataka and episodes from the Buddha’s life. A stone marked with the handprint of Kruba Chai Wongsa, a revered local monk, sits at the base of the main chedi and draws its own stream of worshippers.

Atmosphere & Timing

This remains a working neighbourhood temple rather than a tour-bus stop — expect a handful of local worshippers rather than crowds. The viewpoint area looks out over rice fields toward the Mae Sariang district museum, and locals recommend late afternoon for the light. If you’re doing the full four-chedi circuit, guides suggest starting here around 4pm and finishing at Chom Thong in time for sunset.

Insider Tip: Combine the visit with Phrathat Chomkitti and Phrathat Chommon Temple — all three sit within Mae Sariang district and make an easy half-day loop.

Practical

The temple sits at the edge of Mae Sariang town centre, an easy walk or short motorbike ride from most accommodation. Dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees — and remove shoes before entering the ordination hall.

Watch out: Don’t confuse this with the differently-spelled “Phra That Chom Chaeng” or “Wat Chom Chaeng” temples elsewhere in Thailand (there’s at least one in Phrae) — if a map result shows a different town, you have the wrong one.

Wat Chom Chaeng makes a straightforward stop for anyone based in Mae Sariang or passing through on the Highway 108 route between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai.