It is located on Suriyapong Road opposite the Nan Municipality Tourist Centre. Originally, it was called “Wat Luang” or “Wat Luang Klang Wiang”. It was built during the reign of Chao Pu Khaeng in 1406. It is a royal temple of Nan province for the ruler of the city to use as a place for important Buddhist ceremonies and the water bearing ceremony. According to the 74th main stone inscription, which was discovered within the temple, it said Phayaphon Thep Ruechai, ruler of the city, restored the Wihan Luang in 1505. The architectural style of Wat Phrathat Chang Kham reflects the influence of Sukhothai art, e.g., the Lanka-style chedi (bell-shaped). Around the base of the chedi is brick and mortar and is moulded in the form of half an elephant with 5 elephants on each side and at the four corners, there are another 4 elephants. They seem to be supporting the chedi and resemble Wat Chang Lom, Sukhothai province. Inside the wihan is enshrined Phra Phuttha Nanthaburi Sri Sakyamuni, a bronze Buddha image in the posture of giving forgiveness. It is 1.45 metres high, aged around the mid-14th century that corresponds to the late Sukhothai period, and is a mixture of 65% gold. The principal Buddha image is a large stucco Chiang Saen sculpture, which shows the craftsmanship of Nan’s artisans with a very beautiful Buddha image.
