Wat Tha Tanon’s viharn houses Luang Pho Phet, a bronze Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara from the early Chiang Saen period, regarded as the guardian Buddha image of Uttaradit province. Locals commonly call the temple Wat Luang Pho Phet after the image, though its original name was Wat Wang Tao Maw.
The image’s discovery dates to 1893. Luang Pho Duang, the abbot of Wat Mon Mai, was returning from Wat Sawang Arom in Phai Lom Subdistrict, Laplae District, when he passed the deserted temple Wat Sakaem and noticed a Buddha’s head finial emerging from an anthill. Excavating the mound revealed the full bronze image beneath — named “Luang Pho Phet” for its diamond-like posture — and it was enshrined at what’s now Wat Tha Tanon. The Chiang Saen style it’s cast in is one of the oldest recognised schools of Thai Buddha imagery, associated with the early Lanna kingdoms of the north rather than the central-plains styles more common in temples this far south, which is part of why the image is treated as unusual for Uttaradit.
The image didn’t stay put. After Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok was built on King Rama V’s order, Luang Pho Phet was moved there and enshrined for roughly a decade. Luang Naruenatseni (Phan) then arranged its return to Wat Tha Tanon around 1910, at the request of Uttaradit’s own people — a detail locals still bring up as proof of how attached the province is to its guardian image.
Insider Tip: Early morning is the quietest time to see the viharn before tour groups arrive, and it coincides with the daily alms round if you want to see monks collecting food in the surrounding streets.
- Entry fee: Free
- Hours: Daily, 08:00-17:00
- Main image: Luang Pho Phet, early Chiang Saen-period bronze Buddha
- Original name: Wat Wang Tao Maw
- Location: Tha It subdistrict, Mueang Uttaradit
Getting There
Wat Tha Tanon is located at Mueang Uttaradit, Uttaradit. View on Google Maps.
Tips for Visitors
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Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees. Sarongs may be available at the entrance.
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Remove your shoes before entering the viharn.
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Keep your voice low and your head below any Buddha images when seated.
Wat Tha Tanon sits within Uttaradit province, a short way from the town’s other guardian sites.
Location & Directions
Mueang Uttaradit, Uttaradit
Uttaradit, Thailand
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Within Walking Distance
Frequently Asked Questions
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