Friday, April 24, 2026

Discover Wat Si Yaek Charoenporn: A Unique Temple Experience In Nakhon Pathom - Thailand (Part 1/2).

Wat Si Yaek Charoenporn under-developed temple with a large area located next to a main road and making it easy to access and visible from afar. A prominent statue of Phra SangKaChai & Luang Pu Liew riding a dragon turtle stands at the front, a key attraction for worshippers. The temple is known for a stainless-steel ordination hall under construction, giving it a shiny, modern look similar to famous artistic temples in Thailand.
Wat Si Yaek Charoen Phon is a Thai Buddhist temple under the Mahanikaya sect. Its chief abbot is Phra Khru Pathom Sathuwat (also called LP Thep or Phra Ajahn Thep), who is a direct disciple of Luang Pu Liew.
Luang Pu Liew is widely known for the famous Phaya Tao Turtle Amulet, believed to bring good fortune and protection. Following his teacher’s spiritual lineage, Phra Ajarn Thep continues this tradition by promoting turtle-based amulets, attracting devotees who seek blessings, luck, and safety.
Wat Si Yaek Charoenporn is a newly developing temple featuring two large Buddha statues enshrined at the front. During the blooming season (December to January), the temple grounds are decorated with a variety of flowers, especially sunflowers. It is a suitable place for families to make merit and take photos. However, the flower gardens depend on the season, and during my visit, it was not the blooming period.
Two prominent statues depicting Luang Pu Liew seated on a turtle are enshrined within the prayer hall of Wat Si Yaek Charoen Phon, symbolizing his spiritual legacy and association with the famous turtle amulets.
A spectacular large statue can be seen from below, with featuring Phra Sangkachai and Luang Pu Liew riding a dragon turtle.
A silver or stainless-steel Ubosot (ordination hall) at Wat Si Yaek Charoenporn is currently under construction. Visitors are able to enter and pay respects to the main Buddha statue inside. The temple also offers activities such as feeding turtles, buffaloes, and rabbits, providing a peaceful and engaging experience for visitors.
Kanha Chali (two small children standing or kneeling positions together) is based on the story of Prince Vessantara (previous lives of the Gautama Buddha) and his two children, Kanha and Chali were gives away his own children to a brahmin named Jujaka (ChuChok). ChuChok was a greedy old man who wanted servants. He heard that Prince Vessantara was famous for giving away anything people asked for. So ChuChok traveled to the forest and asked for Kanha and Chali to serve him. Even though it was heartbreaking, Prince Vessantara kept his promise of generosity and gave his children away. In the story, their father gives them away as part of an act of extreme generosity. Because of this, the children became symbols of sacrifice, loyalty, and kindness. The two children were taken away by ChuChok. He treated them harshly during the journey but they remained patient, kind, and obedient. Their behavior showed respect for their father, Strength and compassion even in suffering.
Kanha Chali is a “kindness and charm” amulet that people wear to attract goodwill and smooth social interactions.
Photo taken with the golden statue of Luang Pu Liew riding a turtle, alongside the statue of Kanha and Chali, symbolizing blessings of protection, kindness, and good fortune.
The temple also houses many other sacred objects, including various Buddha statues, statues of Luang Pu Liew, and a golden Buddha statue in the “opening the world” posture located in front of the Ubosot. There are also statues of the siblings Kanha and Chali, as well as Luang Pu Sitthichai Tatip, who provides fortune-telling services.
Received blessings from Luang Pu Sitthichai, a revered monk at Wat Si Yaek Charoenporn.
Luang Pu Sitthichai Tatip is known for his expertise in various forms of spiritual consultation, including fortune telling, horoscope reading, palmistry, face reading, and feng shui. He also provides guidance on fortune correction for homes, businesses, and offices.
The altar shrine also features statues of Lersi, the 7-day Buddha (Phra Buddha in different postures for each day of the week), Phra SangKaChai & LP Liew riding dragon turtle.
At the entrance of the Ubosot, visitors are invited to pay respect to the Buddha image, apply gold leaf, and offer prayers to Phra Puttha Charoenporn, the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall, believed to help ward off bad luck. Inside the Ubosot, gold leaf can also be applied to the statues of Moggallana, Sariputta, Luang Pu Thuad and Luang Pu Liew, which are believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and wealth.
The principal Buddha image in the ordination hall (Ubosot) is Phra Puttha Charoenporn, flanked by statues of Moggallana and Sariputta. Nearby at front side are sacred statues of Luang Pu Thuad and Luang Pu Liew. The Ubosot is still under construction and has not yet been decorated with mural paintings.
Sacred Sema stones have been prepared for future installation around the boundary of the Ubosot.
The temple grounds and building halls of Wat Si Yaek Charoenporn consist of multiple structures, including prayer halls, shrine areas, and spaces under ongoing development within the temple complex.
The new batch for LP Liew image amulets.
Golden Buddha statue in the “opening the world” posture.
Luang Pu Sittichai Tatip returns to his kuti (monk’s living quarters) after the consultation session ends.
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See more amulets by Wat Si Yaek Charoenporn at:  
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Friday, April 17, 2026

Visiting Wat Chiang Yuen ~ Explore A Peaceful Of Hidden 'Red Temple' in Chiang Rai - Thailand.

Wat Chiang Yuen is a traditional Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai known for its calm atmosphere and classic Lanna-style architecture. Though less famous than nearby landmarks, it holds local cultural importance and is actively used for worship by the community. Often nicknamed the “Red Temple” because of its rich red and gold design, it offers visitors a quieter, more authentic glimpse into everyday Buddhist life in northern Thailand.
The main building of Ubosot—are painted in deep red tones, often contrasted with gold trim and decorations. At Wat Chiang Yuen in Chiang Rai, the Ubosot (ordination hall) is associated with 4 statues protective figures identified as Tao Wessuwan (also known as Vaisravana), the 4 statues positioned around the Ubosot (2 at front and 2 at back) aligns with traditional symbolism—each one representing protection from a different direction. These figures are usually depicted as fierce yaksha (giant guardians) holding different weapons, emphasizing their role as protectors of the sacred space. In many Thai temples, especially in the north, it’s common to place guardian statues around important sacred buildings to symbolize protection.

The area in front of the Ubosot features elephant statues holding golden balls, Red Tao Wessuwan statues and Phayanak Naga sculptures, perfect for photos.
Inside the ubosot, the principal Buddha image (Phra Prathan) sits in a serene posture, serving as the spiritual focal point of the temple and quietly embodying the temple’s spiritual significance.
Inside the Ubosot, visitors can admire detailed mural paintings and richly decorated pillars.
Posing for a photo with the serene principal Buddha (Phra Prathan) image inside the Ubosot of Red Temple.
Exterior of the Ubosot with fierce guardian figures standing watch at the entrance.
Rear view of the Ubosot featuring two Tao Wessuwan statues standing guard at the back, symbolizing protection of the sacred space. Side exterior of the Ubosot, featuring intricate design details and structural craftsmanship
The temple gate with its elegant three-tiered roof, reflecting classic northern Thai architecture, marking the entry to Wat Chiang Yuen.
Shrine 'Sala Adit' for former abbot of Wat Chiang Yuen. Photo taken with the statues of Kruba Khamla Sangwaro Maha Thera. This memorial Shrine 'Sala Adit' is located within the temple grounds. The Vipassana master of Kruba Khamla Sangwaro Maha Thera, a local development monk, is a virtuous and exemplary monk of Lanna, who dedicated himself and rendered great services to Buddhism as a revered monk.

The prayer hall decorated with colorful hanging paper lanterns, creating a serene atmosphere and reflecting traditional Thai temple decor.

Pay homage to revered Phra Chao Sapaokham Buddha statue at Wat Chiang Yuen. This golden Buddha statue is crafted with a mixture of gold and features a base shaped like a traditional Sapaokham boat, which inspired its name. Located within the learning park of Wat Chiang Yuen, the temple offers visitors a chance to explore its rich history and cultural significance. It is a popular site for locals to pay respects and seek blessings for good fortune, following the traditions of the Lanna people.

A photo taken while paying homage to the revered Phra Chao Sapaokham Buddha statue at Wat Chiang Yuen. Phra Chao Sapaokham is framed by intricate red and gold carvings under a grand wooden roof.
Beautiful ancient GongGob. This magnificent bronze drum is known as frog drum or rain drum. It is now believed by most independent scholars to have originated in northern Vietnam, Dong Son Culture, in the fifth century BC. The original drums were used in ritual ceremonies.

Inside the Red Wiharn stands a statue of Kruba Srivichai, honoring his connection to the temple’s history. Wat Chiang Yuen was initially constructed in 1867 by Kruba Chanta and later officially permitted for construction in 1879. 

In 1927, after returning from the restoration of Phra Mahathat Doi Tung, Kruba Srivichai stayed at the temple and ordained a young boy named Khamla Suphayot. This novice later played an important role in the temple’s development, encouraging local villagers to build a stupa and further establish permanent structures.

Among the temple’s notable features is the Ubosot, which reflects modern Lanna art. It is distinguished by its red exterior and houses the principal Buddha image (Phra Prathan) in the Maravijaya posture. The Wiharn, also designed in red Lanna style, enshrines the revered Phra Chao Sapaokham Buddha image. This bronze statue features a base shaped like a Chinese junk boat and is believed to have Yunnan-style influence, having been donated to the temple during World War II.

A view of the Kuti Sangha building, featuring another Phra Chao Sapaokham Buddha statue for devotees to pay respects and receive blessings.
Tung Tree at Wat Chiang Yuen, a traditional decoration featuring holy flags or banners used for respect and praying in Lanna or Northern Thai culture. The Tung Tree flags are colorful, vertical banners, often featuring intricate patterns. 

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