Photo Gallery

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao (reputedly built 462 onward)

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is situated on a dramatic hilltop that provides panoramic views of the Mekong river and the border of Laos. At the top of the hill is a large white chedi (Phra Boromathat Puttha Nimit Chedi), which is not architecturally significant as it was built in the 1980s. Further down the hillside is the temple's chief attraction--a large round boulder surmounted by a small chedi. This sits behind a restored viharn that contains the remnants of a stuccoed Buddha image, the Phor Pha Ngao, that was discovered in 1976 when the building was renovated.

Bibliography:

Image credits: All images copyright 2008 Timothy M Ciccone. Photographed early March, 2008.

Aasen, Clarence. Architecture of Siam: A Cultural History Interpretation
  Oxford University Press, 1998. Kuala Lumpur

Amranand, Ping & Warren, William. Art & Design of Northern Thailand: Lanna Style
  Sirivatana Inerprint Public Co., 2000. Bangkok

Cummings, Joe. Lonely Planet: Thailand
  Lonely Planet Publications, 1990. Singapore

Freeman, Michael. Lanna: Thailand's Northern Kingdom
  River Books, 2001. Thailand

Lassus, Pongkwan (Sukwattana). Architectural Heritage in Thailand
  Amarin Printing and Publishing, 2004. Bangkok

Matics, K. I. Introduction to the Thai Temple
  White Lotus Co., 1992. Bangkok

Ringis, Rita. Thai Temples and Temple Murals
  Oxford University Press, 1990. Kuala Lumpur

Sthapitanonda, Nithi & Mertens, Brian. Architecture of Thailand: A Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Forms
  Thames and Hudson, 2005. Singapore


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