Thailand: Phra Ong Yai Buddha image in viharn, Wat Kong Kan, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai Province

Wat Kong Kan (วัดกองกาน) was established as early as 1431. The main Buddha image called Phra Ong Yai (พระองค์ใหญ่) remains impressive, both for its considerable size and for the elongated earlobes and wide eyes, the latter said by some authorities to represent a Mae Chaem style. Modern murals on the walls of the viharn recount the discovery of the Phra Ong Yai image in a notional wilderness, and the various stages of development at the temple since that distant time.

Tucked away in a narrow valley, Mae Chaem (แม่แจ่ม) must rank as one of the least accessible corners of Chiang Mai. Located on the westernmost frontier of the province, it is isolated from the main Chiang Mai valley by the East Thanon Thongchai Range dominated by Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์; at 2,565m Thailand’s highest mountain), and from neighbouring Mae Hong Son province to the west by the Central Thanon Thongchai Range, including Doi Khun Bong (ดอยขุนบง; 1,772m).

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia