Another of Nan’s revered wats, Hua Khuang has a simple but attractive layout and with its central location is another that’s worthy of inclusion in any tour of old Nan’s sights.
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The most photoworthy feature is a spectacular old library or scripture hall, a two-storey construction with a brick and plaster coated base and a teak upper floor with gold-painted decoration. The main worshipping hall is also simple but attractive while there’s an ancient square-based chedi in the well-kept grounds too. The uncluttered temple compound is filled with manicured lawns and indeed Khuang – as with Khuang Muang next to Wat Phumin – means open space or plaza, so the grounds originally formed a town square or market area. In keeping with other town wats, the thoughtfully provided English-language information panels provide conflicting information and while one claims no founding date is known, another says to assume it was built around 1518. Both agree that it was restored from a semi-ruinous state in 1911 by a prince of Nan. The exterior displays Lanna features while the interior, with a seated bronze Buddha, also shows Tai Lue influence.
By
Mark Ord.
Last updated on 28th January, 2016.
How to get there
Wat Hua Khuang is located immediately north of the National Museum at the next junction.
Location map for Wat Hua Khuang
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