Wat Chao Chan

Echoes of the Bayon
Published/Last edited or updated: 18th June, 2016

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Easily overlooked Wat Chao Chan dates from around the 12th century, as evidenced from an artistic style that clearly comes from the Bayon school of the Angkor period.

Travelfish says:

The centrepiece is a large Bayon-style sanctuary made of laterite blocks. It’s the northernmost example of the architectural style perfected by Jayavarman VII, a Khmer king who added the magnificent Angkor Thom to the ancient city of Angkor. While Wat Chao Chan is far more modest, it stands as an important reminder that the Thais were not the first to pour creative resources into the area.

Draped in trees, the multi-tiered prang has reticulated corners that resemble lotus pedals rising to a pointed top. A tall and narrow reliquary once housed sacred relics, while Buddha images would have been placed in the surrounding niches. Adorned with laterite seated Buddha images so old that only the forms are vaguely distinguishable, a laterite base fronts the complex and was part of a wihaan added during the Sukhothai period.

Transport information

Wat Chao Chan is located just west of Wat Choem Chun. Admission is free.

Contact details for Wat Chao Chan

Coordinates (for GPS): 99º48'17.74" E, 17º25'43.39" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Admission: Free

Reviewed by
David Luekens

David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea.