Wat Hua Khuang
Small temple in a mix of Lanna and Thai Lü styles
Nan
The Wat Hua Khuang is a small temple complex in downtown Nan. The temple that was built around 1860 is a mix of Lanna and Thai Lü styles.
Two white lions are guarding the temple grounds that contain a combined viharn/ubosot, a chedi and a ho trai.
Combined viharn and ubosot
Its main building is in use as both viharn (assembly hall) and ubosot (ordination hall). Along the stairs to the viharn’s entrance are two large Naga serpents whose bodies extend along the balustrades.
The structure has an attractive front façade with white square columns and a large red painted gable that is adorned with beautifully carved flower motifs. The pediments over the viharn’s windows are decorated with a Thai Lü style multi colored sunray pattern. The wooden front door and window shutters are adorned with carved celestial beings and flower motifs.
Golden Buddha image
Seated on a pedestal that stretches out across the entire back wall is the Wat Hua Khuang’s principal Buddha image. The Sukhothai style golden Buddha image in the Bhumisparsha mudra is flanked by several smaller Buddha images. In front of it are two Naga serpents.
The Ho Trai scripture library
To the back of the viharn is a beautiful Ho Trai, a library building that stores scriptures with the teachings of the Buddha. The upper wooden part of the library is set on a stone base. The Ho Trai’s gables are decorated with colorful flower motifs.
Next to the Ho Trai is a stone chedi topped with a small spiral. On each side is a niche containing a Buddha image.
How to get to the Wat Hua Khuang
The temple is located on the intersection of Mahaprom road with Pha Kong road in downtown Nan. It is close to two other temples, the Wat Phumin and the Wat Phra That Chang Kham.
Most of downtown Nan is walkable. Alternatively, charter a songthaew, a converted pick up truck with two benches in the back.
Opening hours
The temple grounds are open daily from 6 am until 6 pm.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.
- Wat Ton Laeng
- Wat Hua Khuang
- Wat Phra That Chang Kham
- Wat Phra That Chae Haeng
- Wat Phumin
- Wat Suan Tan
- Wat Phaya Wat