Wat Phumin

📍 Location of Wat Phumin 🚘 Directions to Wat Phumin

About Wat Phumin

The Wat Phumin temple, located in the heart of Nan, is a sight to behold. Its unusual and beautiful murals are a testament to the artistic prowess of the local artisans. The temple is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, especially on Saturday evenings when a vibrant night market springs up next to it. The market is a great place to immerse oneself in the local culture and cuisine, making the temple and its surroundings well worth a visit.

The temple is not just a place of worship, but also a symbol of a wonderful love story. The tale of grandma and grandpa “Marn”, both Burmese, adds a layer of intrigue and romance to the temple's history. This narrative has become a signature element of the temple, drawing in visitors who are eager to learn more about this captivating love story.

Built in 1596 A.C., the Wat Phumin temple has undergone two major reformations and has been declared a Royal Wat. It plays a significant role in the life of Nan, lighting up the city with its beauty both inside and out. The temple is strategically located in front of the road where the famous Night Market takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, making it the most visited Wat in Nan.

The temple's architecture is unique, featuring four main doors, each leading to a giant golden Buddha. This means there are four giant Buddhas, each facing one of the four doors - a feature that is not commonly found in other Wats. The main temple is square-shaped, like a Viharn, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are perfect for picnics or casual chats under the sun.

The Wat Phumin temple is more than just a single structure. It is a group of structures, each with its own unique features. One of these structures houses sculptures and a reconstruction of what life in Nan used to be, complete with many weird and wonderful creatures.

The temple also plays a significant role in the Night Market, lending its giant terrace to the market-goers. Here, people can buy food, sit on a big carpet, and enjoy the concert that takes place every night of the Night Market. After dinner, the area is cleaned and prepared for the next night, ensuring a fresh and clean environment for visitors.

The temple is also famous for its mural painting on the wall, known as the Love Whisperer. Inside the temple, there are four Buddha statues facing all directions. Every Friday to Sunday, a walking street springs up in front of the temple, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

The Wat Phumin temple is renowned for its well-preserved wall paintings and the Buddha image facing all four directions. On Fridays and Saturdays, a walking street surrounds the temple, offering sensational street food that visitors can enjoy on bamboo mats in the square in front of the temple. This provides a great opportunity for visitors to familiarize themselves with the Kantoke tradition and Thai dance.

The Wat Phumin temple was founded in 1596, but its present form dates back to 1867-75, when it was renovated during the reign of Chao Anantaworaritthidej. The cruciform shape of the Wat is very special, and inside, visitors can discover four Buddhas sitting back to back. The astonishing mural paintings cover the interior walls, depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, battle scenes, festival celebrations, the arrival of foreigners in town, and locals flirting. The Wat Phumin temple is conveniently located near the National Museum and other temples, making it a must-visit destination in Nan.