Wat Tha Luang

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Wat Tha Luang is a Thai Buddhist temple in Nai Mueang sub-district, Mueang Phichit district, Phichit Province, in upper central Thailand. It is the province’s most famous temple and is also regarded as a provincial temple. The temple sits on the west bank of the Nan River near the Provincial Hall. It is believed to have been built in 1845 during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III). The name comes from the sub-district where it is located. It was also once called Wat Ratchadittharam, but that name is not as well known. In 1986, Wat Tha Luang was promoted to a third-class royal monastery. The main Buddha statue is Luang Pho Phet, a Chiang Saen-style statue respected by locals and visitors. Luang Pho Phet is housed in the main hall, which is open for worship daily from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. The Nan River runs through the temple, and the site hosts the annual King’s Cup long boat races in early September. The races began in 1907 and have become a long-standing local tradition.