Wat Tham Pha Charui: A Historical and Spiritual Retreat

Wat Tham Pha Charui, also known as Wat Tham Phra Apirom, is a temple of the Dhammayut sect. It is historically significant as Luang Pu Mun Phurithatto once came here for meditation during his pilgrimage. Local villagers built a kuti (monk's residence) for him to stay, and later his disciples also visited the cave for meditation, leading to the establishment of a monk's residence. Subsequently, Luang Pu Phaedet Paphassaro, a former abbot, resided here and developed the site into the present-day Wat Tham Pha Charui. ⛰ The temple is surrounded by a mountain with scattered small caves. The southernmost cave is at ground level, with an open area in front. The cave entrance is approximately 7 meters wide and extends 25-30 meters deep. It has no upper air pockets or stalactites and stalagmites. The cave floor is cemented, and inside, there is a principal Buddha statue made of brick and plaster, along with several other Buddha images. Other notable and interesting features within the temple include: 🏠 A Lanna-style ordination hall housing the principal Buddha statue in the Mara Vichaya posture, modeled after Phra Buddha Chinnarat. 🏘 A pavilion enshrining Buddha relics, Buddha images, revered monks, and the shrine of Chao Pho Pha Charui. 🛕 A round-shaped stupa on a square base surrounded by Naga serpents, with lion statues guarding the corners. 🛖 The old kuti of Luang Pu Mun Phurithatto, where he meditated in 1925. 🏞 A pond in front of the temple where visitors can feed the abundant fish. 🎎 Sculptures depicting the Buddhist belief in hell realms, illustrating the punishment of sinners by King Yama. ♨️ Wat Tham Pha Charui is located at Moo 16, Pa Ngao Subdistrict, Pa Daet District, Chiang Rai Province. 🎯 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/novJdL7t9pTYkhB2A 🕕 Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.