Wat Phan On

The gilded chedi at Wat Phan On rises above the surrounding neighborhood walls, its tiered roof shimmering in the sunlight. Built in the sixteenth century by King Mueang Kaeo, the temple served as a royal religious center for the Mangrai dynasty. Centuries later, a heavy storm caused the main structure to collapse, leaving only the foundation. Monks and locals eventually gathered the scattered bricks to rebuild the stupa, preserving the original design while adding the intricate gold leaf that catches the light today.