Discover the mounted monks of Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong – A Thai temple tradition (with video)
Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong (Golden Horse Temple) in Chiang Rai owes its name 'Archa', which means 'horse' in Thai, to a unique tradition found only in this temple: the monks begging for alms on horseback.
The monks and novices live in the temple close to the horses. This is a special way of life of the monks who live in the forests and offers a glimpse of an unseen Thailand that is definitely worth a visit. Phra Kruba Nuea Chai Kosito, the abbot of Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong, was the first to introduce horses as a means of transportation to the temple. Due to its remote location, several kilometers from the village and with the route passing through mountains and fields, the abbot – who was a former soldier – saw that horses were the most practical means of transport for monks.
In Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong, Phra Kruba Nuea Chai is fully committed to spreading Buddhism among the local population and Hilltribes. These villagers adhere to traditional spiritualism or practice Christianity as introduced by missionaries in the past. The abbot tries to convince them to send their children to the temple to be trained as monks and receive an education. This would help reduce the drug problem at the border and encourage people to pursue a genuine career.
Tourists interested in the unique way of life of Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong can participate in the alms round and attend horse demonstrations at Lan Phra Keaw. Phra Kruba Nuea Chai and the other monks and novices gather every morning between 7:00 and 7:30 to ask for alms, or until 8:00 when there are many visitors. For those who do not bring their own alms, these are available at Lan Phra Keaw. In addition, the temple complex is peaceful and pleasant. There is a coffee house to relax in and a stable where tourists can spend time with the horses. Visitors arriving by car are advised to arrive early as the car park may fill up.
Directions
There are two routes to Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong:
- From Chiang Rai, take the road towards Mae Chan and turn left towards Mae Salong about 1 km after Amphoe Mae Chan. After about 5 km, turn right at the police house and follow the signs to the Golden Horse Monastery/Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong.
- From Chiang Rai, take the Mae Sai Route (A1 Highway). From Amphoe Moeng it is a total of 28 km to the entrance of Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong, while from Amphoe Mae Chan it is approximately 4-5 km. The road to the temple starts at Wai Kham Mae Luang. From here follow the signs for another 5-7 km. Cars can continue to Lan Phra Keaw. From the bridge it is a total of 2 km.
For more information, please contact the Chiang Rai Tourism Association on 0 5371 5690.
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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This temple and the monk and novices there were filmed on location by a Dutch film production for a year. The result is a moving documentary. The film Buddhas lost children from 2006 has won several international awards.
http://www.buddhaslostchildren.com
Watch the documentary on YouTube;
https://youtu.be/UHaHYEE-P9E?si=XWSIuetb-k5RtbRS
Very nice video, with beautiful music, I now transfer 50 euros to the Protestant church every month, but I wonder if it wouldn't be better spent on this project!