Once in a Lifetime: Casting a 2-Meter Tall Buddha at Ban Pak Ing, Chiang Khong

Once in a lifetime, casting a 2-meter tall Buddha at Ban Pak Ing, Chiang Khong

When talking about Chiang Rai, many people probably think of Wat Rong Khun or beautiful mountain views. But this time, I, mr.hotsia, want to take you to experience something unique near Chiang Khong town, Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province. There is one thing I want to say that you must try once in your life: casting a large Buddha statue, 2 meters tall, at Ban Pak Ing, a small community by the Mekong River, which I had the chance to experience myself.

One morning, I set off from Chiang Rai city. For those staying in the city, I recommend checking outAffordable and Good Hotels in Chiang Rai Citywhere I have stayed because it’s convenient and reasonably priced. Then I drove north through Mae Sai district heading straight to Chiang Khong. It didn’t take long to reach Ban Pak Ing community. This place is quiet with a community lifestyle blending Lao Mekong river people and Thai-Lao culture perfectly.

What excited me was being part of the ceremony to cast a large Buddha statue, 2 meters tall. It’s not just ordinary casting; it’s a delicate process full of faith from the people of Ban Pak Ing. This Buddha is the principal statue of the local temple, and casting such a large Buddha requires cooperation from many community members, including mold makers, sculptors, and villagers preparing materials.

I had the chance to see the casting steps from preparing the mold, mixing cement, to carefully pouring cement into the mold. Every step was done with dedication and respect for the Buddha. As the statue took shape, I felt the power and meaning of this work, which is not just art but a profound spiritual worship of the community.

While helping pour and smooth the cement on the statue, I talked with many villagers who said they were very proud to participate in this ceremony. Many said casting such a large Buddha doesn’t happen often and is a great merit for the community. I also thought that opportunities like this are rare.

After the casting ceremony, I strolled around Ban Pak Ing. The place is simple and warm, with small roadside shops selling local food and seasonal fruits. I tried grilled sticky rice and fermented fish chili paste, which had a homely, mellow taste. I also chatted with elders who shared the community’s history and how they take care of the temple closely.

If you want to travel in Chiang Rai uniquely, I recommend stopping bywalking around Chiang Rai cityfirst, then heading out to charming rural Chiang Khong. Don’t forget to visitWat Rong Khunthe world-famous white temple not far from Chiang Rai. It’s a perfect chance to enjoy both modern art and traditional culture.

For travel, I recommend renting a car or hiring a car from Chiang Rai city for convenience. The route to Chiang Khong passes beautiful mountain views and coffee plantations. Coffee lovers should not miss stopping at Doi Chang, which I have written about inDriving Tour of Doi ChangI guarantee you will be equally impressed.

If you’re hungry after touring, I recommend restaurants in Chiang Rai city like Roy Han, which has an excellent braised beef basil dish, or try duck noodle at Por Duck Noodle, San Khi Bao, which is also delicious. Both places have review videos I made on YouTube (links in the video), convenient for those who want to follow my footsteps.

For those planning to stay overnight in Chiang Rai city, I recommend Suknirand Hotel, where I stayed and reviewed inAffordable and Good Hotels in Chiang Rai CityIt’s convenient, near the clock tower and evening walking market, and also close to my favorite Yellow Truck Coffee shop.

Finally, participating in the ceremony to cast a 2-meter tall Buddha at Ban Pak Ing, Chiang Khong, is an experience I, mr.hotsia, will never forget. This journey showed me the true meaning of travel: experiencing the real lifestyle of locals, learning, and sharing deep faith and beliefs. If you’re interested, I recommend trying it yourself. You’ll realize that traveling in Chiang Rai is not just about mountains and beautiful temples but also full of stories waiting for you to discover.

Follow my other travel experiences on this website and don’t forget to watch the videoOnce in a Lifetime: Casting a 2-Meter Tall Buddha at Ban Pak Ing, Chiang Khongto feel the real atmosphere on site with mr.hotsia.