Ban Sop Kham, Moo 5, Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province Ban Sop Kham is a Tai Lue community with a history spanning over a thousand years.
Ban Sop Kham, Moo 5, Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province
Ban Sop Kham is a Tai Lue community with a history spanning over a thousand years. The village's name originates from the legend of Phra That Pha Ngao, a sacred relic closely associated with Chiang Rai, located within the community. According to the Yonok Chronicles, Khun Pha Phing (also known as Khun Phing or Phra Ong Phing), the 23rd ruler of Yonok Kingdom, reigned from 494 to 512 CE and constructed a stupa on a large rock at the base of Doi Chan Mountain. This stupa is believed to be Phra That Pha Ngao at the temple.
Over time, Phra That Pha Ngao deteriorated significantly, though it may have been restored periodically due to its accessible location at the foot of the mountain. Meanwhile, the creators of Phra That Chom Chan and Phra That Ched Yot constructed their stupas on "Doi Kham" and "Doi Chan," respectively. When Khun Lang ascended the throne of Wiang Perksa (now modern Chiang Saen) between 996 and 1007 CE, he encouraged the local population to help build a stupa on the peak of Doi Kham, which is now called "Tod Chan" by the villagers. These stupas—Phra That Chom Chan and Phra That Ched Yot—were gradually destroyed by natural forces, such as sunlight, rain, and wind, over a thousand years, leaving only remnants of their foundations, approximately five meters high.
Ban Sop Kham officially became a village in 1936, established by the first group of nine ancestors who migrated from Ban Tha Nun in Laos. These pioneers included:
Pao Thao Senkwan Pimpha
Pao Thao Thitman Pholsawat
Pao Thao Chiangmi Jitbuntong
Pao Thao Janbao Phiphanya
Pao Thao Xiangpeng Pholsawat
Pao Thao Phan Jaiphan
Pao Thao Phan Thongphang
Pao Thao Sri Somphan
Pao Thao Kaew Khunwan
Today, Ban Sop Kham is not only an important archaeological learning site in Thailand but also a center for preserving and promoting Lanna culture, particularly the Northern dialect. The community is renowned for its Tai Lue weaving craftsmanship, featuring the distinctive Chiang Saen pattern, which is a source of pride. Additionally, the village is a significant center for studying medicinal plants in Chiang Rai Province.
Creative Tourism Activities at Ban Sop Kham
Pay homage to the sacred Phra Pha Ngao and explore Lanna archaeological art at Wat Phra That Pha Ngao and Phra That Chom Chan.
Engage in creative tourism activities at the community homestay, including making traditional Khanom Hua Ngok (a local dessert).
Enjoy a community-prepared lunch.
Participate in creative tourism activities: learning and hands-on experiences with herbal products.
Explore the art of weaving Chiang Saen-patterned textiles through a hands-on workshop.
Watch the sunset over the Mekong River from the Three-Country Skywalk.
Savor a community-prepared dinner.
Enjoy a traditional music performance by the Khap Thum ensemble and partake in a Bai Sri Su Kwan blessing ceremony.
Witness the sunrise along the Mekong River at Phra Borommathat Phuttha Nimit Chedi (Pha Ngao Skywalk).
Relish a local breakfast at the community lodging.
Visit historical sites such as Wat Sop Kham, Wat Phra That Song Phinong, and Wat Phra That Khiao.
Tour Rai Sabai Dee.
Have lunch and depart.