1 Chatuchak Weekend Market
2 Doi Inthanon
3 Grand Palace
4 Khao Sok National Park
5 Mekong River
6 Phang-nga Bay
7 Prasat Phanom Rung
8 Similan Islands
9 Sukhothai Historical Park
10 Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Believed to contain a genuine Buddha relic, northern Thailand's most beautiful temple is revered by the Thai people.
Established in Mon times, during the Kingdom of Haripunchai, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang (the 'Great Temple of Lampang') is in Ko Kha district, 18km southwest of the city of Lampang. It was originally a wiang or fortified temple protected by massive earthen ramparts. The tall central chedi (pagoda) is believed to contain a bone fragment of the Buddha and is widely revered by Thai people, especially the Khon Muang (northern Thais).
On important religious holidays, notably at Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) each November full moon, the temple attracts huge crowds of devout worshippers from Lampang and more distant provinces. Particularly venerated is the Phra Kaeo Don Tao, a jasper Buddha image believed to have mystical powers. In architectural terms, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of Thailand's most elegant temples. The central viharn (chapel), featuring a triple-tiered wooden roof supported by massive teak pillars, is thought to be the oldest wooden building in Thailand. Early 19th-century murals from the Buddhist jatakas or life stories are painted on wooden panels within the viharn. The lintel (horizontal support) over the main entrance to the compound has an impressive intertwined dragon relief - once common in northern Thai temples but rarely seen today.Address: 18km southwest of Lampang city (which is 90km southeast of Chiang Mai), Ko Kha district, north Thailand
Hours: Daily 6-6
Restaurant: Food stalls outside temple complex
Bus: Regular songthaews from Lampang
Train: Lampang Station
Air: Lampang Airport
Accessible: None
Admission: Free
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