Wat Chedi Sao Lang is another beautiful landmark of Lampang Province. This place is located away from the main roads and tourist trails, but it is very important for the local population. There are also many foreign guests willing to visit this unique temple complex. Below you will find the most important information and curiosities related to this colorful attraction.
Wat Chedi Sao Lang – a thousand years of history
The exact date of the temple’s construction is not known. One of the main hypotheses is that it happened over a thousand years ago. A clue to this assumption are amulets dating from the period of the Hariphunchai Kingdom (7th-13th centuries). These artifacts were found in one of the pagodas. The current city of Lamphun was the capital of the kingdom at that time and was called Hariphunchai. Despite the discovery of valuable items, it has not yet been possible to determine the exact date of the temple’s foundation.
Wat Chedi Sao Lang translates to the Temple of Twenty Pagodas. In the Lanna dialect, the word sao means 20. Lang is a classifier of buildings. Combining it with the words wat (temple) and chedi gives us the above name. The temple is also known as Wat Phra Chedi Sao.
Information for tourists
Location
Wat Chedi Sao Lang is located in Ton Thong Chai subdistrict, Mueang Lampang District. The distance from Lampang city center is approximately 5 km.
Getting to Wat Chedi Sao Lang
There is no direct access. You can get there by private car, with a guide having transportation, or you can opt for a songthaew – a vehicle popular in Thailand with two rows of benches on both sides in the back. This type of car can be easily rented in the city. Most drivers offering such rides are in the city center.
Important. There are no tuk-tuks, taxis, or city buses in Lampang.
Opening hours and admission
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission is free.
Outfit
Practically, when describing every temple, I mention it because it is important. Visits to Buddhist temples in Thailand require appropriate clothing. The most important thing is to cover your shoulders and knees. Therefore, it is best to wear short or long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, long pants, skirts and dresses. You should give up: tops, tank tops, vests, mini skirts, shorts, etc.
It is also good if the material from which the clothing is made is not transparent, and it is worth making sure that the clothes do not have holes or cutouts. Before entering the interior of the temples, you are required to take off your shoes.
Wat Chedi Sao Lang – the most important objects
20 pagodas – a unique view
This is the most characteristic feature of the temple and the first view that appears after arriving at the site. The pagodas are opposite the entrance gate. Their workmanship is characterized by a combination of Lanna style (base) and Burmese style (upper parts). The golden spires make these features stand out even more as the peaks shimmer in the sun. The pagodas are located close to each other. The largest one is in the center, while the remaining 19 surround the main chedi.
The local population believes that sacred relics in the form of Buddha’s hair are placed in each stupa. Another legend says that two monks from India came to these areas over 2,000 years ago. The local prince was impressed by them and asked each of them to give him 10 hairs, which were placed in all the chedis. Another belief is that counting all the pagodas will bring good luck.
A large temple and an old golden Buddha statue
Next to the pagodas is a beautiful building that serves two functions – the Ubosot (Ordination Hall) and the Viharn (Assembly Hall). Inside this facility is a 15th-century statue of Buddha in the Maravichai posture. The statue is made of gold and weighs 1,507 kilograms. This valuable artifact was excavated by local residents in 1983, and after making this discovery, they donated the statue to Wat Chedi Sao Lang.
The temple has three exquisitely crafted antique doors with delicate water ornaments. The pillars, arches, and windows were decorated with modern patterns made of colored glass.
A small temple
Behind the group of pagodas and the large temple is a smaller building. It’s also Ubosot and Viharn in one. Inside there is a bronze statue of Buddha in a meditative posture in the style of the Chiang Saen era. The locals call it Phra Chao Tanjai. This name refers to a statue of the Enlightened One that can be completed in one day. So this leads Buddhists to believe that the statue has the power to bring instant happiness and fulfill wishes when they pray for blessings.
The small temple has decorations similar to its larger neighbor. The architecture is also similar. In addition, there are small bodies of water on both sides of the structure.
Wat Chedi Sao Lang Museum
There is also a one-story building behind the temple that is worth visiting. It was decided to turn it into a museum, and you can see interesting exhibits here. Mainly antiques donated by local residents are presented. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and history.
Wat Chedi Sao Lang – summary
This Buddhist temple in Lampang Province in Thailand has its own charm and a trip to it is definitely a good idea. Especially when you plan to visit this particular city and region. Due to its centuries-old past, Wat Chedi Sao Lang is of great importance to the local population.
I will also mention other picturesque tourist attractions in Lampang, such as: Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and Chae Son National Park. You can find more information about these and other places by clicking on the link below. So, at the end, I wish you many successful trips.
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