Wat Tamaoh is another example of beautiful Burmese architecture in Lampang. For this reason, the temple is one of the places worth visiting in the city. What makes this attraction stand out, and what can you see there?
Wat Tamaoh – a short history of the temple
The construction of the temple dates back to 1894, when King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ruled Siam. Its initiator and founder was Uchang Ong – a Burmese timber merchant who came to Lampang to work. He decided to buy land for a temple that was to be built on the site of an old and abandoned one.
A few years later, in 1897, Wat Tamaoh received Visungkhamasima. This is a grant of land to monks by the King of Thailand. Thanks to this, the temple is considered legitimate and has legal status. The Departments of Dharma and Pali Language were opened in 1967. According to information from November 2024, there are currently 5 monks residing there.
Wat Tamaoh – buildings of the temple complex
Ubosot
After passing through the gate, on the right is the Ordination Hall. The building is characterized by a more modern style and is built entirely of cement. Inside is a Burmese-style statue of the Buddha in the Maravijaya attitude. Here you can also learn about the history of Wat Tamaoh and Phra Dhammananda Mahathera, the temple’s former abbot.
Viharn
Next to the Ubosot is a small building with a beautiful wooden roof. This is the Viharn (Assembly Hall) also in the Burmese architectural style. Here you can see various statues including the main Buddha image. As in the Ordination Hall, here too He is presented in the Maravijaya attitude.
Pagoda
Behind the two buildings described above is a stupa combining Burmese and Lanna styles. Interesting elements of this structure are the arched entrances on all four sides of the pagoda. These are pavilions of Burmese art. Inside, there is a wooden hut with an image of Buddha and relics of the aforementioned Phra Dhammananda Mahathera, the fourth abbot of Wat Tamaoh.
Wooden building
A little further from the Viharn is a wooden building. There is a Buddha statue and the remains of the former abbot. There are also books and various objects.
It is worth mentioning that the temple is famous for its excellent teaching of the Pali language. The foundations for teaching were laid by Phra Dhammananda Mahathera, and thanks to this, Wat Tamaoh became an important center in this field.
The most important information for visitors
Location
The temple is located at 162 Pahmai Rd in Wiang Nuea Sub-District of Mueang Lampang District.
Access to Wat Tamaoh
You can get there by songthaew, taxi, or carriage.
If you decide to walk there, caution is advised. The streets in this area have no sidewalks or roadsides.
Opening hours
The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission fee
None. Admission is free.
What else is there to see near Wat Tamaoh?
Nearby is the popular Lampang Cultural Street Market as well as Wat Pratu Pong. The distance is about 650 m to the west.
The next place is Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram, the main temple in Lampang. It is located about 1 km to the north. On the other side of the Wang River to the south is Wat Chetawan.
Wat Tamaoh – summary
Lampang is famous for its many temples built in the Burmese style. Wat Tamaoh is one of them, and it is definitely a good idea to visit it. In addition, this place is characterized by a peaceful atmosphere. We encourage you to include this place in your Lampang sightseeing plans and wish you a pleasant trip.
