Wat Koh Walukaram in Lampang is a place worth including in your city sightseeing plans. Interestingly, this temple located on the popular and historic Talad Gao Street is rarely visited by tourists. Nevertheless, it is worth making a trip there to see the amazing complex.
Wat Koh Walukaram – an important sacred site for over 100 years
The origins of Wat Koh Walukaram date back to the 19th century. Construction lasted from 1884 to 1887.
In the early period, the temple was located on an island in the middle of the Wang River. Due to the easy possibility of crossing the water, the decision was made to build a holy place there. Hence, the name refers to the location. Koh is an island in Thai.
The construction of the temple was largely due to wealthy merchants who settled and built houses on the street that is now famous for the Kad Kong Ta Night Market. Initially, there was a bamboo hut on the island, and in the following years, more structures began to appear. In time, the branch of the river was also filled, and the island became part of the mainland.
In 1906, the temple received the Visungkhamasima. It is a royal privilege by which the King of Thailand grants land to monks and the boundaries of the temple are determined.
Wat Koh Walukaram – what structures can be seen in the complex?
Ubosot
This object has an interesting architecture because it is a combination of Thai, Lanna, and Burmese styles. Interestingly, this building has no windows, but there are doors on each side. Inside, there are murals made by Puan or P. Suwannasingh. He was a painter who trained his skills in the capital. He lived in the Ubosot from 1897 to 1960.
Burmese-style pagoda and the Hall of the Reclining Buddha
The bell-shaped pagoda was built around 1917. Next to it stands a small building called the Hall of the Reclining Buddha. There is an image of the Enlightened One for those born on Tuesday. The statue itself is over 400 years old. Believers come here to pray and ask for blessings.
There used to be a sacred Bodhi tree on this site, which fell down. This was around the time the temple was built.
A pavilion with four replicas of Buddha’s footprints
A little further behind the Ubosot and the pagoda is a pavilion that houses an important artifact. It is a massive block of marble carved with 4 footprints of Buddha. This sculpture was brought from Mandalay, Burma, in 1924.
The pavilion is guarded by Yakshas and mythical animals. The sculpture is placed in the upper part of the building.
Sala Kan Parian at Wat Koh Walukaram
This is an old wooden object with decorative carvings characteristic of the Lanna and central Thai styles. The hall is a multipurpose teak building where monks teach the Dhamma or chant and perform Buddhist ceremonies.
Interestingly, Sala Kan Parian was featured in an episode of the BBC program “Great Asian Railway Journeys.”
Buddha Jayanti Statue
Image near the entrance gate. It commemorates the 2600th anniversary of Buddha’s enlightenment. The large structure behind the statue on the right is the Kuti, the monks’ quarters. On the left is the Tripitaka Hall, where Buddhist scriptures are kept.
Key Information
Location
Wat Koh Walukaram is located at 220 Talad Gao Rd. in Suan Dok Sub-District, Lampang District.
Getting to Wat Koh Walukaram
Getting to the temple is very easy. You can get there by taxi, songthaew, or carriage. Its convenient location also makes it possible to walk there.
Entrance fee
Entrance is free, although donations to the temple are welcome,
Nearby attractions
On the same street as the temple, the already mentioned famous Kad Kong Ta Night Market takes place on weekends. In addition, there is an art café, Papacraft, nearby. Another attraction is Ratsada Phisek Bridge.
Wat Koh Walukaram – summary
The temples in Lampang are the showcases of the city and province. Each of them boasts unique architecture and often a rich history. Visits to them always provide many impressions, and at the same time you can learn about the culture and past of this region of northern Thailand. We encourage you to take a trip to Wat Koh Walukaram. This place is definitely worth your attention.
