Lampang boasts numerous beautiful Buddhist temples, and the architecture of each of them is truly unique. This makes it exciting to visit and learn about their past. In this article, I will introduce you to Wat Pa Phra Chao Uthumphon, which has several unusual features.
Wat Pa Phra Chao Uthumphon – a new attraction in Lampang
It is a new religious temple – the beginnings date back to 2017. However, it only took a few years to expand it quickly. Today it is an important tourist point, and the temple is considered a new attraction in the city of Lampang. Local people eagerly come here, as well as more and more foreign tourists. There are important reasons for this – more on that below.
Wat Pa Phra Chao Uthumphon – location
The temple is located in the Bo Haeo district in the northwest of Lampang – approx. 7 km from the city center. The distance from the railway station, another characteristic point, is approximately 3.5 km.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm. The temple is closed on Wednesdays. There is no admission fee.
I will add that Lampang is a city where there is no public transport – no buses, minibuses, tuk-tuks or taxis. The only transportation available is songtaew. These are converted pick-ups and larger trucks that can transport several or a dozen people. It is good to keep this aspect in mind and plan your trip accordingly.
Wat Pa Phra Chao Uthumphon – what does this Lampang attraction offer?
The temple complex is located in a pleasant area on the Mae Tui River, and the adjacent areas are not densely built-up. Thanks to this, you can enjoy a quite calm atmosphere during your visit, which is an advantage. I now invite you on a short trip during which I will show you individual parts of the complex.
Statues, pavilion and shrines
Upon entering the temple, your attention is immediately drawn to five Buddha statues on pedestals. Next to it are figures of monks with bowls following the Enlightened One. They are placed in a row and the effect is interesting.
Then the road leads towards the main facilities and attractions. First, you go to the pavilion where believers come to gain merit, pray, and pay homage to the Buddha.
After visiting the pavilion, you move on to a large Buddha image, a shrine, and smaller buildings. The advantage is the ability to freely take photos and videos.
After visiting the front area, we move to the back to what I will describe as the garden. There are also smaller statues here and a statue of the Chinese goddess of mercy, Guan Yin.
Khua Tae Bridge
One of the temple’s greatest attractions is the 280 m long Khua Tae bamboo bridge. It was built next to rice fields and sunflowers. If you happen to see the sunflowers blooming, the view is impressive.
While walking, you can stop, sit, and relax. It is also a good place to take spectacular photos – especially at sunset. Interestingly, this area was previously occupied by an abandoned forest. When we arrived there, a large pagoda was being built to house Buddha’s relics.
Importantly, there are no contraindications to going down and walking among the fields. It is worth maintaining culture and being careful not to trample the vegetation.
Heavenly Staircase and “green” Buddha
At the end of the bridge there is a heavenly staircase and a Buddha statue made of natural materials – that’s how I would describe it. This is an original idea, and this form of art has its visual values.
The stairs are not long, and you can go up, look at the surroundings, and take photos. The Buddha statue is quite large – it can be seen from afar. Upon closer inspection, it is even more impressive. What is surprising in this case is the creative inventiveness that made it possible to present the Enlightened One in such a unique form.
Wat Pa Phra Chao Uthumphon – another tourist gem of Lampang
The temple is still in the expansion phase, but the work that has been done so far deserves attention. In my opinion, which I hope will change soon, there should definitely be more information about this Lampang attraction. Unfortunately, at the moment the Internet, media, and other sources are not generous in this matter. Descriptions about the beginnings, history, and curiosities are largely missing. I had to do some searching, and luckily I found bits of information on Thai websites. That’s good, though.
When coming to Lampang, it is good to visit Wat Pa Phra Chao Uthumphon. I assure you that your visit there will not be a waste of time. It’s a truly unique place.
What else to see in Lampang? Check here ⇒ Lampang attractions.
