Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan is one of those places that you must visit if you are planning a trip to Lampang Province. The temple located on the top of the Doi Phra Chan hill is characterized by beautiful Buddhist architecture, and you can also admire views of nature. This article will introduce you to this unique place and provide helpful travel tips.
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan – ruins turned into beauty
In the past, there were brick ruins at the top of the mountain, which were becoming increasingly damaged. Additionally, the local population believed that this place was sacred and full of mysterious stories. Later, in 1902, Phra That was built here. More than 50 years later, in 1953, Phrakru Panyawuthikun (Luang Por Panya Konthiyo), the former abbot of Wat Nakhotluang, restored the site. Thanks to this, it was possible to conduct annual ceremonies to venerate relics, which became a tradition.
The following years saw renovations and further expansion of the temple, because until 2008 there were no monks coming here for Buddhist Lent. Currently, the situation is different, to which Abbot Phra Acharn Phonchai Akkhwamso contributed. The name of the temple in translation is the Temple of Buddha Relics on the Mountain of the Auspicious Moon. It is also known as Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha.
Location, access, opening hours and useful information
Location
The temple is located in the Mae Tha district – approximately 30 km south of the city of Lampang.
Getting to Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan
I must mention something important here. There are no taxis, tuk-tuks, or public transport in Lampang. Therefore, access by public transport is not possible. You can use a songthaew – it is a pick-up or a truck with benches installed on both sides in the back of the vehicle. Songthaew rides can be rented in the city. It is also a popular means of transport in Thailand.
Another option is a private or rental car. It is recommended to be safe while driving, as some roads are narrow, and it is also a good idea to be careful around corners. If you choose a car, the fastest way is to take routes 1 and 1036, and it takes about 30-40 minutes.
Opening hours
The temple is open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Important: the temple is closed on Wednesdays. Maintenance and renovation works are usually carried out on these days – so it is best not to plan your trip on Wednesdays.
Useful information
An interesting fact that will surely please visitors is free admission.
Morning hours are often chosen for the visit – before sunrise. This is because the view of the rising sun against the background of the mountains is very beautiful. This allows you to admire pictures like from a fairy tale, and at the same time it is an opportunity to take unique photos.
There is parking on site – also free of charge.
You can go to the very top on your own, except on weekends. The temple offers its own transport on weekends and holidays, and the cost is 20 THB for entry from the bottom to the top.
In addition, it is good to remember to take off your shoes before entering buildings, maintain silence, and dress appropriately: clothing must cover the knees and shoulders and cannot be transparent or have holes.
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan – what is inside the temple complex?
Over the years, the temple area has expanded significantly, and more buildings have been added. This creates an excellent opportunity to see diverse architecture and learn better about the culture of the Land of Smiles and the religion of Buddhism.
Stairs to the top
In our case, this is where we started our tour. There are 628 steps to the top and a distance of 413 m to cover. I mentioned a little above that you can drive to the top by car, but if you are at least a little fit, it is worth going on foot. For what reason? Views. They are what you better not miss. Along the way you also pass statues, shrines, and a forest. The road is also shaded, which makes walking even better.
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan
When the road to the top comes to an end, you pass through the Mekong Gate, behind which you can see the Naga Steps. One of the biggest attractions here is the courtyard where you can admire the landscape. From this place you can see the sunrise, views of nature, and the temple itself.
Viharn Somdet Ong Pathom
This Viharn is made in the traditional Lanna style. It is not large, yet it is built with class, thus perfectly blending into the surroundings – it is neither overwhelming nor too small. Inside, there is a Buddha statue with a long name: Somdet Phra Buddha Sikhi Thotsapalayan Phichit Maravikrom Bpathohm Samma Sambodhiññā Sri Phra Jhana Banphot.
There are also elaborate decorations and what is considered an exquisite work of art. It is a carved image of Nagas circling a white relic opposite the main Buddha statue.
After exiting and heading to the back of this structure, another beautiful sight emerges. It is a golden Bodhi tree painted on a black wall.
Phra That Chedi
Continuing this walk, behind the Viharn, there is also a white tiered stupa with a golden crown. This is the original Phra That Doi Phra Chan. This building is treated as a relic and object of religious cult. It is considered sacred, and that is why many people pay homage here when they visit.
Behind the Chedi, there is a pavilion with five images of Buddha – this is the Pavilion of Five Buddhas. The monks’ quarters are located in this area.
The Great Buddha Daibutsu at Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan
A bit of Japan in Thailand. Why am I writing like this? Well, this majestic monument is modeled on a bronze statue of Buddha made in the 13th century in the Japanese city of Kamakura. This makes you feel as if you are in the Land of the Rising Sun when you enter this part of the complex.
Daibutsu means Great Buddha in Japanese and is an informal term used to describe monumental monuments to the Awakened One. The name Amitabha translates as Buddha of Limitless Light.
This particular statue is made of copper, and its base is 14 m wide. It was placed in a visible place on the top of the hill. This is a relatively young facility of the complex – construction began in 2019 and was completed two years later. Thus, it became a new landmark in the area.
Other references to Japanese culture
The giant statue is not the only element associated with Japan, although it is the most impressive one. In the area around the Buddha Daibutsu, there are other symbols associated with this country. Thanks to this, the culture of two Asian countries is combined here.
Torii gates
On the right side of the front of the monument, there are stairs decorated with characteristic red torii gates. It may be somewhat associated with, for example, the Fushimi Inari-taisha sanctuary in Kyoto. You go down there after visiting and walking around the monument.
Café and classic anime characters
Before you climb the stairs to admire the Great Buddha Daibutsu, you pass the Doiphra Refresh café decorated with red lanterns. In front of the café, there is a large Totoro – a character known from the popular movie “My Friend Totoro”. Other anime characters are at the front.
Chedi Phra Chulamanee Si Phothiyan
This is the first or last stop when traveling to Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan. It depends on your own preferences, because this complex is at the bottom, near the entrance gate – on the left. You can start your tour from there or end it there. In our case, it was the last stage of the trip.
This place is not worth skipping due to its spectacular architecture, which makes it an important part of the whole. The central element is a tall gilded chedi, but it is good to look inside the temple. Inside is a statue of Phra Wisutthithep – for my own use, I have referred to it as the Crystal Buddha due to its amazing appearance.
The area inside and outside the walls is also interesting. In front of the entrance, it is impossible to miss the two blue statues. They represent Phaya Purisat, and he is a half-lion giant deity – the right hand of Thao Wessuwan, one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan in Lampang – summary
The temple is undoubtedly a must-see when visiting the city and province of Lampang in Thailand. If you happen to be in this region, it is worth going there, because this place has many advantages – in addition to unforgettable views, the advantage is the proximity to Lampang. A short trip from there to Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan will certainly be a wonderful visual experience and bring a lot of new knowledge. That’s what traveling is for, and we wish you a pleasant visit.
Other interesting places in Lampang ⇒ in this section.
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