Wat Phra That Lampang Luang - 13th Century Fortified Temple & Local Market - Lampang Thailand 2024

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang - 13th Century Temple with Beautiful Lanna Styling

The Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of the most highly revered temples in Thailand. According to legend the Buddha once visited the site some 2,500 years ago and donated a hair. The hair is now enshrined in the temple’s large chedi.

The temple was founded in the 13th century. Its name translates to “the temple of Lampang’s Great Buddha Relic”. The architecture is a mix of Lanna and Thai Lu styles.

The Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a fortified temple or wiang; it was built on top of an earth mound and is surrounded by high brick walls. In the early 18th century when Lampang and the temple were occupied by the Burmese. It was later freed by a group of 300 local people led by a man named Thippachak, whose statue can be seen on the temple grounds.

The highly revered Phra Kaew Don Tao Buddha image cast in the 16th century is enshrined in this temple, after it was brought here from nearby Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao temple.

The temple contains a large number of buildings in a very original state, including the oldest surviving wooden wihan in Thailand. The temple grounds are surrounded by high fortified walls. A Naga stairway leads to the large, elaborate entrance gate that gives access to the complex. In front of the stairway are two large guardian lions.

The chedi or stupa is likely the oldest structure of the temple. Although it is not known exactly when it was built, it was enlarge and rebuilt in 1449. It was enlarged again at the end of the 15th century to its current height of 45 meters. The chedi is covered with bronze and copper sheets that have weathered over the centuries and changed its color.

The chedi enshrines a hair relic of the Buddha, that was donated by the Buddha when he visited the site some 2,500 years ago, according to local beliefs. The chedi is not open to the public.

The temple is outside of town but well worth a special trip. It’s free to enter and also has a small local market next to the parking lot. Locals set up and sell their products and food here and fun to see.

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