Lampang · Lanna temple with wooden halls and a chedi
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a Lanna temple in Ko Kha, Lampang, where you can see a golden chedi alongside wooden halls. Pass through the arched entrance and look at the wooden viharn and carvings; there are many details to notice beyond the main chedi.
Behind the temple, the mondop Phra Phutthabat has a space where the image of the exterior chedi appears upside down. You can see this only when the building is open to visitors. If it is closed, you can still explore the arched entrance, wooden halls and the exterior of the golden chedi.
The Tourism Authority describes the temple as a site dating back to the 11th century and the Hariphunchai Kingdom. The chedi enshrines a Buddha relic, making this both a place to admire historic architecture and a temple that remains an object of worship.
After looking at the golden chedi, walk to the surrounding halls. The chedi and several religious buildings remain together, so you can explore the grounds at a relaxed pace, taking in the stupa’s surface and the wooden halls’ columns and roofs.
The wooden Wihan Nam Taem is presented as a preserved example of Lanna architecture. Instead of bright marble or brick, look closely at the shapes of the wooden columns, roof and decorative details.
Also see the arched entrance, the hall enshrining Phra Chao Lan Thong and the intricate woodcarving. After viewing the golden chedi from a distance, look closely at the doors and wooden decoration. You can enjoy the large architecture and small-scale craftsmanship in turn.
Inside Mondop Phra Phutthabat, behind the temple, there is a phenomenon where an image of the chedi appears inverted. You can see the stupa you viewed outside reflected inside the building.
If you want to see the inverted image, first check whether Mondop Phra Phutthabat is open that day. Access can differ between halls. Even on a day when that area is closed to visitors, you can explore the arched entrance, the wooden hall decorations and the golden chedi to see Lanna architecture.
For all visitors, we recommend wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A sleeved top with long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is a good choice. Please dress modestly rather than wearing a sleeveless top or short bottoms.
After passing through the arched entrance, you can see the wooden Viharn Nam Taem and the hall housing Phra Chao Lan Thong, as well as carvings on doors and pillars. The golden chedi and wooden halls use different materials and decorations, so take time to look around each.
There is a space inside the mondop Phra Phutthabat behind the temple where the chedi’s image appears upside down. You need to be able to enter that building to see it. If the interior is closed, you can still view the exterior chedi and wooden architecture.
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Sharing image credit: Hong2101 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
