Everyone knows the famous temples in Chiang Mai and Bangkok but Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is an interesting offering just outside the provincial city of Lampang. In fact, the name of the city came from this temple which has been situated here for hundreds of years. Not too many tourists make it to this temple but if you are passing or in the area then this temple is well worth a visit
The history behind the importance of Wat Phrathat limping Luang
According to the epic tale of Lord Buddha, he and his disciples travelled to Ban Lampang Luang where he resided for a time atop a nearby mountain. It is said that a local worshipper presented the Lord Buddha with honey in a wooden hollow tube. After partaking of the honey, the Lord Buddha discarded the tube towards the North and proclaimed that this area will be called Lampakupa Nakorn. The Lord Buddha also bestowed a strand of hair, which was placed in a golden vessel and buried in a crevice along with other valuable items. A chedi with a height of seven “arm lengths” was built upon the site, and this temple has been carefully maintained throughout the reign of several kings. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is significant because the name “Lampang” originated here, and it is a revered temple where past kings of Lampang have worshipped. The sacred emerald buddha image used to be at this temple, which also housed the relics of Lord Buddha, also you will find adorned on the temple walls some of the stories of the Lanna Kingdom and its path to retaining independence
Getting to Wat Phra That lampang Luang
If you happen to be staying in the city of Lampang then this temple is around 10km out of the city in a south-westerly direction along the main highway number 1 (the road to Bangkok) The easiest way to find it is to turn off highway number 1 at Koh Kha (this is well signposted) you will cross the Ping River then take a right in the little town of Koh Kah and you should find Wat Phra That Lampang Luang on your left-hand side about 3 km further up the road
Travel Hub takes in this temple on a number of its tours all Travel Hub’s Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai to Bangkok Tours stop at this temple. This temple is also visited on the 2 Day 1 Night Sukhothai Tour and the One Day Elephant Conservation Center and Lampang Tour