Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan is a Royal First-Class Temple with a history that dates back to the 17th Buddhist century during the reign of King Athittarat, a ruler of the Chamthewi Dynasty. The site was originally his royal palace, which he donated to be a temple for Buddhist worship after a relic of the Buddha miraculously appeared there.

Important Historical Sites within the Temple

• Phra That Hariphunchai: This is the most important monument, established by King Athittarat to enshrine the relics of the Buddha. According to ancient scriptures, the relics include the parietal bone, breastbone, finger bone, and a bowl full of other smaller relics. The original chedi was a square, prasat-style stupa with arches on all four sides. It underwent several restorations over many centuries until the reign of King Tilokaraj of the Lanna Kingdom, who gave it its current bell-shaped, Lankan-style form. The chedi has been continuously gilded with gold ever since, making it a truly magnificent sight. The temple is also the sacred pagoda for people born in the Year of the Rooster.

• The Khong Arch Gate: The main entrance to the temple features an ancient Khong arch gate made of brick and mortar with intricate stucco designs. The gate is topped with several layers of tiered spires. At the front, two large and elegant lion statues stand guard, which were originally built during the time King Athittarat dedicated his palace as a monastery.

• Viharn Luang: This is a large viharn (assembly hall) that was rebuilt after the original structure was destroyed by a storm in 1923 (B.E. 2466). The current viharn has a large veranda that surrounds the building, with porches extending to the front and back. It is used for major religious ceremonies and houses several sacred Buddha images.

• Suwannachedi or Pathumwadi Chedi: Located to the northwest of the main stupa, this chedi is built from laterite and bricks in a style similar to the Ku Kut Pagoda at Wat Chamthewi. It has a square base with five tiers, each adorned with niches on all four sides. These niches once held standing clay Buddha images, with traces of gold lacquer still visible. The chedi is famously known for housing the important and well-known Phra Perm votive tablets of Lamphun.

• Ho Trai (Tripitaka Hall): A wooden building raised on a high foundation, used for storing Buddhist scriptures (the Tripitaka). It features a distinct two-story Lanna architectural style with a beautiful front and back porch. The upper level is intricately carved and covered in gold lacquer, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship.

• Bell Tower: Built in 1938 (B.E. 2481), this tower holds a large bell cast during the reign of Chao Luang Daradiratratnphairot, the 7th ruler of Lamphun. The lower part of the tower holds a large gong (Kangsadan), which was cast in ancient times as an offering to Phra That Hariphunchai.

• By Car: From the city of Chiang Mai, take the Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road (Highway 106). The journey is approximately 25-30 kilometers and takes about 30-45 minutes.
• By Public Transport: You can take a red songthaew or an air-conditioned minivan from the Warorot Market (Kad Luang) area in Chiang Mai directly to Lamphun city.

• Please dress respectfully when visiting, wearing shirts with sleeves and trousers or skirts that cover the knees, as a sign of reverence for this sacred place.
• To experience an important local tradition, you can visit during the full moon of the sixth lunar month (around May) for the annual ceremony of worship and ritual bathing of the pagoda.