Wat Phra That Lampang Luang (วัดพระธาตุลำปางหลวง) is a historic Buddhist temple located on a hill in Tambon Lampang Luang, Ko Kha District, Lampang Province, about 18 kilometers southwest of Lampang city. The temple layout is exceptionally well planned and complete, with many architectural elements and buildings within the Buddhist compound.

The main feature is the principal pagoda (Phra That Lampang Luang), which is reached by a naga staircase leading up to the ornately decorated Gate (Pratu Khong). Beyond the gate lies the main viharn (Viharn Luang). To the north of the pagoda are subsidiary viharns such as Viharn Nam Taem and Viharn Ton Kaew. To the west of the pagoda are Lavo Viharn and the Buddha’s Footprint Hall (Ho Phra Phutthabat), while the south contains the Buddha Viharn and the Ubosot (ordination hall). These structures are enclosed within a four-sided sacred wall. Outside the southern wall is a gate leading to the Sangkhawas precinct, which includes the Tripitaka hall, monk quarters, the Don Tao Emerald Buddha building, a museum, and additional monk living quarters.

According to legend, during the time of the Buddha, he and three senior monks traveled through many cities, arriving at Ban Lamphakariwan (now Lampang Luang). A local named Lua Ai Kon brought offerings of honey in coconut wood containers and bael fruit to the Buddha. After consuming the honey, the Buddha discarded the container to the north and prophesied that the place would become known as Lamphakapphanakorn. He then gave a sacred hair relic to Lua Ai Kon, who enshrined it in a golden casket and buried it in a tunnel beneath the site. Over time, rulers of Lampang expanded and restored the temple, resulting in the beautiful complex seen today.

Historically, in 1732 (B.E. 2275), Lampang experienced political unrest as Burmese forces extended control over the Lanna Kingdom. The Burmese captured Chiang Mai and Lamphun and appointed rulers under Burmese authority. The lord of Lamphun, Thao Maha Yot, attempted to seize Lampang and set up camp inside Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Local hero Nan Thip Chang led Lampang villagers in a successful counterattack by infiltrating the temple and killing Thao Maha Yot, causing the retreat of the Lamphun army. Bullet marks from this battle are still visible on the temple’s brass fence. Nan Thip Chang was later appointed Phraya Sulawaleechaichong, ruler of Lampang and progenitor of prominent families in northern Thailand.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is an important ancient site located within the ruins of the old city of Lamphakapphanakorn. According to history, Queen Chamadevi once worshiped here and restored the temple repeatedly. The temple is highly revered by locals and Buddhists nationwide as the home of the Emerald Buddha and for its outstanding architectural, sculptural, and mural artistry.

The Gate (Pratu Khong) is a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship with layered pointed arches decorated with stucco floral and mythical animal motifs. It serves as the symbol of Lampang Province. The Mandop housing the Golden King relic and the main viharn align with the gate. The main pagoda is a rectangular Lanna-style viharn with layered gable roofs and contains the Mandop of the Golden King relic inside. The interior walls feature ancient murals depicting Jataka tales. The pagoda itself combines Lanna and Sri Lankan styles, built from brick and stucco with a three-tiered lotus base and covered by intricately carved brass plates called Thong Chang Ko.

Viharn Nam Taem, located north of the pagoda, is a wooden rectangular building with ancient murals and houses a 45-inch wide bronze Buddha statue. The Buddha Hall is a square brick structure built over the Buddha’s footprint, dating from 1449 (B.E. 1992). The Buddha Viharn, originally an open structure, was later renovated and contains a 40-inch wide Buddha statue in the Mara Vichai posture. The staircase to the viharn is decorated with dragons spitting Nagas and guarded by two large plaster lions, constructed around 1788 (B.E. 2331).

• By private car:
  Take Highway 11 (Lampang–Then) from Lampang city about 18 kilometers to kilometer marker 586. Turn into the Ko Kha district office road, then turn right for 2 kilometers. At the next junction, turn left and continue for 1 kilometer. The temple is located on a hilltop.

• By bus:
  Take a public bus heading to Ko Kha district, then transfer to a blue songthaew (local pickup truck taxi) from the city center near the Government Savings Bank market, which goes directly to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.

• By train:
  The nearest train station is Lampang Railway Station in the city. From there, take a taxi or local songthaew for about 18 kilometers to the temple, which takes roughly 30 minutes.

• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

• Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the hill and exploring the temple grounds.

• Respect temple etiquette: dress modestly and remove shoes when entering buildings.

• Photography is allowed but avoid flash photography inside sanctuaries.

• Local vendors offer refreshments and souvenirs nearby.

Admission Fee:  Free entry