Wat Chong Kham Royal Monastery is an important temple in Lampang Province, located along Phaholyothin Road (Highway No. 1), the Lampang-Phayao route, in Ban Huat Subdistrict, about 10 kilometers south of Ngao District. The temple area is extensive, stretching along the hillside, surrounded by peaceful and serene nature, ideal for practicing Dharma and cultural tourism.

The history of the temple's construction does not have definitive evidence of its builders. However, it is presumed to have been built by wealthy Tai Yai merchants who had timber concessions in Lampang Province in the past. With faith in Buddhism, they jointly built the temple as an act of Buddhist worship. This resulted in the temple's architecture being distinctively Tai Yai style mixed with Burmese art, reflecting the cultural influence of the Tai Yai people who once settled in this area.

The highlight of the temple is the glorious golden Tai Yai-style Ubosot (ordination hall) with a multi-tiered roof, adorned with intricately carved wood and fretwork in the Tai Yai style. The gable is decorated with colorful glass. When sunlight shines on it, it reflects a dazzling beauty. Inside the Ubosot is enshrined Luang Pho Phut Chong Kham, a Burmese-style Mara Vichai Buddha image with beautiful characteristics and a sacred Buddha image that the local people deeply respect and have faith in.

Wat Chong Kham was also established as a Royal Monastery, Third Class, Ordinary type, in 2006 on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) celebrating the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne. This is a significant honor for the temple and for Lampang Province.

Inside the temple, there is also an interesting feature: a replica of the Buddhist pilgrimage sites, allowing Buddhists to commemorate important places in the Buddha's history. There is a replica of the Mahabodhi Temple in India in a near-identical size, and a sapling of the Bodhi tree from Bodh Gaya, the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment, has been planted near the pagoda, making this area a place of worship with spiritual significance for Buddhists.

In addition to its artistic beauty and historical significance, Wat Chong Kham is also an important Pali language learning center of Thailand. Monks and novices from many areas travel to study the Dharma and Vinaya, making this temple both a center of faith, an educational center, and an important cultural tourism destination in Ngao District, Lampang Province.

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How to Get There

• By Car: The temple is located along Phaholyothin Road (Highway No. 1), the Lampang-Phayao route, about 10 kilometers from Ngao District. If traveling from Lampang city towards Phayao or Chiang Rai, the temple will be on the left-hand side. The temple gate and golden Ubosot are clearly visible.

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Travel Tips

• The best time for photography is 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM. The sunlight will reflect beautifully on the golden Ubosot.
• You should dress respectfully as it is a religious place.
• Keep your voice down because the temple is a Pali language learning center.
• Observe the intricate wood carvings and Tai Yai-style colored glass, which are exquisitely detailed.
• It is a suitable stopover point on the way from Lampang to Phayao or Chiang Rai.

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Admission Fee:

• Free Admission

Opening Hours:

• Open Daily 07:00 AM – 06:00 PM