temples & architecture
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan
Jul
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan – Lampang’s Mountain Temple
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan (วัดพระธาตุดอยพระฌาน) has become one of Northern Thailand’s most popular temple destinations. Located on Doi Phra Chan in Mae Tha District, Lampang Province, the temple sits in a stunning hilltop setting.
While it has long served as a place of worship for local Buddhists, it is now famous for its breathtaking sunrise views and the impressive Japanese-inspired Daibutsu Buddha that overlooks the surrounding countryside.
The Layout of Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan
The temple is divided into a lower area and an upper area. Visitors enter at the lower level, where you’ll find a modern temple building housing the chedi Phra Chulamanee Si Photiyan. Nearby is a hall containing the striking Buddha image Phra Wisutthithep, which appears to be made of glass. The lower area also includes the Doi Phra Refresh Coffee shop, several other Buddha images, a parking lot, monks’ quarters, and a shuttle bus station.
The Path to the Upper Area
You can reach the upper area by walking, driving your own vehicle, or taking the shuttle bus (20 THB per person round trip). I chose to walk the 628-step staircase, which climbs to an elevation of 413 meters. The effort is well worth it. The stairs wind through a peaceful bamboo forest, and before the road was built, this was the only way to reach the temple.
Along the way, two short side paths lead to a Buddha footprint and the Buddha image Phra Paang Palilai. You’ll also pass several guardian statues and a statue of Phra Upakut, known as the “protector.” The final stretch features a short Naga staircase that leads to a scenic viewpoint platform. This deck offers majestic panoramic views over the Lampang countryside and is one of the temple’s main attractions.
The oldest Section of the temple
At the top, you’ll first reach Sala Dhammavimok, which houses a Buddha image. From here, continue to Wihan Somdej Ong Pathom, the main pagoda Phra That Doi Phra Chan and the Pavilion of the Five Buddhas. This area, dotted with hermit statues and other figures, appears to be the oldest part of the temple. Shoes must be removed here. Remember to carry them with you, as you’ll need them again soon.
The Great Daibutsu Buddha (Amithaba Buddha)
One of the temple’s highlights is the large Japanese-inspired Daibutsu. On the way to it, you’ll pass a parking area and several small shops. A plaque tells its story: In 2013, the abbot dreamed of the Great Buddha of Kamakura from Kotoku-in Temple in Japan. In the dream, the Buddha flew from the sky, landed on Doi Phra Chan, and a voice said, “Please build me here. I will come to be with you.” Construction began in June 2014 and was completed in September 2021.
Phra Chulamanee Si Photiyan and Phra Wisutthithep
During my visit, the upper area was quite busy, but I had the building housing the Phra Chulamanee Si Photiyan pagoda and the Buddha Image Phra Wisutthithep almost to myself. Two fierce-looking guardian statues named Phaya Borisat stand watch outside. The structure itself looks relatively modern (perhaps no more than ten years old). The main attraction is the stunning glass Buddha image Phra Wisutthithep, flanked by numerous statues of figures in traditional dress. You have to admire the amazing craftmanship. The gardens throughout the complex, especially at the lower level, are beautifully maintained.
Visiting Recommendations
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan. While some travelers do it as a day trip from Chiang Mai (about a two-hour drive from the Old City), I strongly recommend against rushing it. Four hours on the road for just one temple feels too rushed. Instead, combine it with Wat Phra That Lampang Luang and explore more of what Lampang has to offer.
I suggest spending at least one night in Lampang or, better, two nights. The city and its surroundings are charming, authentic, and far less touristy than other destinations such as Chiang Rai. Most visitors are Thai, and most Western travelers seem to overlook this unique gem in Northern Thailand.
My visit to Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan in July 2026
It was my first time at the temple, so I spent about two hours exploring. I walked both up and down the staircase, took plenty of photos, admired the details, and enjoyed an ice cream at the upper level. I stayed at the Asia Lampang Hotel and used the opportunity to revisit other local spots, including Wat Walukaram, Wat Chong Kha, the Louis T. Leonowens House, the Kao Chao Market, and the Black Bridge Railway Park.
Practical Information
- Location: About 25 km south of central Lampang.
- Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Getting there: The drive from central Lampang takes around 40 minutes on good roads. Most visitors either drive to the upper parking lot or walk the 628 steps. Shuttle buses are available for 20 THB per person round trip.
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan is a peaceful, rewarding destination that beautifully blends nature, spirituality, and impressive architecture. Highly recommended!
