Also known as Wat Ku Kut, this temple was originally constructed by the Khmers around 755 AD then renovated by Mons during the Hariphunchai Dynasty.
The viharn at this temple is very new, but its fame rests on one small and one large chedi that date back to the Dvaravati Era (7th-11th century); there are no comparable structures in the country. Both are made of laterite and feature standing Buddhas in niches that have understandably been ravaged by the ages.
The taller chedi, called the Suwan Chang Kot, is stepped and rectangular, while the smaller one is an unusual octagonal shape.The Ashes of Queen Chama Thewi are enshrined inside the taller chedi; the noble queen was the Hariphunchai Kingdom’s first ruler.
The name Ku Kut means ‘chedi without top’, referring to the original top of the stupa, which was made of gold but ‘disappeared’.
Getting There
The temple is located on the Lamphun to San Patong Road, and can be reached on foot or by motorbike taxi. Lamphun is connected by bus to Chiang Mai (40 minutes), where there is an international airport.
Need to Know
- What is it? An ancient temple built by Khmers during the 8th century which contains the ashes of a noble queen.
- Opening hours: 06:00 to 18:00, daily.
- Entrance fees: Free
- Where: one kilometer west of Lamphun.