Wat Chedi Sao translates to English as ‘the Temple of Twenty Chedis’, and like many other famous Thai attractions, the name aptly depicts what this place is about.
There are 20 chedis in the courtyard, and these exquisitely-designed, Buddha-honouring bell-shaped mounds are truly a sight to behold, especially in the early morning light. It is located around 3 kilometres from the city centre but is well worth the short journey to see it.
The origin of Wat Chedi Sao is an item up for debate but one popular version describes a tale of two Indian monks who arrived over 2,000 years ago in a quest to enlighten anyone who would listen to the teachings of Buddha. They managed to impress a local prince who decided to build the temple in their (and Buddha’s) honor. The story goes that the prince took 10 hairs from each monk and built one chedi as a shrine for each hair.
The site features several different Buddha images, as well as statues of historical deities representing both Chinese and Hindu beliefs. One of the more noteworthy images is that of a fasting Buddha – a far cry from the plump Buddha usually seen in the majority of temples around Thailand.
There is a museum located behind the 20 chedis, with the bottom floor devoted mostly to monks and the items they use during their daily lives. Many of these items were donated by those who wanted to support the monks in one way or another and the range of goods on display is quite unique. The upper floor consists mainly of artifacts gathered around the temple and the surrounding region.
Getting There
Tuk-tuk is the easiest way to travel from the center of Lampang; it takes around 15 minutes.
Need to Know
- What is it? A Buddhist temple in Lampang, Thailand.
- Opening hours: dawn to dusk, daily.
- Entrance fees: no charge.
- Where: 3km north of Lampang, Thailand - turn left off of Highway 1 onto Pamaikhet Road.