Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

The central viharn was built in 1486 by the rulers of the time and is believed to be one of the oldest wooden buildings in Thailand. It is open sided and has a three-tiered roof that is supported by massive teak pillars.

The entire complex is enclosed by a high brick wall and the main entrance is accessed via a large staircase, the arch of which is topped by beautiful and intricately carved lintels depicting intertwined dragon heads, supposedly dating to the 15th century.

The wat is home to two very important Buddha images; Phra Jao Lan Tang, which was cast in 1563 and is enclosed in a golden mondop toward the rear of the wihaan, and Phra Jao Tan Jai, which sits behind it.

The more recent (19th century) wall panels depict court life. While facing the wihaan, to your right is Ton Kaew, which was built in 1476 (renovated around 25 years ago) and to the left and back a bit is the Haw Phra Phuttabaht, dating to the 13th century. Go in here (no women allowed) to see an inverted image of the stupa projected on to a sheet. Behind the main viharn is a small museum containing snaps of monks and a few antique implements. The most important part of the complex for Thai visitors is a nondescript viharn near the rear of the complex that is easily missed; it is here that the companion image to the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok is located.

A songtheaw from Lampang (opposite the market) to the nearby town of Ko Kha should cost around 30 baht, then another to the wat will cost around the same again. It is quicker and more convenient, though obviously more expensive, to hire a taxi from Lampang for a few hours.