January marks a season of new beginnings—whether in career, finance, or love. Starting the year by paying respects to sacred sites and seeking divine blessings is a beautiful way to ensure peace of mind and prosperity throughout the year. Today, Exclusive Car Rental has curated a special guide to Lampang’s most renowned temples. Let’s embark on this spiritual journey together!

The 5 Most Iconic Temples of Lampang Province

1. Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan

(Photo Credit: FB - Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan, Mae Tha, Lampang)

This iconic Lampang landmark offers one of the most breathtaking views of the sunrise and a sea of mist. The temple is home to the "Great Daibutsu of Lampang," a 14-meter-wide copper Buddha in a meditation posture. Modeled after the famous Daibutsu at Kotoku-in Temple in Japan, it provides visitors with an authentic spiritual atmosphere. The statue sits majestically on a hilltop, visible from a distance. Below the hill lies the monastic area, where you can pay respects to the "Phra Phuttha Sikkhi Thotsaphon," enshrined in an ornate decorative arch.

• Sacred Object: The Great Daibutsu Buddha

• Opening Hours: 06:00 AM – 04:30 PM

• Location: Pa Tan Sub-district, Mae Tha District, Lampang

• Contact: 099 798 7479

2. Wat Chalermprakiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn (Wat Phrabat Pu Pha Daeng)

(Photo Credit: Lampang Provincial Public Relations Office)

Known for its "floating pagodas" perched on high limestone cliffs, this temple requires a hike to reach a view that will truly take your breath away. Locals call it "Doi Pu Yak" because it houses a sacred Buddha footprint engraved on a large stone. Along the ascent, you will encounter 10 pagodas, each enshrining different sacred relics. The temple is divided into two sections: the main hall (Ubosot) at the base and the mountain peak, which features the Buddha footprint and the cliff-side pagodas.

• Sacred Objects: The Buddha Footprint, Phra Som Pratthana, Phra Nirantarai

• Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 04:00 PM (Daily)

• Location: Village No. 7, Ban Thung Thong, Wichet Nakhon Sub-district, Chae Hom District, Lampang

• Contact: 062 264 9928

3. Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang

(Photo Credit: Lampang Provincial Public Relations Office)

An ancient temple set amidst serene rice fields, this site is a significant cultural landmark. Its name, "Chedi Sao Lang," literally translates to "20 Pagodas" (Sao meaning twenty, and Lang being a classifier for pagodas). The central stupa features a blend of Lanna and Burmese architectural styles. Nearby, a small chapel houses a bronze meditation Buddha known as "Phra Chao Than Chai" (The Instant Success Buddha). The temple also keeps the "Phra Saen Sae Thong Kham," a gold Victory Buddha discovered by locals, which was the first gold Buddha statue registered as a National Treasure.

• Sacred Objects: Phra Chao Than Chai, Phra Saen Sae Thong Kham

• Opening Hours: Open Daily

• Location: Ban Wang Mo, Lampang-Chae Hom Road, Ton Thong Chai Sub-district, Mueang District, Lampang

• Contact: 098 759 8493

4. Wat Pong Yang Khok

(Photo Credit: Bangkok Airways)

With a history spanning over 1,315 years, this temple holds immense significance in Lanna history. Legend has it that Queen Chamadevi ordered the construction of a royal pavilion (Mondop) or "Khong Phra Chao" to cover a miraculous anthill that emitted a divine light. Later, the "Ku Chang Nob" was built in front of the hall—a statue of an elephant kneeling with its trunk raised in a respectful salute. The temple also houses a sacred Bodhi tree brought from Sri Lanka. Originally named "Wat Pong Chang Nob," the name evolved over centuries to become the "Wat Pong Yang Khok" we know today.

• Sacred Object: Mondop Prasat (Khong Phra Chao)

• Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily)

• Location: No. 70, Village No. 9, Pong Yang Khok Sub-district, Hang Chat District, Lampang

• Contact: 053 248 604, 053 248 607

5. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

(Photo Credit: True ID)

An ancient wooden temple dating back to the era of Queen Chamadevi, this site is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Lanna architecture in Thailand. As the temple was built and completed in the Year of the Ox, the Phra That (Stupa) is the designated pilgrimage site for those born in that zodiac year. The stupa’s spire is made of solid gold, and the surrounding fence still bears bullet holes from a historic 1732 battle against Burmese invaders. Visitors come here to pray for smooth new beginnings, making it a cornerstone of faith in Lampang.

• Sacred Objects: Phra That Lampang Luang, Phra Kaew Don Tao

• Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily)

• Location: 271 Lampang Luang Sub-district, Ko Kha District, Lampang

• Contact: 054 328 327, 054 281 359

For anyone planning a trip to Lampang to visit these renowned temples and seek blessings for an auspicious start to the year, renting a car is undoubtedly the most convenient option. Not only does it allow you to visit every destination at your own pace, but it also gives you the freedom to stop and enjoy famous local souvenirs, such as Pa Pee’s Moo Yo (Vietnamese sausage), Jin Dang (pickled pork), and the classic Nam Prik Num with crispy pork rinds. For a seamless and comfortable journey, look no further than Exclusive Car Rental. For quality, reliability, and excellence in every drive, think of Exclusive Car Rental. Thank you for choosing us.