Wat Lai Hin Luang ‘Small temple but nevertheless beautiful of Lanna architecture’
Temples are one of the most valuable pride of Thailand, as they reflect many parts of history. Most tourists who visit Thailand won’t want to miss their chances of visiting some temples.
And here is a good temple in Thailand, Wat Lai Hin Luang in Lampang. It’s alson known as ‘Wat Selarattana Pappadaram’. Why is it good? Why shouldn’t foreign tourists miss it? See the reasons below.
Wat Lai Hin Luang is very old. It’s over 100 years old! Wow! That’s no ordinary. With over 100 years of age, there must be something interesting for sure. The legend tells that in 23 BE (around 18th century), during the era of Phra Maha Pa Kaesorn Punyo is the time of many constructions and renovations because he was a highly respected monk. It is told that when he went to Kengtung, he gave half of a coconut shell to a man and came back to Lampang without telling the man where he lived. Later on, the man came to find him at Wat Lai Hin Luang and brought the shell to put together with the other half. He then had a very strong faith that he renovated and built the present vihara in 1683.
The Lanna vihara of the temple is very gorgeous. It has the features of Lampang’s craftsmen which are more delicate than those of Chiang Mai’s. The roof is slightly bent and has 3 layers. This kind of vihara is called Hang Pu meaning a body of a man. The interesting point is the decorative ornaments which were changed during the renovation into those of Central Thailand. In the year 1980, it was registered by Art Department as an ancient site. Therefore, go and feast your eyes with it. Not every architectures are registered by Art Department.
Beside of the vihara, the ubosot, the glass-wall gate, and Dhamma Tower were also registered by Art Department. The shrine is beautifully built at a small size. The building are made of bricks and cement decorated with stucco and surrounded with a low wall. You should go see them all and take a lot of photos.
There is a pagoda at the temple and there are Lord Buddha’s relics inside. Lord Buddha was the establisher of Buddhism. The area was an imitation of Buddhist cosmology where the vihara is compared as Ausa-Dwipa, the pagoda as Mount Sumeru, and the sandlot as a river surrounding the mountain. He was great, kind-hearted, and intelligent. You will want to make a memory of him and pay respect to his relics.
Lai Hin Luang temple is also the location of the Museum Hall of Ancient Lanna, which was collectively established by the villagers. They also donated ancient artifacts to the temple to be used as a resource center.
The museum nowadays displays antiques used for rituals and in folk daily life, talismans, ancient scriptures, musical instruments and pieces of architectural value. Besides showing past community activities, these artifacts reflect beliefs and faith in Buddhism as well as the creative abilities of artisans in creating beautiful and practical utilities.
The atmosphere around the Lai Hin Luang temple is relaxing, although the temple is not very big. It’s perfect for people who want to have private time and take a leisure sightseeing.
How to get there
The temple is in Lai Hin District, Kho Kha County. You should start your trip from Kho Kha County Office. Use the same route that leads you to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Keep going for about 1 kilometre and turn left. Continue straight for another 6 kilometres and you will arrive at Wat Lai Hin Luang. If you do not have car, most hotels or Travel Agency in Chiang Mai and Lampang will be able to book a car rental with driver for you.
Opening hours and Entrance fee : Opens daily from 8 am until 5 pm. Admission is free.
Note : Wheelchair user is accessible
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To visit Wat Lai Hin Luang, you can combine this program.
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