Thailand

With its pagodas and stupas perched on granite peaks, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is unquestionably the most extraordinary temple in the Lampang region. Here’s an overview of this monument.

Northern Thailand is renowned for its Buddhist monasteries built into hillside locations. However, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, overlooking the wide and lush Lampang valley, stands out. This 19th-century sanctuary was commissioned by King Rama III to honor the memory of Queen Mother Sri Sulalai. A special mention goes to the elegant ubosot, where Chinese art blends with classical Thai art. Nevertheless, the breathtaking view from the mountain top is the primary reason for visiting. Ascend early in the morning, before the temple becomes crowded, and witness the valley, bamboo groves, and rice paddies below, shrouded in mist. The granite peaks are crowned with beautiful white stupas that stand out against the greenery. Planning a trip to Lampang? Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a hiking destination not to be missed.

A temple with many names

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a temple of royal rank, evident from its name, which translates to "The Great Glorious Temple" in French. Its official name is Wat Chaloem Phrakiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson. In Buddhist literature, it is sometimes referred to by another name: Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng.

History

A historic temple dedicated to Sri Sulalai, a royal concubine

Its construction was ordered in 1849 by King Nangklao to honor the woman who gave birth to him and his ancestors, whose homeland was Lampang. Unfortunately, King Rama III passed away two years after the project began. The construction was completed in 1858, during the reign of King Mongkut, the fourth king of the Chakri dynasty.

Pagodas perched on rocky outcrops

Architecturally, the sanctuary has several distinctive features. Its fortified walls resemble those of a royal castle. The site itself once housed a military fort called Pom Thapthim. Its greatest distinction lies in its numerous stupas perched on mountain passes. Such an endeavor had never been undertaken anywhere else in Thailand.

The idea came from a respected monk native to the region. Leading a team of 40 laborers, they carried concrete, stones, bricks, and ironwork over rocky ridges. All materials were carried on foot; no draft animals were used. They undertook this project to commemorate the 200th anniversary of King Rama IV's reign. It took ten years of dedicated work to complete it. One can only admire this noble testament of love and humility!

Today

Nestled at the foot of a mountain, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat has been a pilgrimage center since time immemorial. Buddha is said to have left his footprint on a stone plaque here. From morning until night, a crowd of devotees enters the main viharn to pray before the sacred footprint. However, it's not just Buddha's footprint, the white Langka-style pagoda, or the Rama III stele facing the Chao Phraya River that attract tourist groups. Their interest in the temple is drawn by the setting and the stunning panorama from the summit. A must-visit during your next vacation in northern Thailand.

Temple description

The monastery rises 815 meters above sea level. If time allows, explore the buildings within the compound: the ordination hall, blending Thai and Chinese architectural elements, the two viharns topped with porcelain tiles, the white stupa housing relics of Buddhism's founding father. If time is short, skip the architecture and focus on the hike.

Ascending to the temple

The ascent is divided into two distinct stages. Most of the temple structures are visible in the lower mountain area: the viharn, ubosot, a massive chedi, and monastic quarters that are off-limits to visitors. The highlight awaits in the second stage.

Here, board a songthaew parked near the entrance. The round-trip ticket costs 80 baht (approximately 2.24 euros). Given the challenging terrain, the songthaew is the preferred mode of transport; a light vehicle wouldn't survive. Remember, the unique beauty of the landscapes makes it worthwhile. The truck winds through dense bamboo forests; occasionally, you might spot a local lizard or a flurry of butterflies. After stopping at a parking lot for a scenic view of rice paddies and grabbing a snack at a cafe, continue to a series of metal stairs after 200 meters. This is where the truck stops, and the remainder of the trail continues on foot.

The slope is gentle for the first 400 meters but becomes more challenging for the remaining 400 meters. Bamboo benches along the trail offer resting spots if needed. As you ascend the final steps, marvel at the courage and dedication required to erect pagodas with flamboyant golden roofs, as sharp as the mountain peaks they sit upon. Kudos to the remarkable work of the laborers! Next to the stupa is an observation platform, providing an extraordinary viewpoint over the valley and surrounding villages.

Practical information

Prices and opening hours

The temple is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including holidays. Entry to the temple grounds is free, but a fee of 280 baht (approximately 7.84 euros) is required to continue the hike to the mountain summit. This fee includes 80 baht for the pickup driver and a 200 baht entrance fee for foreigners. The Buddhist temple is located within Chae Son National Park, hence the toll.

The best time to visit

Travel advice is firm: the temple hike is best undertaken during the cool season, between November and February. It's advised against, even dangerous, visiting during the rainy season. For photographers, the best time to capture clear views is around 9 or 10 a.m., once the mist has lifted.

Getting there

To our knowledge, there are no public buses serving Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. Use a private vehicle and driver instead. The journey is 60 km from Lampang via Route 1035 or 120 km from Chiang Mai via a secondary road through the hills.

Nearby attractions

The Lampang region boasts exceptional natural and cultural heritage. After visiting Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, head to Chae Son National Park to enjoy its hot springs. Admire the collection at the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum or soak up the atmosphere at Talad Gao Night Market.