Thailand

The ancient guardian of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, is, beyond its religious vocation, a historical and architectural icon of the city of Lampang. Overview of the monument.

The uniqueness of Lampang's main temple is that it transports visitors out of our time. As you climb the stairs framed by serpent-like divinities, you also ascend seven hundred years of history. Lampang's past comes alive within the monastery's walls, when the city was under the control of the Lanna kingdom. The decorative multi-tiered roofs of the ubosot and viharas reflect the artistic conventions of the time. The statue of a white elephant carrying a concealed Buddha inside a wooden pavilion recalls a notable event. Finally, the tour guide will share many details about the illustrious journey of the Emerald Buddha, including how it temporarily stayed at the temple and toured the northern principalities. During your next trip to Lampang, be sure to visit Wat Pha Kaeo Don Tao.

History

The temple was completed between the late 14th and 15th centuries. Literally translated, the name Wat Pha Kaeo Don Tao in French is "monastery of the Emerald Buddha on the mound of the water jar." The date of construction is not determined with certainty. However, it is certain that its founder is the first sovereign of Lampang, who descended from the Mon tribe. The temple only appears in manuscripts from the first half of the 15th century because it was from this period that the rulers of Chiang Mai began to record in writing the significant events of their reign.

According to the royal annals, the Emerald Buddha stayed in the temple between 1434 and 1468. The existence of the statue was revealed when lightning struck the stupa of a temple in Chiang Rai. The layer of plaster was partially peeled off, exposing the precious stone. Upon hearing this news, the sovereign of the Lanna kingdom ordered the statue to be transported to Chiang Mai. But, to his surprise, the elephant carrying the statue refused to take the road to the capital. Instead, it ended up near Lampang. The disobedience of the animal was interpreted as an omen. The sovereign did not insist. It was under these circumstances that the highly venerated statue of the Emerald Buddha remained in the main temple of Lampang for more than thirty years until 1468, when it changed residence, leaving Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao for Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.

Today

The privilege of having hosted the Emerald Buddha for thirty-four years is enough to make Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao famous throughout Thailand. The temple's tourist success is attributed to pilgrimage. A crowd of Buddhists comes from all corners of the country to meditate and pay homage to a sacred relic. The monks decided to build a stupa in which they placed a piece of the Buddha's hair to emphasize the historical importance of the monastery. Foreigners, on the other hand, appreciate the temple for its remarkable architecture.

Tour of the Buddhist Sanctuary

To access Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, you will ascend stairs flanked by two nagas, legendary multi-headed serpents that serve as guardians of Buddhist temples.

The white elephant

To the left of the stairs, the first striking element is the stone elephant serving as a mount for a Buddha housed in a pavilion. The image is astonishingly realistic. The curve of the trunk, the slow and graceful gait, the droop of the ears, the gold chains around the neck, the hooves, and the ivory tusks are depicted with precise craftsmanship.

The stupa

The stupa is the epicenter of tourist whirlwinds. Be sure to take a photo of it. Rising more than 50 meters from the ground, the square-based structure mimics the shape of a bell, with a pointed umbrella at its top. Its reputation stems from the Lord Buddha's hair, which is preserved there. To this day, fervent prayers, offerings of incense and flowers, and meditations are conducted at the foot of the relic. The stupa is the oldest structure in the complex and a masterpiece of Mon art.

The mondop

Next to the chedi is a mondop made of natural teak wood, topped with a seven-tiered pyramidal roof. Completed in 1909, this more recent structure is a faithful example of Burmese architecture, a special commission from Burmese merchant families who immigrated to Lampang. Apart from the mondop, a reclining Buddha resides in a chapel that attracts the curious.

The art museum

If you have more time, visit the small museum in the monastery. The museum's exhibition is dedicated to Lanna art: painting, sculpture, and period objects.

After the tour, tourists are invited to enjoy a massage or benefit from a therapeutic hot spring.

Practical information

Prices and opening hours

The entrance fee is set at 20 baht per person, equivalent to 56 euro cents. Visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to get there?

The temple is easily accessible by bus or carriage from downtown Lampang. It is located in the heart of the Wiang Nuea district, Mueang district. For those taking the bus, there is a 5-kilometer road between the temple and the Lampang bus station.

Dress code

Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code. Out of respect for the Buddhist faithful who regularly visit the sanctuary, appropriate attire is required. Short pants, sexy clothing, or too-light clothing are inappropriate.

Nearby attractions

After leaving Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, most tourists like to linger at other important sites in the city:

• Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, famous for having received the visit of the Buddha;
• Wat Ponk Sanuk, housing an immense reclining Buddha;
• The Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum
• Wat Pha Fang and its flamboyant golden stupa.