Visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang (Lampang)

This Lanna-style temple is located 21 km from Lampang city, near Ko Kha to be more accurate. It is symbolic of Lampang province. On a small hill, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is surrounded by a fortification wall dating from the 8th century which gives it the aspect of a citadel. Buildings inside the walls have been built in the 15th century. YOu acces them by a long staircase with two nagas shape handrails. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang has a very simple architecture comparing to most temples in the region. It consists of a wide wihaan - the Wihaan Luang - open on the sides which houses a gilded ku, Lao-style pagoda, containing one Buddha surrounded by two smaller halls, a 45 meters high chedi covered with copper and bronze leaves oxidized by the years with a golden covered tip, another whihaan - Wiharn Phra Phut - and a small white building - the Ho Phra Phuttabat - which houses a Buddha footprint and is prohibited to women. Note that in the Ho Phra Phuttabat, which must be 2 meters square, when you close the door, a mirror image of the temple is formed on the wall or the white sheet suspended there thanks to a camera obscura penomenon. But women are not allowed to see it. Another curiosity of this temple, before the great chedi, there are two bullet holes on the railing allegedly fired by the legendary folk hero Nan Thipchang. The temple also houses two small museums.