Wat Phra That Haripunchai Woramahawihan
About This Museum
In the quiet, ancient city of Lamphun, a world away from the modern bustle of nearby Chiang Mai, the golden spire of Wat Phra That Haripunchai scrapes the sky. This isn't just a single building but a sprawling complex that feels like a living archive of faith and history, where the scent of incense and the soft chants of monks are as much a part of the atmosphere as the aged brick and stucco. The main event is undoubtedly the magnificent, bulbous golden chedi, which glows with an almost supernatural intensity after sunset. Wandering the grounds reveals a quieter rhythm of Thai life, where locals pay respects at smaller shrines and ancient artifacts sit unassumingly in the open air.
Collection Highlights
Beyond the stunning architecture, you'll find an immense bronze gong—reputed to be one of the largest in the world—and elegant Lanna-style Buddha statues that exude a profound sense of serenity. The temple also safeguards sacred relics enshrined within its main chedi, making it a deeply significant pilgrimage site.
Visitor Information
The temple is open daily and there's no strict entrance fee, though donations are welcomed to help with its upkeep. It's wonderfully atmospheric to visit in the late afternoon so you can see the structures in daylight and then watch them become brilliantly illuminated against the darkening sky.
Architecture & Building
The complex is a beautiful textbook example of classic Lanna architecture, characterized by multi-tiered roofs with intricate bargeboards and naga serpent motifs. The centerpiece is the 46-meter-tall golden chedi, built in the Suwanna style with its distinctive bell shape layered with rings leading to a graceful spire.
Contact & Location
Address: ลำพูน, เวียงยอง, Mueang Lamphun, จังหวัดลำพูน, 51000, ประเทศไทย
Phone: +66 87 714 4448
Website: Visit Website
