Wat Phra That Haripunchai Woramahawihan — Attraction in Lamphun Province

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Timeless Masterpiece of Spirituality and Architecture

Wat Phra That Haripunchai Woramahawihan is not just a temple—it’s a living museum of Thai history and devotion. Nestled in the heart of Lamphun, this sacred site dates back to the 9th century and is revered as one of northern Thailand’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries .

✨ Highlights of Your Visit: The Golden Central Stupa The temple’s centerpiece is its 46-meter-tall gilded stupa, believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha (possibly a hair strand) . Originally built in 897, it was later expanded by Lanna kings, blending Haripunchai and Dvaravati architectural styles .

Chedi Suwanna A striking pyramid-shaped chedi from 1418, featured on Thailand’s one-satang coin. Its tiered design and intricate Buddha niches are a testament to Mon influence .

Sacred Artifacts & Structures World’s Largest Bronze Gong (cast in 1860) and a 15th-century Lanna Buddha statue in the wihan (assembly hall) . The Ho Trai (scripture library), a teakwood marvel with naga-adorned staircases, houses ancient Buddhist texts .

Myth and Legend Footprints believed to be the Buddha’s mark the southwestern corner, tying the site to local legends of Queen Chamadevi, Lamphun’s founding ruler .

Cultural Vibrancy Time your visit for the Yi Peng Festival, when lanterns light the sky in honor of Queen Chamadevi .

ℹ️ Practical Tips: Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily (closed on Thai holidays) . Entry Fee: 20 THB (adults/children) . Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes indoors . Getting There: From Chiang Mai, take a tuk-tuk (30–45 mins) or bus to Lamphun (45–60 mins) .

💭 Final Thoughts: This temple is a harmony of serenity and grandeur—where every corner whispers centuries of faith and artistry. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or spiritual seeker, Wat Phra That Haripunchai leaves you awestruck. Don’t miss the golden glow of the stupa at sunset—it’s pure magic!

Pro Tip: Pair your visit with nearby attractions like the Haripunchai National Museum (0.36 km away) to dive deeper into...

Absolute amazing Temple. Beautiful garden, with an bodytree. And there is a storylegend about Haripunchai....Queen Chamadevi....the first Queen. A long story shortened. There was a widower, who lived at Doi Kam, and he was falling in love to Queen Chamadevi and would to married her. But she don't want him. So she gaves him a task and promised that she will married him, if he could throw a javelin from the top of Mt Pui, near Chiang Mai, to any place within the walls of Lamphun - distance of about 30 kilometres. Viranga, whose lust for the queen's beauty had grown stronger and he agreed. Viranga was allowed three attempts to throw his javelin to Lamphun. He climbed to the sunmit of Mount Pui to try his skills. The first attempt the lawa chieftain hurled his javelin at the heart of city, but it fellt just short of the walls, creating a huge crater kmown today as Nong Sanao, or "Javelin Swamp". This amazing feat so terrified Chamadevi, that she determined to sap Viranga's strenght through trickery before he could make any more attempts. She sent him a gift of a had made with her own hands. Of course it was no ordinary hat. It was made from cloth of the queens peticoat, embroidered with gold an silver, and dyed a delicate shade of red... Viranga should have sensed trouble - but, of course he didn't! No sooner did Viranga see the hat than rushed forward and proudly put it on his head. Immediately his supernatural powers began to melt away. His second javelin failed to get anywhere of Lamphun, landing a mere five kilometres away at the foot of DoiSuthep, where its impact created another " Javeli Swamp" near the settlement of Ban Tindoi. In despair, the ailing chieftain threw his third javelin high in the air, tore open his clothes to expose his chest, and allowed the falling weapon to pierce his chest. He died with his face towards to Lamphun, so thst even i death he would gaze towards to...

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is a magnificent temple located in the heart of Lamphun, Northern Thailand. Steeped in history and spiritual significance, this ancient temple is one of the most revered landmarks in the region and a must-visit for both cultural enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. Dating back to the 11th century, the temple was originally built during the reign of King Athitayarat of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, which predates the Lanna Kingdom. Its most iconic feature is the golden chedi (stupa), believed to enshrine a relic of the Lord Buddha. The chedi gleams brightly under the sun and serves as a symbol of Lamphun's rich heritage. The temple grounds are serene and beautifully maintained, featuring a blend of Lanna and Hariphunchai architectural styles. Visitors can admire intricate carvings, traditional murals, and ancient structures that tell the story of a once-flourishing kingdom. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection and prayer. Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is also an important pilgrimage site, especially for those born in the Year of the Rooster, as it is considered their zodiac temple. The temple hosts several important Buddhist festivals throughout the year, attracting both locals and tourists. In summary, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is more than just a religious site—it is a living testament to Thailand’s deep-rooted history, artistry, and devotion. Whether you're a history buff, a cultural traveler, or someone seeking spiritual insight, a visit to this temple offers a memorable and...