This centuries-old
temple on Phra Kaeo Road used to be the place where
the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same
statue now installed in Bangkok). Interesting
structures include the large Chedi containing the
hair of the Lord Buddha, a Burmese-style Mondop, an
ancient Vihan housing a reclining Buddha and a
museum exhibiting ancient relics of the Lanna era.
Built during the reign
of King Rama IV by Burmese, Wat Pa Fang is located
on Sanam Bin Road. It has a large, glittering gold
Chedi containing a Holy Relic brought over from
Myanmar around 1906. The extensive Sala Kan Parian
(preaching hall) is made entirely of wood with
Burmese-style overlapping roofs. A small Ubosot has
a Burmese-style woodwork over its roof with
beautiful plaste
r designs over its doors. Usually
there are a considerable number of Burmese monks in
residence.
To reach the Kiu Lom Dam,
take the Lampang-Ngao road and turn left at Kms.
623-624 marker, which is about 38 kilometres from
town. Then continue for a further 14 kilometres.
Constructed for irrigation purpose, it has a scenic
reservoir suitable for boating or rafting. At least
a half-day tour is suggested. Visitors may opt for
staying overnight on raft. Places to see include
cliffs, isles and fishing village.
Almost across Wat Pa
Fang is Wat Chai Mongkhon. The outstanding structure
is the Kuti, monk's living quarters, which is a
white cement building with Burmese-style wooden
roof. Its columns are adorned with coils of golden
wires in elaborate designs and colored glasses. The
blinds and corridors are made of
elaborately-fashioned perforated wooden sheet.
Inside is housed a bronze Buddha statue of fine
workmanship cast in Mandalay, Myanmar.
To the west of
town is Wat Si Rong Mueang , a Burmese temple built
in 1905 during the time when Lampang was the
commercial and forestry centre. Major architectural
works include the Vihan made of wood with several
overlapping gables in the Burmese style. It is a
temple with elaborate carving decorations and
plaster designs adorned with colored glass fashioned
with delicate craftsmanship.
Wat Phra That Sadet
can be reached by taking the Lampang-Ngao Road.
After 17 kilometres, take a left turn and continue
on for another 2 kilometres. One of Lampang's major
sites, it is believed to have been built by Queen
Chamthevi some 500 years ago.
Located on the
Lampang-Ngao Road about five kilometres from town
with a right turn at Km. 605 marker is Wat Phra That
Mon Phaya Chae. As it is situated on a hillside, it
affords a clear view of Lampang. Its most
outstanding feature is the long stair leading to the
Chedi enshrining a Holy Relic.
Lampang is the
only province in Thailand still retaining
horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport within
city limit. Visitors can hire such vehicles to tour
places such as markets, traditional houses along the
river bank and the numerous temples in town.
