Wat Akkhochai Khiri

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07.00-17.00

 

Wat Akkhochai Khiri is an important hilltop temple in Chae Hom District, Lampang Province. It is located beside Highway 1035, the Lampang-Chae Hom route, around kilometer markers 50-51 on the left-hand side. The temple is especially known for the rare colored shadow reflection of its chedi, a phenomenon similar to the one found at Wat Phra That Chom Ping.

 

The temple stands on a hillside with two access routes. Visitors can either walk up the front stairway or drive up the rear road. The viharn and chedi are located close to each other and are built in Lanna architectural style, reflecting the graceful religious art of northern Thailand.

 

The most distinctive feature of Wat Akkhochai Khiri is the shadow image of the chedi inside the viharn. This reflection appears in the same position throughout the day as long as there is enough light. The phenomenon is caused by light passing through a small opening and forming a reversed image, similar to the principle of a pinhole camera. For local devotees, however, the image is also regarded as a sacred and auspicious sign.

 

Inside the viharn, visitors can pay respect to the large standing Buddha image known as Phra Sakkayamuni Khiri Akkho. This old Buddha image is highly respected by the people of Chae Hom and measures 5 wa and 2 sok in height. Its impressive scale and serene posture make it one of the temple’s most important sacred objects.

 

Wat Akkhochai Khiri also preserves local Lanna craftwork. Behind the shadow-viewing viharn, visitors can see a bamboo satthaphan from the 25th Buddhist century, used for placing incense and candles before the principal Buddha image, as well as a bamboo dhammasana in Lanna style. These objects reflect local craftsmanship and the use of natural materials in Buddhist worship.

 

The temple atmosphere is peaceful and suitable for travelers interested in Buddhist culture, local art, and quiet hilltop temples. Because the temple is located along the main Lampang-Chae Hom road, it can be conveniently included in a cultural travel route through Chae Hom District, especially for visitors continuing to Chae Son National Park or Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson.

 

For the best chance to see the chedi shadow clearly, visitors should enter the viharn during daylight hours. The stronger the natural light, the clearer the reflection usually appears. Visitors should keep the area calm and avoid blocking the light source while others are observing the image.

 

Getting There is straightforward. From Lampang city, follow Highway 1035 toward Chae Hom District. Around kilometer markers 50-51, the temple entrance is on the left-hand side. Visitors can walk up the front stairway or drive up the road behind the temple, making it accessible for both general travelers and elderly visitors.

 

 

A: Wat Akkhochai Khiri is located beside Highway 1035 on the Lampang-Chae Hom route, around kilometer markers 50-51 in Chae Hom District, Lampang Province.

 

A: The temple is famous for the colored shadow reflection of its chedi inside the viharn, similar to the phenomenon at Wat Phra That Chom Ping.

 

A: The shadow appears when natural light passes through a small opening and forms a reflected image of the chedi inside the viharn.

 

A: The main Buddha image is Phra Sakkayamuni Khiri Akkho, a large standing Buddha image measuring 5 wa and 2 sok in height.

 

A: The viharn is open daily from 07.00 to 17.00.

 

A: Visitors can either walk up the front stairway or drive up the rear road.

 

A: Visitors can see a bamboo satthaphan from the 25th Buddhist century and a Lanna-style bamboo dhammasana behind the shadow-viewing viharn.