Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang is one of the most distinctive ancient temples in Lampang Province. Located in Ban Wang Mo, Ton Thong Chai Subdistrict, Mueang Lampang District, the temple is famous for its group of 20 chedis, which gives the temple its name. In the northern Thai language, “sao” means 20 and “lang” means structures or units, so Wat Chedi Sao Lang can be understood as “the temple of 20 chedis.”

 

The temple is an important religious, historical, and cultural site near Lampang city. Its most memorable feature is the group of chedis arranged around the main pagoda. The architecture combines Lanna and Burmese artistic influences, creating a peaceful and elegant sacred space. Visitors often walk around the chedis slowly, counting them one by one according to the local belief that those who can count all 20 chedis correctly are considered blessed.

 

Archaeological evidence discovered around the chedi area, including votive tablets from the Hariphunchai period, suggests that the temple may be more than 1,000 years old. This makes Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang one of Lampang’s historically meaningful temples. It connects the ancient Hariphunchai cultural sphere with later Lanna Buddhist traditions and the local community of Lampang.

 

The main group of 20 chedis is the spiritual and visual heart of the temple. The largest chedi stands at the center, surrounded by smaller chedis. Their forms reflect a blend of Lanna and Burmese styles, showing the cultural exchange that shaped many northern Thai temples. The chedis are not only beautiful architectural elements but also sacred monuments that preserve the faith of generations.

 

Beside the chedi group is a small viharn that houses a bronze Buddha image in the meditation posture. This image is in the Chiang Saen style and is known locally as “Phra Phuttha Rup Than Chai,” or the Buddha image of quick fulfillment. Devotees often come to pay respect and make wishes here, adding another layer of living faith to the temple’s ancient setting.

 

The large ordination hall, or ubosot, is another important structure within the temple compound. It enshrines a beautiful Buddha image in the Mara-subduing posture as the principal image. The 3 ancient doors of the ubosot are decorated with refined lacquer-and-gold patterns, showing the skill of traditional artisans. The door and window frames are decorated with colored glass designs, adding a more modern artistic touch to the sacred building.

 

The temple’s wooden sermon hall is a simple one-storey structure that reflects the community-based character of the temple. Behind the ubosot is the Khelang Nakhon Museum, which displays antiquities and sacred objects donated by local villagers. This museum helps visitors understand that Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang is not only a place of worship but also a guardian of local history and cultural memory.

 

One of the most important treasures of the temple is “Phra Saen Sae Thong Kham,” a pure gold Buddha image discovered by local villagers in 1983 and later offered to the temple. The image is a Lanna-style Buddha in the Mara-subduing posture, dating to around the 21st Buddhist century. It measures 9.5 inches across the lap and 15 inches in height, and weighs 100 baht and 2 salung in gold. It is recognized as the first gold Buddha image registered as a national antiquity.

 

Although the gold Buddha image is small in size, its artistic and historical value is exceptional. Its refined proportions, Lanna-style features, and pure gold material make it one of the temple’s most significant sacred objects. Visitors interested in Buddhist art should take time to learn about this image together with the temple’s chedis and museum collection.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang is calm and shady. Even though it is not far from Lampang city, the temple still feels peaceful and spacious. The chedi group, open temple grounds, old structures, and museum make it suitable for slow cultural exploration. Visitors can spend a short time for worship or stay longer to study the temple’s history and sacred objects.

 

For travelers interested in northern Thai art, the temple provides a clear example of Lanna-Burmese artistic blending. The chedis show forms and details shaped by both traditions, reflecting Lampang’s role as a cultural meeting point. This mixture gives the temple its unique visual identity and makes it different from many other temples in the province.

 

The local belief about counting all 20 chedis adds charm to the visit. Many travelers enjoy walking around the pagodas, counting them carefully, and taking photographs from different angles. This simple activity makes the temple memorable and connects visitors with the local faith surrounding the site.

 

Getting There is convenient from central Lampang. Take the Lampang-Chae Hom road toward Ton Thong Chai Subdistrict. The temple is located in Ban Wang Mo and can be reached by private car, rental car, local transport, or ride-hailing service. The route is suitable for a short visit from the city and can be included in a half-day cultural itinerary.

 

Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang can be combined with nearby attractions such as Wat Phra That Sadet, Wat Phra That Mon Phaya Chae, Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum, Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram, and Kad Kong Ta. This makes it an excellent stop for travelers who want to explore Lampang’s temples, history, ceramics, and old town atmosphere in one trip.

 

Visitors should dress modestly and behave respectfully because the temple is an active Buddhist site. They should avoid climbing on or touching the chedis unnecessarily and should treat museum objects and sacred images with care. A visit to Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang is both a religious experience and an opportunity to appreciate Lampang’s long cultural heritage.

 

Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang is therefore a must-visit temple for travelers who want to see a unique ancient site close to Lampang city. Its 20 chedis, local belief, Chiang Saen-style Buddha image, Khelang Nakhon Museum, and nationally registered gold Buddha image make it one of the most meaningful cultural attractions in Lampang.

 

 

A: Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang is located in Ban Wang Mo, Ton Thong Chai Subdistrict, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang Province, along the Lampang-Chae Hom route.

 

A: In northern Thai, “sao” means 20 and “lang” means structures or units, referring to the temple’s 20 chedis.

 

A: Highlights include the group of 20 chedis, Lanna-Burmese architecture, Phra Phuttha Rup Than Chai, Khelang Nakhon Museum, and Phra Saen Sae Thong Kham.

 

A: Phra Saen Sae Thong Kham is a pure gold Lanna-style Buddha image in the Mara-subduing posture, dating to around the 21st Buddhist century, and recognized as the first gold Buddha image registered as a national antiquity.

 

A: The temple is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: No. Visitors can enter the temple free of charge.

 

A: The temple is suitable for travelers interested in ancient temples, Lanna art, sacred pagodas, antiquities, and cultural attractions near Lampang city.