Phra That Chom Koi

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Phra That Chom Koi is a sacred Buddhist relic shrine located in Ban Kho Subdistrict, Mueang Pan District, Lampang Province. It is an important local spiritual site connected with the legend of Phra Añña Kondañña, the first disciple in Buddhism, and with Khru Ba Sriwichai, the revered Lanna saint who restored the chedi in 1916. The site remains meaningful to local people as a place of worship, a community religious center, and the focus of an annual relic-washing tradition held on Visakha Bucha Day.

 

The legend of Phra That Chom Koi tells that around 2,500 years ago, Phra Añña Kondañña made a solemn spiritual vow and cut off his little finger so that it could be enshrined in a stupa. This legend gives the name “Chom Koi” a special meaning. The word “koi” refers to the little finger in the story, while “chom” is often associated with a high point, hilltop, or sacred elevation in northern Thai place names. Together, the name reflects both sacred geography and Buddhist legend.

 

Phra Añña Kondañña is a highly significant figure in Buddhist history because he was the first disciple to understand the Dhamma after the Buddha delivered the first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The connection between Phra That Chom Koi and Phra Añña Kondañña gives the shrine a deeper religious meaning. It allows devotees to reflect not only on local tradition but also on the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha.

 

In 1916, Khru Ba Sriwichai, widely honored as the saint of Lanna, restored the chedi and made it more stable and enduring. Khru Ba Sriwichai is remembered throughout northern Thailand for his role in building and restoring temples, pagodas, roads to sacred sites, and Buddhist monuments. His connection with Phra That Chom Koi strengthens the shrine’s importance within Lanna Buddhist history and makes it meaningful for devotees who respect his legacy.

 

Phra That Chom Koi is located in Mueang Pan District, a part of Lampang known for mountains, hot springs, waterfalls, forests, and quiet rural communities. The district is home to attractions such as Chae Son National Park, Chae Son Hot Spring, Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng, and Ban Pa Miang community. Visiting Phra That Chom Koi allows travelers to experience a quieter spiritual side of Lampang beyond the old town and well-known city temples.

 

The atmosphere of Phra That Chom Koi is peaceful and community-based. It is not as crowded as major tourist temples, which makes it suitable for visitors who want to pay respect quietly. The shrine is best visited slowly, allowing time to observe the chedi, make offerings, reflect, and appreciate the surrounding local environment. A visit of 30 minutes to 1 hour is usually enough for worship, but travelers interested in local culture may want to spend longer in the area.

 

The annual relic-washing tradition is one of the most important events at Phra That Chom Koi. It is held every year on Visakha Bucha Day, corresponding to the full moon of the 8th lunar month in the Lanna calendar, or the full moon of the 6th lunar month in the standard Thai lunar calendar. On this day, local people gather to make merit, wash the relic shrine, listen to sermons, and take part in community activities.

 

In Lanna culture, relic-washing is a deeply meaningful Buddhist tradition. It is an expression of reverence toward sacred relics and Buddhist monuments, as well as a symbolic act of purification and merit-making. The water used for the ritual is prepared with care, and devotees take part with a respectful mind. For many local people, washing the relic shrine brings blessings to themselves, their families, and the wider community.

 

The Phra That Chom Koi festival is also known for rocket-launching competitions and traditional performances by local villages. These activities add color and community spirit to the religious event. The rocket competition reflects local beliefs connected with rain, seasonality, joy, and agricultural abundance, while village performances help preserve folk arts and strengthen relationships among communities in Mueang Pan District.

 

The traditional performances during the festival make the event especially interesting for cultural travelers. Local dances, music, processions, and community presentations allow visitors to see living Lanna culture at the village level. This is not a staged tourist show but a local event in which residents actively participate. The festival therefore offers both religious meaning and authentic community atmosphere.

 

Outside the festival period, Phra That Chom Koi remains a good place for quiet worship. Travelers can combine the shrine with nearby attractions in Mueang Pan, especially Chae Son National Park, Chae Son Hot Spring, Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng, and Ban Pa Miang. The area is suitable for travelers who enjoy a mix of sacred sites, mountain scenery, hot springs, and community-based tourism.

 

Mueang Pan District has a rich range of attractions. A practical route can begin with worship at Phra That Chom Koi in the morning, followed by Chae Son National Park for hot springs, waterfalls, and nature. Another route can include Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng, a striking mountaintop temple known for its white pagodas and panoramic views. These routes show how Buddhist faith and mountain landscapes are closely linked in this part of Lampang.

 

Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng works especially well in combination with Phra That Chom Koi. While Phra That Chom Koi offers a quiet local shrine with a strong legend, Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng provides dramatic mountain scenery and elevated pagodas. Visiting both places helps travelers understand the relationship between spirituality and highland landscapes in Mueang Pan.

 

Chae Son National Park is another key destination nearby. Travelers can visit Phra That Chom Koi in the morning, then continue to Chae Son for hot springs, mineral baths, egg boiling in mineral water, waterfalls, and forest scenery. This makes the route suitable for families, couples, nature lovers, and travelers who want both spiritual and relaxing experiences in one day.

 

Ban Pa Miang is a good option for travelers with more time. The village is known for its cool climate, forest atmosphere, homestays, and tea-leaf culture. A 2-day, 1-night trip can include Phra That Chom Koi, Chae Son National Park, and an overnight stay in Ban Pa Miang or another accommodation in Mueang Pan. Staying overnight allows visitors to experience the quieter morning and evening atmosphere of the district.

 

Getting There is most convenient by private car. From Lampang city, travel toward Mueang Pan District and continue to Ban Kho Subdistrict. Visitors should use a navigation map, especially if they plan to continue to Chae Son, Ban Pa Miang, or Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng, as some routes include mountain roads, curves, and narrow sections. During rainy weather, driving with extra caution is recommended.

 

Travelers starting from Lampang city should allow about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on road conditions and the planned route. If visiting during the annual relic-washing festival, extra travel time is recommended because more local residents and devotees will come to the area. Parking may also be more limited during festival days.

 

Those planning to join the annual festival should check the exact date in advance because Visakha Bucha Day changes each year according to the lunar calendar. Visitors should dress politely, prepare for outdoor conditions, and follow the instructions of local organizers. If a rocket-launching competition is held, visitors should remain only in designated safe areas and follow community safety guidance carefully.

 

Paying respect at Phra That Chom Koi can be simple. Visitors may bring flowers, incense, candles, or appropriate offerings, but the most important part is a calm and respectful mind. Since this is a sacred site, visitors should avoid loud behavior, intrusive photography, inappropriate clothing, littering, or touching the chedi in a disrespectful manner.

 

For photography, the best subjects include the chedi, the worship area, community festival scenes, local performances, and the surrounding landscape of Mueang Pan. During ceremonies, visitors should avoid blocking processions or disturbing worshippers. If photographing local residents, asking permission is the most respectful practice.

 

Food and accommodation are available mainly around Mueang Pan town, Chae Son, and Ban Pa Miang. Nearby dining options include Thai restaurants, local food shops, cafes, and eateries in the national park area. Accommodation options include homestays, small resorts, farm-view stays, and community lodging. This makes it possible to plan either a day trip or an overnight trip around Phra That Chom Koi.

 

A half-day route can include Phra That Chom Koi and a nearby local restaurant or cafe. A full-day route can add Chae Son National Park or Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng. A 2-day, 1-night route is ideal for travelers who want to include Ban Pa Miang, hot springs, waterfalls, and a slower cultural experience in Mueang Pan.

 

Phra That Chom Koi is an example of a relatively small sacred site that holds deep meaning for its community. Its legend of Phra Añña Kondañña, its restoration by Khru Ba Sriwichai, and its annual relic-washing tradition all make it valuable in religious, historical, and cultural terms. It may not be as famous as some major temples in Lampang, but its local significance is strong.

 

Overall, Phra That Chom Koi is worth visiting for travelers who want to understand the spiritual and cultural life of Mueang Pan District. A visit here is not only about paying respect to a sacred relic shrine. It is also about experiencing the connection between Buddhism, Lanna tradition, local legend, community festivals, and the mountain landscape of northern Lampang.

 

 

A: Phra That Chom Koi is located in Ban Kho Subdistrict, Mueang Pan District, Lampang Province.

 

A: Local legend says Phra Añña Kondañña made a vow and placed his little finger in a stupa around 2,500 years ago. In 1916, Khru Ba Sriwichai restored the chedi.

 

A: Phra That Chom Koi is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: No. Visitors can enter and pay respect without an admission fee.

 

A: It is held every year on Visakha Bucha Day, the full moon of the 8th lunar month in the Lanna calendar or the full moon of the 6th lunar month in the Thai calendar.

 

A: The festival includes relic washing, merit-making, sermon listening, rocket competitions, and traditional village performances.

 

A: Travel from Lampang city toward Mueang Pan District and continue to Ban Kho Subdistrict. Private car travel is the most convenient option.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Chae Son National Park, Chae Son Hot Spring, Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng, Ban Pa Miang Community, and Chae Son Waterfall.