Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07.30-16.00

 

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson, also known as Wat Phra Phutthabat Pu Pha Daeng and currently also referred to as Wat Phutthabat Sutthawat, is one of the most spectacular religious and natural landmarks in Chae Hom District, Lampang Province. Located at Ban Thung Thong, Moo 7, Wichet Nakhon Subdistrict, the temple is famous for its small white chedis standing dramatically on high limestone peaks. From a distance, the chedis appear to float in the sky, surrounded by the green mountains of Doi Phra Bat, creating one of the most memorable images of northern Thailand.

 

What makes this temple extraordinary is the way faith, Lanna art, and rugged mountain scenery come together. The white chedis on the mountaintop were built in places that seem almost impossible to reach. Their presence on narrow ridges and cliff edges reflects the power of human devotion and the determination to transform a difficult mountain landscape into a sacred Buddhist site.

 

The area was originally known as Wat Phra Phutthabat Pu Pha Daeng, where a sacred Buddha footprint was enshrined on the mountain. Local people in Chae Hom had long respected the site, even when the journey to the footprint required walking through forest, steep slopes, and rocky terrain. In the past, reaching the sacred area was a true act of devotion.

 

Luang Pho Phibun Sumangkhalo, also known as Phra Thep Wisutthiyan of Wat Analayo Thipphayaram in Phayao Province, came to worship the Buddha footprint by walking up the mountain. His strong faith later inspired the development of the site into the remarkable temple seen today.

 

In 2004, marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of King Mongkut, Rama IV, the monastic community established the temple as a royal memorial. The name Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson was given to honor King Mongkut and commemorate his royal grace. The temple therefore carries both religious and historical significance.

 

The lower temple area contains the ubosot, chedi, and main religious buildings. Inside the ubosot is a replica of Phra Nirantrai, a Buddha image associated with King Rama IV. The ubosot is built in Lanna style, with a layered roof and guardian lions at the entrance, reflecting the graceful architecture of northern Thailand.

 

Visitors who wish to reach the upper mountain area must use the local shuttle vehicles from the lower parking area. Private cars are not allowed to drive up the mountain because the road is steep, narrow, and requires drivers familiar with the route. After the shuttle ride, visitors must continue on foot along mountain paths and stairways to reach the upper viewpoints and sacred areas.

 

The walk to the mountaintop is an essential part of the experience. It is not simply a route to a viewpoint, but a gradual transition from the lower world into a quieter sacred landscape. The trail includes stairs, slopes, and resting points. Visitors should bring drinking water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and take their time, especially if they are not used to walking uphill.

 

Once at the upper area, the view opens widely across Chae Hom District and the surrounding mountains. One side leads to the golden relic chedi, while another side leads toward the prayer pavilion and viewpoint. From this area, visitors can see the white chedis lined along the mountain ridges, with the valley below and green mountains in the distance.

 

The most iconic sight is the group of white chedis standing on the high cliffs. Even from afar, visitors can sense how difficult the construction must have been. These chedis are more than architectural features; they are visible symbols of faith, effort, and human perseverance.

 

The temple offers a very different experience from ordinary lowland temples. Visitors do not only see beautiful sacred structures; they also experience the journey, the climb, the changing landscape, and the feeling of reaching a spiritual place above the valley. The beauty of the temple lies not only in the white chedis but also in the story and devotion behind them.

 

The prayer pavilion on the mountaintop does not have permanent resident monks, but it is used for chanting on the 8th waning moon day of every month. This area is also one of the best viewpoints, offering a dramatic perspective of the white chedis, Chae Hom town, and the surrounding mountains.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning, when the weather is cooler and the light is softer for photography. During the cool season and after the rainy season, the mountains are especially green and the air is pleasant. Visitors should allow enough time for the shuttle ride, the uphill walk, worship, and sightseeing.

 

Because several viewing areas are close to ridges and steep terrain, visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid climbing outside safe areas. Respectful behavior is also important because the temple remains an active sacred site.

 

From Lampang city, travel along Highway 1035 toward Chae Hom District. After reaching Chae Hom town, continue for about 1 km and turn left at the entrance arch to Ban Mai Lao Yao. Continue for about 200 m, then turn left following the signs to the temple. The concrete road continues for about 5 km, with the mountain and white chedis visible in the distance.

 

Getting There is most convenient by private car or rental vehicle from Lampang city via Highway 1035 to Chae Hom District, then to Ban Thung Thong in Wichet Nakhon Subdistrict. From the lower parking area, visitors must use the local shuttle service and continue walking uphill to the mountaintop chedi area.

 

 

A: The temple is located at Ban Thung Thong, Moo 7, Wichet Nakhon Subdistrict, Chae Hom District, Lampang Province.

 

A: Yes. It is also known as Wat Phra Phutthabat Pu Pha Daeng and Wat Phutthabat Sutthawat.

 

A: The main highlight is the group of white chedis standing on high mountain peaks, together with the sacred Buddha footprint and panoramic mountain views.

 

A: No. Private cars are not allowed up the mountain. Visitors must use the local shuttle service from the lower parking area.

 

A: The temple is open daily from 07.30 to 16.00.

 

A: Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, bring drinking water, and walk slowly because the route includes uphill paths and stairs.

 

A: The temple is ideal for travelers interested in Buddhist pilgrimage, mountain views, photography, Lanna architecture, and cultural travel in Lampang.