Home Destinations Asia Thailand Northern Thailand Sights Wat Phra That Hariphunchai

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Review

Read our Northern Thailand sights reviews. Or post your own.

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai

  • Address: Inthayongyot Rd., Lamphun

Fodor's Review:

The temple complex of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is dazzling. Through the gates guarded by ornamental lions is a three-tier, sloping-roof viharn, a replica of the original that burned down in 1915. Inside, note the large Chiang Saen-style bronze image of the Buddha and the carved thammas (Buddhism's universal principals) to the left of the altar. As you leave the viharn, you pass what is reputedly the largest bronze gong in the world, cast in 1860. The 165-foot Suwana chedi, covered in copper and topped by a golden spire, dates from 847. A century later, King Athitayarat, the 32nd ruler of Hariphunchai, added a nine-tier umbrella, gilded with 14 pounds of gold. At the back of the compound—where you can find a shortcut to the center of town—there's another viharn with a standing Buddha, a sala housing four Buddha footprints, and the old museum.

  • Open: Wed.-Sun. 8:30-4
Find more sights in Northern Thailand »

Member Reviews and Ratings

Be the first to review this property

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip



Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.




Copyright © 2009 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.