Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun: Reliving the Historical Charm of an Ancient Temple

Wat Phra That Haripunchai Woramahawihan is the most famous temple in northern Thailand and the oldest temple in the northern Lanna region. It is located in the small town of Lamphun. It was originally the palace of the 33rd king of the Hariphunchai dynasty. This ancient temple with a long history holds a lofty position in the hearts of the Thai people. In order to enshrine a Buddha relic and a lock of Buddha's hair, the king ordered the construction of a golden pagoda in the palace. 500 years later, another king built a larger pagoda on the basis of the original one and surrounded the old pagoda, forming the golden stupa of today. On the top of the pagoda there is a nine-layer golden umbrella made of 6,500 grams of gold. You must take off your shoes when entering the temple. #temple