Fah Thai Magazine Nov-Dec 2018
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OVERTURES<br />
THAILAND TREASURES<br />
The 7 Wonders<br />
of Lampang<br />
Story & Images Courtesy of the Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Translation Chusri Ngamprasert<br />
With a diversity of natural and cultural<br />
attractions, Lampang, a cosy town<br />
in Northern <strong>Thai</strong>land, has the right<br />
appeal for all generations.<br />
The spiritual soul of the city lies in<br />
the wooden temple of Wat Phra That<br />
Lampang Luang and considered as one<br />
of the most beautiful wooden temples<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land. The impressive structure<br />
holds an open viharn or assembly hall,<br />
a protective Naga adorning a stairway,<br />
and excellent examples of Lanna and<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> Lue architecture. A noteworthy<br />
fact, the temple of Phra That Lampang<br />
Luang is a zodiac patron for people<br />
born on the Year of the Ox. Meanwhile,<br />
the pagoda enshrines the hair, forehead<br />
bone and neck bone relics of Lord Buddha.<br />
Another historical significance here<br />
includes bullet holes on the brass railing<br />
of the temple, fired by infamous folk<br />
hero Nan Thipchang, an ancestor of<br />
Chao Ched Ton dynasty, that ruled three<br />
northern states of Siam: Chiang Mai,<br />
Lampang and Lamphun.<br />
On top of Doi Phra Chan mountain,<br />
the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Phra<br />
Chan reveals an incredible panoramic<br />
view of Mae Tha district. The vista of<br />
a green valley against a backdrop of<br />
misty mountains depicts your classic<br />
Northern <strong>Thai</strong> image. During the rainy<br />
season and winter, the early morning<br />
mist enshrouds the whole area, creating<br />
a dreamlike image of a serene haven.<br />
Worth visiting too is Wat Phra<br />
Phutthabat Sutthawat, acclaimed as an<br />
“Unseen <strong>Thai</strong>land” attraction with striking<br />
scenic rocky cliffs around the temple itself.<br />
It’s worth taking a bus up the mountain<br />
and strolling along the 800-metre winding<br />
path to enjoy the dramatic and panoramic<br />
view of many small white-washed pagodas<br />
positioned on rock peaks. Here, the footprints<br />
of the Buddha are enshrined in the crown of<br />
the pagoda.<br />
Opposite<br />
‘Unseen’ Wat<br />
Phutthabat<br />
Sutthawat, sitting<br />
atop the mountain<br />
Top<br />
An aerial view of<br />
Wat Phra That<br />
Lampang Luang<br />
Bottom<br />
Chae Son<br />
National Park<br />
26<br />
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