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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 />

27

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