Wat Phra That Hariphunchai

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is the most revered Buddhist temple in Lamphun town, northern Thailand, located inside the historic walled old city. Founded in the 11th century during the Hariphunchai Kingdom, it enshrines a sacred Buddha relic in its 46-meter gold-covered Lanna-style chedi. Notable for its ancient architecture, gilded viharns, historic Buddha images and ornate gates, it remains the spiritual center of Lamphun and a major pilgrimage site.

Visitors can expect a large walled temple compound in central Lamphun with a towering gold chedi as the focal point, surrounded by two main viharns, smaller chapels, Buddha images, ancient brick gates and courtyards. The grounds are paved and landscaped with open areas for walking, worship and photography. Interiors feature gilded decoration, murals and historic artifacts. The atmosphere is active with local worshippers making merit, monks present, and souvenir and flower stalls near the entrances.

Founded in 1044 by King Athitayarat of the Hariphunchai Kingdom to enshrine a Buddha relic, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is the oldest and most important temple in Lamphun. Rebuilt and expanded during the Lanna period, its central chedi and structures reflect Hariphunchai and Lanna architectural styles. It has served as the principal royal temple of Lamphun for nearly a millennium and is regarded as one of the most sacred relic temples in northern Thailand.

The temple is the spiritual center of Lamphun and a major Theravada Buddhist pilgrimage site, believed to house a relic of the Buddha. It hosts important annual religious festivals and merit-making ceremonies and is deeply associated with local identity and traditions of the former Hariphunchai Kingdom. Its architecture and artifacts represent classic Lanna Buddhist art and craftsmanship.