Wat Luang is the oldest temple in Phrae. The current buildings are not original. According to legend, the temple was founded in 829 by the monk Phor Khun Luang Pol, at the same time as Lampang. The oldest surviving structure is the octagonal chedi, known as Phra That Luang Chai Chang Kham, which is supported by elephant statues. It was rebuilt in 1336 on the foundations of an existing structure and has recently been renovated. The viharn ubosot dates from 1872. It houses a Buddha statue called Phra Chao Saen Luang Buddha, a bronze replica of the original gold statue that was stolen in 1902 during the Shan Rebellion. Presumably, after this event, the portico was faced with laterite tiles in the Luang Prabang style. The temple also contains a small museum with artifacts and weapons from the Lanna period. It is only open on weekends, but if you ask nicely, the monks might open it especially for you.

Free entry. The temple is open to the public from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

If you are staying in the center, the temple is within walking distance.

Wat Luang is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Luang? If you are staying in the center, the temple is within walking distance.