This temple, also known as Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha, is located in the Mae Tha district, about 20 kilometers south of Lampang. It's especially popular for sunrise, but it's worth a visit at any time. The summit area, with its breathtaking views, small colonnade, and pavilion, is particularly charming and photogenic. A huge Buddha statue stands there. To the right, the architecture is reminiscent of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, only 20 kilometers away, but in a much more modern and golden style. Consider visiting both temples. Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan houses famous white relics. The mountain pavilion was once made of wood but was demolished over time due to damage. There are two ways to reach the higher part of Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan: The easiest way is by car or songthaew (shared taxi), which only runs on weekends and holidays. Alternatively, you can take the stairs that begin behind the small artificial waterfall and the Buddha statue. If possible, the footpath is recommended. It only takes ten minutes, is shady, and leads you to the temples from their most impressive perspective. The temple is also known for its large, now completed Buddha, a copy of a famous Japanese statue. It is located near the parking lot at the top.

No entrance fee. Open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On weekends and Thai holidays, a songthaew service is offered to take you to the temple mountain (20 THB per person). It appears to be free, but as mentioned, climbing the stairs isn't particularly strenuous.

As far as I know, there's no public transport there, so you'll need your own vehicle. It's easy to incorporate into a road trip between Phitsanulok and Lampang; you just need to turn off Highway 1, 16 km away, just before Lampang.

Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the building, be quiet, no hugging or kissing, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan? As far as I know, there's no public transport there, so you need your own vehicle. It's easy to include in a road trip between Phitsanulok and Lampang; you just need to turn off Highway 1, 16 km away, just before Lampang.