Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao

Temple

Lampang's Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao features Lanna teak buildings and a large Buddha image; travelers stop to study northern architecture and the temple's carved woodwork.

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao BangkokChiang MaiPhuketKrabiKo SamuiKo Phi PhiAyutthayaChiang RaiKo TaoPaiSukhothaiKanchanaburiHua HinPattayaWat Phra Kaew Don Tao
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Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao essentials

Address: Don Tao, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang Province, Thailand
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
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About Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao is a Buddhist temple in Lampang, northern Thailand, known for its northern Thai (Lanna) architectural elements and wooden construction. The temple houses the historic Buddha image known as Phra Kaew Don Tao, which is central to its religious significance.

The complex includes a main viharn used for worship, ornate carved woodwork typical of Lampang temples, and a chedi that reflects regional stupa styles. Visitors come to view the Buddha image, explore the teak-built structures and observe local Buddhist practices.

The temple dates to the Lanna period and has been maintained and renovated over time by local monastic and lay communities. Its buildings reflect successive repairs and additions rather than a single construction campaign.

The site sits in Lampang city in northern Thailand, accessible from the town centre and within the wider cultural landscape of the Lampang province.

  • Principal image: Houses the revered Phra Kaew Don Tao Buddha image, an important religious object for the local community.

What to See#

  • Main viharn: The main assembly hall contains the temple’s principal Buddha image and is the focus for daily worship and major ceremonies.
  • Chedi and compound: A multi-tiered Lanna-style chedi sits within the temple compound and reflects northern Thai stupa architecture.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao

The cool, dry months (November-February) are generally the best time to visit for comfortable weather and clearer skies.

Cool / Dry
November-February · 15-30 °C
Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity - an ideal time for temple visits and photography.
Hot
March-May · 25-38 °C
Hot afternoons; schedule visits for cooler parts of the day.
Rainy
May-October · 24-32 °C
Frequent rains and higher humidity; sightseeing is still possible but expect wet conditions.

History & Culture of Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao was built during the reign of King Anantayot and at one stage housed the Emerald Buddha, which now resides in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. A statue of an elephant carrying the precious image stands behind the main stupa, next to a plaque recounting the tale.

Its main point of interest is a Burmese-style mondop with beautiful inlaid glass mosaics in the ceilings and multiple stacked roofs of gold, standing in front of a huge whitewashed, gold-capped stupa. A naga stairway leads up over a pond at the northern entrance, added in 2012.

Set in the north-east corner of town, the temple is a popular stop on horse-carriage tours, though walking here through the tree-lined, quiet streets is a pleasant way to arrive. Within the grounds is a small museum holding a minor collection of exhibits.

Weather & Climate near Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao

Climate

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 14°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1064 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 91 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 14° - 30° 22° 5 mm mostly sunny 66% 0.6 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
February Ideal 16° - 33° 24° 8 mm mostly sunny 55% 0.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.4h
March Excellent 19° - 36° 28° 20 mm mostly sunny 49% 1.1 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 23° - 37° 31° 56 mm some cloud 53% 1.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.4h
May Acceptable 23° - 35° 33° 164 mm overcast 73% 1.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
June Acceptable 24° - 33° 33° 125 mm overcast 80% 1.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.1h
July Good 23° - 32° 32° 124 mm overcast 82% 1.0 m/s 2.0 very high 13.0h
August Acceptable 23° - 32° 31° 168 mm overcast 86% 1.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.6h
September Acceptable 23° - 32° 30° 209 mm overcast 86% 0.7 m/s 1.9 very high 12.1h
October Good 22° - 31° 26° 135 mm partly cloudy 84% 0.7 m/s 1.6 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 18° - 30° 24° 42 mm some cloud 79% 0.6 m/s 1.5 very high 11.2h
December Ideal 14° - 29° 22° 8 mm mostly sunny 74% 0.7 m/s 1.4 high 10.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao is in Lampang city centre. Lampang Railway Station (Northern Line) is within roughly 1-1.5 km of the temple - a 15-20 minute walk or a short 5-10 minute tuk‑tuk/vehicle ride. By road, Lampang is about 100-110 km south of Chiang Mai on Route 11 (approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive); from within town follow local streets toward the historic centre to reach the temple.