Wat Phra That HariphunchaiAbout Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is a major Buddhist temple complex in Lamphun, northern Thailand, centered on an ancient stupa associated with the old Hariphunchai kingdom. It is one of the most important religious sites in Lamphun.
The temple complex is dominated by its central chedi and surrounding ordination halls and viharns; visitors typically view the main stupa, inspect the temple architecture and visit small museum displays on-site. The compound is a focal point for local religious festivals and processions.
The main stupa dates to the medieval period of the Hariphunchai kingdom, with later restorations and additions made in subsequent centuries. The complex has been maintained over time as an active monastery and centre of local worship.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai stands in the centre of Lamphun town in northern Thailand, within walking distance of the historic town centre and river. Lamphun lies south of Chiang Mai and is the provincial centre for the surrounding agricultural plain.
- Hariphunchai connection: The principal stupa is historically associated with the ancient Hariphunchai kingdom and remains the temple’s focal point for ritual and festivals.
- Central Lamphun location: Located in central Lamphun, the complex is within easy walking distance of Lamphun’s old town and other historical sites.
Nearby Attractions to Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Best Time to Visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai during the cool, dry months (November-February) for the most pleasant conditions and clear views.
History & Culture of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Built in the latter part of the 9th century on the site of Queen Chama Thevi’s royal palace, this wat has been repaired and renewed many times. It is one of northern Thailand’s most venerated temples, second in importance only to Wat Lampang Luang near Lampang.
The eye is instantly drawn to the 46 m gleaming chedi, topped by a solid gold, nine-tiered umbrella weighing almost 6.5 kg; this is said to be the model for the better-known but smaller chedi at Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. At any time of day you are likely to see locals clutching offerings as they circle the chedi three times clockwise in an affirmation of their faith.
Also in the compound is an unusual stepped-pyramid chedi of brick, the Suwanna Chedi, similar to another at Wat Chama Thevi; the niches remain, though the Buddhas that once filled them are long gone. Other memorable structures include a bell tower housing a brass gong thought to be the biggest in the world, and a tiny scripture library that seems to epitomise the grace of Lanna design. The temple is the setting for many annual festivals, well worth seeing if you are in town.
Weather & Climate near Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (954 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 13° - 30° | 21° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 65% | 0.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 15° - 33° | 24° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 54% | 0.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 19° - 35° | 28° | 19 mm | mostly sunny | 49% | 1.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 36° | 31° | 45 mm | some cloud | 53% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 23° - 34° | 33° | 151 mm | overcast | 73% | 1.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 24° - 33° | 32° | 106 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.1h |
| July | Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 114 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 168 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 177 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 22° - 31° | 26° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 0.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 30° | 24° | 45 mm | some cloud | 80% | 0.7 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 14° - 28° | 21° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 0.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
How to Get to Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is in Lamphun town (Lamphun province), about 20 km south of Chiang Mai. From Lamphun Railway Station or the town bus terminal you can walk (roughly 10-20 minutes depending on your starting point) or take a short tuk‑tuk/taxi ride to the temple. From Chiang Mai take a train or bus to Lamphun and then the short local transfer.
Tips for Visiting Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
- Go early in the morning or toward late afternoon to avoid tour‑bus crowds that arrive midday from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai and to catch the chedi in softer light.
- Arrive via Lamphun town and use a local songthaew or tuk‑tuk for the short transfer - that puts you close to the main entrance and frees time to explore the temple compound rather than walking from farther away.
- Take time to examine the base and surrounding cloisters of the main chedi; the older brickwork and stucco details are easy to miss if you only view the central structure from a distance.