Practical information
- Location
- Lampang, Lampang · 18.30139, 99.51000
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Founded by the first Mon ruler of Lampang; Emerald Buddha kept here 1434–1468
Opening hours and entrance fee: no reliable source found, so not listed. Ask on site or check the official website.
About Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang)
Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao is the principal temple of Lampang and once sheltered the Emerald Buddha, from 1434 to 1468, before King Tilokaraj moved it to Chiang Mai. Its Mon-style chedi, about 50 metres tall, is said to contain a strand of the Buddha's hair. Next to it stands a Burmese-style mondop with a spired roof, built in 1909, whose interior glitters with coloured glass mosaics and carved wood. A small Lanna museum is on the grounds. Lampang is calmer than Chiang Mai, and this temple shows its mix of Lanna, Mon and Burmese heritage.
Highlights
- Mon-style chedi A 50-metre stupa said to hold a hair relic.
- Burmese mondop A 1909 pavilion with glass mosaics.
- Emerald Buddha history The statue stayed here for 34 years.
Tips for Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang)
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, about 16 km away as the crow flies.
More photos of Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang)
Burmese-style pavilion with tiered roofs, Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang) Photo: Ritthichai Siangdee · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Chedi illuminated at night, Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang) Photo: GAYATANA · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang)
Where is Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang)?
Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang) is in Lampang, Lampang province, in northern Thailand.
What is Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang) known for?
Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao is the principal temple of Lampang and once sheltered the Emerald Buddha, from 1434 to 1468, before King Tilokaraj moved it to Chiang Mai. Highlights include Mon-style chedi, Burmese mondop and Emerald Buddha history.
How old is Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao (Lampang)?
Founded by the first Mon ruler of Lampang; Emerald Buddha kept here 1434–1468.