Overview:

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is an ancient temple located in Lampang province, northern Thailand. It is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand, and is one of the holiest in northern Thailand. It is home to a large and ornate reclining Buddha statue, and is known for its stunning architecture and distinctive regional art and craftwork. Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is also a popular place of pilgrimage for many Thais, and is visited by visitors from around the world. The temple is open daily, with guided tours and meditation classes available for visitors. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Thailand
Prominent Features:

1. Main Tower: The main tower of Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is a unique octagonal shaped structure and is the central feature of the temple. The tower is decorated with intricate carvings and colourful tiles, while the upper sections are often topped with a pagoda finial or a gilded spire. 2. Reclining Buddha: The reclining Buddha of Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is almost 230 feet long, and is one of the most visited features of the temple. This iconic statue is said to be in the exact posture that the historical Buddha was when he passed away. 3. Image Halls: The temple is home to several image halls, which house figures of Buddha along with Hindu deities. Each hall is elaborately decorated with golden details and intricate carvings. 4. Murals: Nearly the entire inner walls of the temple are covered with colourful frescoes and elaborate murals. Most murals depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and bible stories. 5. Monks’ Quarters: The monks’ quarters of Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao are located near the main tower and are used by monks for study and meditation. This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Lampang, Thailand. It is believed to have been originally constructed in the 18th century by King Rama I, and is one of the few remaining Ayutthaya-style temples in the country. The temple takes its name from the ruby-studded Emerald Buddha statue that is enshrined in its upper sanctuary. This famous image is believed to have been taken from Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok during the Burmese sack of Ayutthaya. The temple itself is comprised of several different buildings and structures, including one of the oldest surviving bell towers in Thailand, a white Chedi that enshrines another from the Dvaravati period, and an extensive collection of murals, sculptures, inscriptions, and other artifacts. The temple is also home to over 20 resident monks and their students, who live in the temple and remain faithful to its spiritual practices. The temple also serves as an important center for pilgrimage and Buddhist studies. The walls of the compound are adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as various other sacred images. The temple is open daily for visitors, and offers its own audio tour to enhance the experience of its visitors. A visit to Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is not only an opportunity to learn more about the history of this important temple, but also a chance to gain insight into the spiritual practices of Buddhism in Thailand. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao was founded in 1842 and is situated in the city of Lampang. 2. The temple is the center of Theravada Buddhism in the North of Thailand. 3. The main icon housed inside the temple is the Phra Kaeo Don Tao, a rare black jade Buddha image with a ruby-encrusted crown. 4. From December 9th – 11th every year Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is host to the Ek Phansa festival at which Buddha images from all around Lampang are paraded. 5. The temple is home to another valuable object – the Iron Bell of Lampang, which was donated by King Rama V in 1882 and has been inscribed with stories about the past. 6. Lampang is known as a city of temples and in total, there are 34 temples located within a 5-kilometer radius of Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.