Wat Chamthewi ‘In the honour of the first ruler of Hariphunchai’

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Wat Chamthewi is a good example for Lanna art.

Wat Chamthewi is a temple in Muang County, Lamphun Province. The legend says, the son of Chamthewi was the one who built the temple for cremation.

The temple has been being respected since Lanna period. The best part of it is the pagoda. The pagoda is in a square shape, same as Buddhakaya in India, and stores the relics of Queen Chamthewi. This is a very stunning architecrue. You may want to pay a little respect.

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Chamthewi temple is extremely significant for its two unusual chedis (pagodas), both built around 1218.

The largest of the two is a very unusual square ‘stepped pyramid’ shaped pagoda. It is the oldest surviving example of this type, from the Dvaravati period which ruled much of what is now Thailand from the sixth to eleventh centuries.

Each tier of the chedi is lined with standing Buddha images, 60 in all. Each of the images is in a different pose and framed by an elaborate arch. The pagoda is supposed to contain the ashes of Queen Chamadevi.

Adjacent to the large pagoda is the main prayer hall with its large Buddha image sitting on a brightly decorated altar. Set against the line of columns on one side of the hall are three smaller Buddha images cast in colored glass. You’ll note that each of the images is costumed differently, representing the three seasons observed in Thailand.

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Chamthewi temple is not very large, but it’s surely peaceful and worthy of visiting. Beside of the pagoda, you can still see many other architectures, including the Naga handrails, the vihara, the ubosot, the principle Lord Buddha statue, the glorious carved wooden wall, the statue of gods and goddesses etc.

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The temple is perfect for anybody who wants to have a leisure sightseeing, take photos, make merit, make a wish, pay respect to the holiness etc.

How to get there

Wat Chamthewi is located in the heart of Lamphun, you can just hire a tricycle or any other public vehicle to give you a ride. It won’t be inconvenient. The temple opens daily during daylight hours. Admission is free.

Booking : Private Tour to Lamphun
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Camadevi Monument

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Urban Lamphun Museum

Nearby Places 

The monument is only about 1.86 kilometres away from the temple. There, a statue of Chamthewi is located in the middle of empty lot. You should get there to pay respect, for your own good fortune.

The museum is only about 1.96 kilometres away from the temple. This place is good to bring your kids with you, as they will learn the history of Lamphun. Yes. In the museum, there are many items from the old days of your parents and grandparantes, for examples, old phone, old radios, old televisions etc. There are also photos and texts to give you further information.