They say one picture is worth a thousand words. Yet, looking at Chalermprakiat Mountain Temple, a thousand questions come to mind. Where is it? How was it build? What is the meaning behind this temple? How can we walk to the top? What? Where? When?...
Completed in 2015, Lampang Province’s Wat Chalermprakiat is one of Thailand’s most spectacular mountain temples. Very few people know about it, but those who come across the pictures of these misty peaks capped with white pagodas, immediately want to go.
Chalermprakiat Prajomklao Rachanusorn Temple is situated about a two and half hours drive from ChiangMai - some 80 kilometres from Lampang city. Its construction started in 2004 to celebrate 200 years since the birth of King Rama IV of Thailand. This temple offers a 360 degrees view over Chae Hom valley with unforgettable sights of Mae Soi, Mae Mon and Mae Wang rivers. From its top, the view over Doi
There are no public transport to this temple so it is best to have your own and preferably a car. Before reaching the foot of the mountain, you will pass through quiet villages and beautiful road surrounded by nature. Upon arrival at the temple’s parking area, there are a few local restaurants where you can have a coffee and some food. You will have to continue up the road with the temple’s shuttle car - as the road up is steep and narrow and they do not allow personal cars to go up. Shuttle ticket costs only 100 THB (return included).
Next is a 20-30 minute walk up to the pagodas. The stairways and trails, snaking their way up the forestcovered limestone mountains, give this place a magical feel. And this 800 meter climb up steep iron steps leads you to one of the most impressive places you will ever see. If you feel like it, you can grab some bricks on the way and bring them along to the top to help for future construction. Atop Chalermprakiat temple, you will be NEXT DESTINATION above the clouds and can enjoy an unforgettable view
over the mountain and Lampang’s green landscape.
From there, there are plenty of places to explore and different views and vantage points you can get. Take your time and move through slowly. Silence is the key word to this beautiful place where only the wind causes dozens of small bells to jingle.
After this visit, you might want to drive a few more kilometres to Chai Son National Park (entry to the national park 200 THB + car 40 THB). This place is famous for its great atmosphere and amazing hot springs. The national Park offers bungalows to stay overnight (about 900 THB), or you can choose to camp in the national park camping space area (about 150 THB).
For a great, relaxing and close to nature week end, Chalermprakiat Temple and Chai Sorn National park are really top destinations to discover.
CHALERMPRAKIAT TEMPLE :
Tunbom Veesetnakorn. Amphur Chae Hom
Lampang District 52120
Facebook: @WADPHRABATH
