Attraction Details :
Wat Phrathat Doi Wiang
is located in Moo 9, district of Ban Thi, Lamphun. The temple is merely
7 kilometers away from Ban Thi central area, closely located to Thi
reservoir. It is believed to be built in 677 during the reign of her
Royal Highness Camadevi of Hariphunchai. As the legends state, the
temple was once prosperous with many sacred constructions, but
unfortunately, a fire broke out and destroyed everything, leaving only a
small Chedi and pavilion (sala).Within the temple, there features series of attractions where the most popular would be the 3 ancient Buddha images. The first is called Luangpor Saifon (rainfall buddha) constructed in a sitting posture with 29 inches in width, made from pure bronze. The reason this Buddha image is called Luangpor Saifon is because of a folktale. There was once a time when the village suffered from severe drought. Villagers decided to bring Luangpor Saifon out for a ceremonial parade and, the outcome amazed the whole village; rain fall dropped magically. After this incident, the Buddha image employed the name Luangpor Saifon ever since. The second Buddha image is also called Luangpor Saifon, but this one is a lot larger, it has a width of 99 inches and resides in the temples’ main hall where daily ceremonies are held. The third Buddha image is located at the foot of the hill, having an 89-inch width. The Buddha image is made from concrete, during the discovery time, the head of this Buddha image was stuck in the ground, so villagers adopted the name Luangpor Dumdin (Diving in the ground).
Aside from visiting and paying respect to these 3 Buddha images, visitors commonly drop by at Phrathat Chedi Doi Wiang (stupa), which is located at the very peak of the hill. This stupa is strongly influenced by Burmese architecture; it is as high as 10 meters. Inside there resides a relic of highly respected Buddhist monks. It is advised to visit the temple during May or June of every year (actual dates depend on phases of the moon) for there is the sacred bathing ceremony between 09:00 - 17:00.
Directions to Wat Phrathat Doi Wiang is fairly simple, travel on highway no.1147 heading towards the District of Sankumpaeng, whilst arriving at the Thi intersection, travel a little further and take a right turn for 1 more kilometer. Take another right turn, which will bring you on Baan Thi –DoiWiang Road, and travel for 5 more kilometers.
Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 - 16:30
Entrance Fee: Free of charge
For more information call: 081 955 3953
