Phra That Lampang Luang, Ko Kha, Lampang Province

Year of the Ox: One of my favourite temples in Northern Thailand is Phra That Lampang Luang. If you are driving to Chiang Mai from Bangkok then this is an easy temple to visit. The temple is about 20 kms southwest of Lampang and off Highway 1. The main feature is, of course, the chedi which contains relics of the Lord Buddha. This is a major pilgrimage site for people born in the Year of the Ox. However, the exquisite three-tiered wooden temple buildings are just as stunning. Many of these date back to the 16th Century. The pillars supporting the roof are teak wood. If you look closely on the walls you will see some of the original mural paintings though they have faded with time.