Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan
The Kamakura Daibutsu is an iconic, massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha situated in Kamakura, Japan. It’s admired for its serene expression and the sense of spirituality it imparts to visitors. If you are a frequent traveller to Japan, you might have paid a visit to the statue before.
However, for those who have never been to Japan but have a strong wish to go see this Buddha, you can save your money from flying across countries and head to Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan aka วัดพระธาตุดอยพระณาน in Lampang and admire the large Kamakura Daibutsu on top of a mountain.
Behold the Kamakura Daibutsu on top of a mountain in Lampang
Image credit: @wandering_starshine via Instagram
Before making your way up to the mountaintop, you’ll pass through a temple complex featuring a grand pagoda at its base. The entrance arch, resplendent in gold and flanked by two sacred sculptures, stands as a picturesque and Instagram-worthy check-in location.
Image credit: @weera55 via Instagram
Okay, we know you can’t wait to see the Daibutsu. To get to the top, you can walk up the 628-step stairs, where you can enjoy the view along the climb, or drive your car up to the top. However, on the weekend, you won’t be allowed to drive up here yourself, but the temple will provide a free shuttle service. You can donate some money if you want to.
We know most of you will probably prefer driving up the mountain because walking up the stairs sounds exhausting, but the view you get along the way will make it worthwhile.
Furthermore, the second temple complex on the mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view of greenfields and rivers surrounded by mountains.
Image credit: @wandering_starshine via Instagram
Once you make it to the location of the Great Buddha, you’ll get a feeling that it really looks like you’ve come to Japan. The Kamakura Daibutsu will capture all your attention to the point where you’ll find it hard to focus on something else.
Image credit: @chrisbkk69 via Instagram
Another spot worth taking pictures of is a small stairway decked with red torii gates, reminding you of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
Getting to Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan
A half-hour drive from Lampang’s city centre, you can pretend as if you’re in Japan at Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan by taking pics with the Kamakura Daibutsu and posting them on your social media. We’re sure its allure can stand up to the one in Japan.
Also, feel free to read more articles by visiting 8 cheap mookata buffets in Bangkok, Khao Chamao National Park with an 8-level waterfall, and Khao Tom Gui — Chi Le Ma which is a Thai-Chinese food with early immigrant vibes.
Address: Pa Tan, Mae Tha District, Lampang 52150
Opening hours: 6am-4.30pm, Daily
Contact: +66 9 9798 7479 | วัดพระธาตุดอยพระญาน’s Facebook | Google Maps
Cover image adapted from: @wandering_starshine via Instagram, @weera55 via Instagram, and @chrisbkk69 via Instagram