Wat Salarattanapuppotaram (Wat Lai Hin Kaew Chang Yuen)

Wat Salarattanapuppotaram, also known as Wat Lai Hin Luang, is located in Lai Hin Sub-district, Koh Kha District. It is an important, ancient temple of Lampang Province, dating back several hundred years. Based on ancient evidence, inscriptions, and various legends, Wat Lai Hin was historically significant religiously. Evidence shows that in 2181 B.E. (1638 A.D.), Wat Lai Hin was a small monastery with a large number of monks and novices residing and studying there.

Interesting features within the temple include:

The Vihaan (Ordination Hall) is in Northern Thai (Lanna) style, crafted by artisans from Kengtung. The entire building is adorned with exquisite patterns, particularly the pediment and the archway in front of the hall. The archway, in the Lampang style of temple architecture, is decorated with beautiful stucco patterns including classic floral motifs, lotus base patterns, and botanical designs. A unique feature of this archway, distinguishing it from others, is the roofline decorated with glazed terracotta animal figures. Inside the Vihaan, the principal Buddha image is in the subduing Mara posture. It also houses a life-sized statue of Kruba Maha Phra Chao Kasorn Panyo, sculpted by the monk himself.

The Dhamma Hall is an structure within the monastic living quarters, built according to the traditional design of the kuti (monks' cells) at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. An inscription on a wooden plank indicates it was built in 2027 B.E. (1484 A.D.), making it an ancient Lanna-style kuti. Originally used as a residence, it now serves as a repository for ancient scriptures. This Dhamma Hall is also decorated with Lanna-style decorative brackets, known as 'kantuai', which are large triangular wooden pieces intricately carved into various forms, such as Naga (mythical serpent), Hanuman (monkey deity), and floral vine patterns.

The Lanna Ancient Museum of Suwankeeta Saraddhasamakkee is a single-story building displaying various artifacts and antiques, including ritualistic tools, daily utensils of the local people, amulets, ancient scriptures, musical instruments, and architectural fragments. It also houses the Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) shrine, votive tablet niches, and ancient weaponry.

Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.