Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn (WatPhabatpuphadang) ... (New name "Wat Phutthabat Suttawat")

January 01, 2015

One of the newest amazing places to visit in Thailand that you should check it out!!! That is Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn (official name) "วัดเฉลิมพระเกียรติพระจอมเกล้าราชานุสรณ์" or Wat Phabatpuphadang or some people around there called Wat Phrabuddhabat or Wat Doi. The location is in Vichet Nakorn Sub-district, Chaehome District, Lampang province, Thailand or is on Doi Phu Yak.

I am a Chaehomer. I have been to the temple several times since there was no temple or buildings yet. This temple started construction in 2004. The construction is still on going since then but most main buildings are finished.

If you are interested in visiting the temple, the best way is by air. There are 2 airlines: Bangkok Airways and Nok Air. Trains and/or buses are available as alternative travel. After landing in Lampang you should take a dark blue shuttle truck from the airport to Chaehom bus station which is near Seree mall. From here take a bus (old blue buses) or Si Lo (light blue shuttle truck) to Chaehom district. It will stop at Chaehom fresh market where you then get off. Now you have to ask any shuttle truck driver if they are available to drive you to the temple. Other options from Lampang airport to the temple might include a private dark blue shuttle truck or taking a taxi (08 9312 8822, 09 0520 2511). Note: the above 2 options are more costly. For me I prefer driving it's more easier.

The temple consists of 3 parts located on the mountain.

1st is the lowest area where you will see the main temple, pagoda, parsonage and also if you would like to meet monks, they are staying in this area most. You can walk around, there are many things to see. Example; the back side of the temple you will see a house but I'm not quite sure who it belongs to. You are permitted to go inside to take photos and I can assure you, it has beautiful views.

The 2nd area, called Phu Pa Mhok, is much higher, almost at the top of the mountain. There is a parking lot, a serow in a cage, a guest house (I'm guessing it's for monk's guests), a few towering seated Buddhas. The main faction or attraction point of this area is Buddha footprints.
The way to get to area 2 is through a windy and steep road which can be narrow at times.
If you have experience driving in mountains you can drive yourself. If not, take the pick up service from the temple. It's only 500-600 baht for a round trip. To make it cheaper, consider car pooling with other tourists.
Updated March 20, 2015 the service fare is 100 baht per person for a round trip.
It takes approximately 10 minutes to get to the 2nd area.

The 3rd area is the summit of the mountain where you will see amazing Buddhism buildings and pagodas. These are labor intensive and challenging structures to build. Up here there are beautiful 360 degree views of Chaehom.
From the 2nd area to the top you have to walk. Yeah, the enormous amount of steps up to the top only one thing you can do is keep walking!! when you get up there you will be so proud of yourself. It's so amazing and beautiful ever!! haha might be a bit over acting.