🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Chamthewi sits on Chamthewi Road, a little over 1 kilometre west of central Lamphun, right next to Lamphun Hospital. Art historians rate it highly because it preserves almost the full range of Hariphunchai-era craft — the chedi form, the Buddha images in their niches, and the stucco detailing. Meanwhile general tourists still stop by far less than they do at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, which keeps this place quiet and easy to wander.
Suwan Chang Kot Chedi — the Rare Stepped Pyramid
The star of the temple is the Suwan Chang Kot chedi, which locals simply call "Ku Kut." It's a square, five-tiered stepped chedi standing about 21 metres tall, and each side of each tier has niches enshrining standing Buddha images in the boon-granting pose — three per side, 60 in all. The shape is a tapering pyramid inspired by Indian art, quite different from the bell-shaped chedis we're used to, which makes it one of the most complete surviving examples of Hariphunchai architecture.
The name "Ku Kut" comes from the original spire breaking off and disappearing centuries ago, leaving the temple abandoned for a long time — so people called it "Ku Kut" (ku = chedi or reliquary, kut = a blunted, broken-off top). Later, in 1926, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab visited and had it renamed "Wat Chamthewi," following the legend that this chedi holds the ashes of Queen Chamthewi, the first ruler of the city of Hariphunchai.
Where to Look to Catch the Craftsmanship
Walk slowly around the chedi and notice that the Buddha images in the niches aren't exactly alike from side to side — their faces and postures differ, because they've been restored across several eras. Come in the mid-morning when the light slants, and the niche shadows fall against the brick beautifully, giving your photos more depth than the flat midday sun.
Want more out of Lamphun? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Ratana Chedi — Thailand's Oldest Octagonal Stupa
Not far from the big chedi stands a smaller one that many people walk past without noticing: the Ratana Chedi, an octagonal prasat-style tower about 11.5 metres tall, with standing Buddha images in niches on each face. A number of scholars regard it as the oldest octagonal chedi in Thailand and a prototype for craftsmen in other cities in the periods that followed. Part of the spire has collapsed over time, but the body of the structure still clearly conveys its original form.
- Suwan Chang Kot Chedi — square, five-tiered, with 60 standing Buddhas; the temple's main monument
- Ratana Chedi — octagonal, believed to be the oldest of its kind in Thailand, set just off the main chedi
- Viharn and principal Buddha image — for paying respects before you explore the ruins
- Shaded courtyard of old trees — leafy, with benches; good for photos and a quiet pause
Getting There, Opening Hours and Entry
The temple is right in Lamphun town and easy to reach. If you drive, there's parking inside the grounds. If you're staying in the old town near Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, it's only about 1–1.5 kilometres away — you can grab a samlor (three-wheeler) or motorcycle taxi for a few dozen baht, or just walk or cycle on a nice day. Coming from Chiang Mai, it's roughly a 30–40 min drive, or take the train or a songthaew to Lamphun and continue into town from there.
- Hours — daily, roughly 06:30–18:00 during daylight hours
- Entry — free (there's a donation box if you'd like to give)
- Location — Chamthewi Road, Nai Mueang subdistrict, Mueang Lamphun district, next to Lamphun Hospital
- Time needed — about 30–45 min is plenty; allow an hour if you love taking photos
What to Wear
This is an old and revered temple, so dress modestly — skip spaghetti straps and shorts above the knee. If you go into the viharn, take off your shoes as the signs indicate. The Lamphun afternoon sun is strong, so bring a hat and water.
What to Pair It With for an Easy Half Day
The nice thing about Wat Chamthewi is that it's in town, so it's easy to keep exploring. I'd pair it with the highlights of Lamphun's old town in a single trip.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Lamphun's revered relic temple, with a gleaming golden chedi in the heart of the old town, about 1.5 km from Wat Chamthewi.
For contextHariphunchai National Museum
See real Hariphunchai-era artefacts up close — a great follow-on from what you see at Wat Chamthewi. It's right across from the relic temple.
Close byQueen Chamthewi Monument
A statue of Lamphun's first ruler, tying into the same story as the chedi at Wat Chamthewi.
Once you've done the temple round in the morning, try some local Lamphun food for lunch — both khanom jeen nam ngiao and a long-running noodle shop in town are good bets — before settling into an old-town cafe for coffee in the afternoon. It makes for a relaxed, well-rounded trip.
Plan a full day in Lamphun — temples, food and cafes
See the Lamphun travel guide →