Sited at the summit of Chiang Rai’s Doi Tung mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Tung towers over 1,400m above the surrounding countryside and the Burmese border, offering one of the most spectacular views of any Thai religious site.
The temple was founded in the 10th century and renovated in the 13th century by order of the first Lanna ruler, King Mengrai. This is an important pilgrimage site due to its sacred relic of the Buddha, reputedly a collar bone, the initial reason for its construction. As it is crowded with worshippers for most of the year and especially during Buddhist festivals, parking can be a problem for visitors.
Wat Phra That Doi Tung boasts two fully-gilded chedi, one containing the relic of the Buddha and the other several more relics and it is believed that both date from the temple’s original construction by order of Chiang Saen’s King Atchuteraj. Both chedi were renovated again in the 1960s.
The hilly approach to the temple is lined with bronze bells and the steep mountain road is kept in good repair as it also leads to a former residence of the late Princess Mother, the Doi Tung Royal Villa and the Mae Fah Luang Garden, one of her Royal Projects.
Getting There
By car, take Highway 110 from Chiang Rai toward the mountains and connect with Highway 1149, following the signs to Doi Tung.
Need to Know
- What is it? An important pilgrimage site for Buddhists with an unbeatable view.
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: none.
- Address: Just off Highway 1149
- Where: perched on the top of Doi Tung mountain in the Golden Triangle.