Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Wat Phra That Doi Kham is a historic Buddhist temple atop Doi Kham hill in Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, southwest of Chiang Mai city. Founded in 687 during Queen Chamadevi's reign, it enshrines a sacred Buddha relic in its gilded chedi. The temple is renowned for its 17-meter seated Buddha image Luang Por Than Jai, panoramic views over Chiang Mai, and long Naga staircase, making it a revered pilgrimage and sightseeing destination.

Visitors can expect a hilltop temple complex reached by a winding mountain road or long Naga-flanked staircase. The compound features a gilded chedi enshrining a Buddha relic, a 17-meter seated Buddha image, ornate viharns, and terraces offering panoramic views of Chiang Mai city and surrounding plains. The setting is tranquil with landscaped grounds, shrines for merit-making, and stalls selling jasmine garlands and offerings.

Traditionally founded in 687 CE during the reign of Queen Chamadevi of Hariphunchai, Wat Phra That Doi Kham is one of the oldest temples in the Chiang Mai area. It was built to enshrine a Buddha relic on Doi Kham hill and has undergone several restorations, with the chedi and viharn reflecting Lanna architectural heritage.

An important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Chiang Mai, revered for the relic-containing chedi and the Luang Por Than Jai Buddha image believed to grant wishes when offered jasmine garlands. The temple remains an active place of worship and merit-making for local devotees and visitors.