Wat Phra That Doi Kham old temple on top of the hill

Wat Phra That Doi Kham, literally means “Temple of the Golden Mountain,” is perched on Doi Kham hill, surrounded by beautiful mountainous landscapes.

Wat Phrathat Doi Kham was built in period of Queen Jammathewee of Lumphun by both of her sons in B.E.1230 (A.D. 687). It is contained with Lord Buddha relics, temple hall, mense and stucco Buddha. Its old name was Suwannabanpot Temple but the villagers like to call it “Doi Kham” temple. According to its history, it was a deserted temple with its broken treasure-house such as Pra Rod Luang which is made of ancient sandstone with its gold and big size and Pra Sam Hom (soil Buddha image). For the Emerald Buddha image of Queen Jammathewee, that is about 5 inches big, it is believed to have been taken to a house and impossible to bring to be worshiped it back at all.

The renovation of the temple and the area nearby since B.E.2524 (A.D.1981) the temple has renovated the pagoda and the main Buddha image “Lord Buddha Napee Seeping” and then in B.E. 2538 (A.D.1995) the statue of Queen Jammathewee was built in the back of the temple yard and there was a religious ceremony on 19 th February B.E. 2538 (A.D.1995)

Luang Por Tun Jai

Statue of Luang Por Tan Jai which has been produced same way with one in Myanmar with grand ceremony to make him very respectful. The rule is “You can pray for one thing, once you got it, you must come back to offer Jasmin garland at least 50”

You can see the local people really revere the Luang Por Than Jai buddha which is believed to grant wishes in return for jasmine flower garlands. The garlands are sold by vendors along the road up the hill.

Walking around the pagoda area , visitors could see the small houses of the Gods and Goddesses  who protect the  temple area as well such as the 2 Giants Gods who protect the temple ground and the people in that area , the statue of Wasuthep Ruesii ( The hermit ) who use to meditation up on Doi Suthep Mountain and protect Doi Suthep Temple as present , Queen Jamathewee of Hariphunchai ( Lamphun province) as well as some other Gods and Goddesses around the pagoda base.

The renovation of the temple and the surrounding area was in  2524 B.E.( 1981 A.D.)  and the Big Buddha image which we could see from the foot hill was called ” Phra Buddha Napeesripingkaratana” .

Stairs carved in the form of white nagas (mythical water serpents) lead to a calm and quiet lookout point which offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Visitors may revel in the crisp fresh air and marvel at the picturesque splendour of the valley spread out before them. In addition, the lookout point boasts a beautifully carved wooden pavillion decorated with hanging bells tinkling in the breeze.

The temple grounds include a large terrace that gives a vantage point out over fields and towards the city below. You can also find the Hindu gods Vishnu and Ganesha hanging out on the viewing platform and enjoying the scenery.