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Writer's pictureJenn & Leon Travel

Wat Phra That Doi Saket in Chiang Mai

Updated: Jun 16

Wat Phra That is a stunning temple located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is known for its towering golden chedi (Buddha), which is a remarkable sight indeed and is said to house a piece of Buddha's hair. Inside the temple grounds are various sculptures and monuments, which provide a glimpse into the culture and history of the region. The temple is free to visit and is open to visitors throughout the year.


Wat Phra That Doi Saket, Thailand.

There is also so much more to the site too; you can learn more about Buddhism at its museum, check out various shrines, cafes and stores, take in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and soak up some epic sunsets. With its stunning architecture and deep history, the Wat Phra That Temple is an essential stop for any traveler in Thailand.


Read on for our temple highlights, history and facts, and how to find Wat Phra That.


A large golden buddha statue in front of a blue sky.
The Golden Buddha really is a sight to behold!


 


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Check out Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai with Klook



● Explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at night and be rewarded with a glittering view of the city from above.

● Discover the hidden beauty of Wat Umong, the 700-year-old Buddhist temple known for its ancient tunnels.


 

Our Wat Phra That highlights


The entrance to Wat Phra That is located at the bottom of a mountain that rises up above the bustling town of Doi Saket. At the base, you take a winding road up until you come to a large clearing that veers off to the left for the stores, museum and other temples in the complex. To the right is a large roundabout, which is at the foot of the 350 steps that lead up to the Golden Buddha. There is also a large laying Buddha to the right of the picture below which is still under construction. We will update this blog if it is finished before we leave Thailand!


Staircase leading to a giant Golden Buddha at Wat Phra That Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The magnificent staircase has 350 steps and is one heck of a climb!

An elephant statue in front of a golden buddha monument.
A treat for the eyes...

The level of detail in every statue here is phenomenal and the vibrancy of the gold and its encrusted jewels shimmers throughout the day in the clear and burning sunlight. As you gaze up the stairs you only just start to realise the daunting task of climbing them. There must certainly be a significance to the difficulty of the task, the unnerving desire to reach the top and the energy it takes to get there. It almost feels humbling as you rise towards the feet of the cross-legged Buddha.


A man and woman posing for a photo in front of a golden statue.
We don't mind the great Golden Buddha getting in-between us!


Now we would love to have attempted the stairs, but on this particular day we had our car, and just to the left of the stairs there is an additional road that can be driven to a clearing behind the Buddha but level with it. So we took this option, parked up, and took a walk through the complex to the Buddha. The road is a dirt road for part of the way, and very steep, so do bear this in mind if you have an older vehicle that may struggle with it.


A golden statue of a buddha.
As above...

Many Buddhist temples in Thailand are located on the top of a hill or a mountain. Most of them have a Naga staircase lined on both sides with a snake-like being, which is called Naga. This has its origin embedded in the myth of the Buddha. The staircase at Wat Phra That Doi Saket does not feature a Naga, but there are many Naga statues in and around the temple grounds.

The stairs leading up to a temple in Thailand.
So below...

Unlike other temples that we have seen in Thailand so far, this one is a particular favorite of ours as it’s less touristy, so you won’t have tons of other travellers to share the space with. We have been several times and it has never been busy. There is plenty of spaces to park and the option of being able to drive to the top is nice. There is also much more to this temple than the Golden Buddha, with many interesting places to visit on the temple grounds. One could easily spend a good few hours exploring!


A majestic gold Buddha statue located at Wat Phra That Doi Saket in Thailand.
We were blown away by the level of detail here

You can find a small museum here, where you can learn all about the wonderful history of Doi Saket and Chiang Mai. What also makes it unique is that the interior walls have been painted with magnificent spiritual murals by an artist known as Khun Chaiwat Wannanon, which took 4 years to complete. It is very rare for any temple in Thailand to contain any type of modern art.



There is also a monastic school on the temple grounds, where you can learn all about monks, their belief system, history and their day-today activities. We have yet to visit here but we will do at some point before we leave Doi Saket!


A woman is standing on a rooftop overlooking a city.
Looking out at THAT sunset!

Many find the style of What Phra That to be similar to that What Phra That Doi Suthep, which is in nearby Chiang Mai. This one is smaller however, and the entrance here features that 350-step staircase which leads visitors to the Golden Buddha and differentiates it from its larger namesake. However, the most prominent aspect of the temple is the majestic golden Buddha statue which is visible as far as the road outside that leads to the temple.


A temple with a pink flower on top of it at sunset.

Our very first time here was right on sunset, having arrived around 5.30pm. We had heard about it from our neighbors so we were very excited to see it. It certainly did not disappoint! Pictures somehow just do not do it justice at all. From the spectacular view, to the immense Buddha statue, to the monks chanting on loudspeakers to the birds chirping in the rays of the sun, the whole atmosphere was definitely radiating a spiritual and energetic vibe that we will not forget in a hurry.


A statue of a buddha.
What an awesome post box. Can't they all be like this?!


 

The BEST breakfast in Chiang Mail, Thailand.


Discover the one of the top breakfast experiences in Chiang Mai at Breakfast World Restaurant! So many incredible food breakfast options!


 
 

History and facts about Wat Phra That


The temple at Doi Saket is said to have been built in the year 1112. Legend has is that the Lord Buddha came to Doi Saket offered his hair for the purpose of worship. Shortly after he is said to have disappeared; this is the principal reason for the location of the temple.


Thai artist, “Khun Chaiwat Wannanon” began painting the interior of the temple walls with spiritual Buddhist murals in the early 1990s. It took over 4 years for the murals to be completed. This is something that is unique to the temple at Doi Saket. Most Buddhist temples in Thailand do not have any modern art in a modern style.


A spirit house in a garden in Thailand.
One of many spirit houses on the temple grounds

Upon the discovery of Buddha's Footprints of Muang Yonok on the south side of the site, the construction of a new temple, Phra Maha Chedi and Plappla Mondop, has begun to cover them. There are five important Buddha Footprints, with these the fourth ones. The Nagas and deities have protected and worshiped them for over 2,600 years. More on these in a future blog post. Sign up to our site for post notifications so you do not miss it!


An octagon shaped glass case with plants and rocks.
The Buddha's Footprints are being well protected

Read on for more information on how to get there, and our Wat Phra That experience rating.



 
 

Wat Phra That visiting times


According to their Facebook page, Wat Phra That advertises as open from 6am to 6pm. Although the Golden Buddha is lit by floodlights overnight, the main road to go up the temple is not. When we went for the sunrise it was 6am in the morning and we were able to head up and walk around with no issues, in fact there was no-one around at all.


Wat Phra That is free to enter, although you are able to leave a 20 baht donation at the Golden Buddha's feet.


A statue of a lotus with the sun behind it.


 
 

How to get to Wat Phra That


Access from the main 118 highway is easy and very direct, regardless of what direction you are coming from. Doi Saket is located around 30 kilometers outside of Chiang Mai, heading towards Chiang Rai. Doi Saket is a rural farming district host to lots of beautiful rice fields, orchards, vineyards and beautiful mountain villages. We are currently living here and love how peaceful and natural it all is, especially with the convenience of the city of Chiang Mai only being a short 30 minute drive away.




If you are not driving, the yellow Songthaew's will actually stop at the foot of the temple in Doi Saket town, with some even going up to the foot of the stairs. It is a long steep way up though, just so you are aware if you do plan to walk it. The yellow Songthaew will also take you from Doi Saket all the way to Chiang Mai city centre, for just 20 Thai Baht (50 cents). You are also easily able to get a taxi here or a Private Tour.


Address: 5 118, Choeng Doi, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai 50220, Thailand


Opening hours: 6am to 6pm daily




 

The Giant Chiang Mai in Thailand.


Immerse yourself in nature's embrace and ascend to new heights, savoring the blend of breathtaking views, delectable treats & great coffee!


 
 

Our Wat Phra That experience rating


A man and woman taking a selfie on top of a building.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5


It does feel a little disingenuous to offer a 'rating' to a temple / shrine, especially one of this stature and beauty. It was never going to be less than five stars anyway. Wat Phra That offers so much by way of experience, the sense of solitude and peace adding to a distinct inner calmness that envelops you as you look out over Doi Saket.


It is a place of prayer, a place of knowing, a place of spiritual growth and power. Couple that with the sunrise at its back, the sunset at its front, and you have a place that we absolutely recommend! Well worth a visit!



 
 

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Check out all of the places we visited in Thailand courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.



Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!



 

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All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Thailand. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!


 

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