Wat Doi Thong
Last updated 2008-02-28
Wat Doi Thong is perched on a hill just on the city limits and overlooks the Mae Kok River. It's a quiet place to spend a couple of hours relaxing in the pleasant grounds.
Within the same grounds and right next to the temple is the City Pillar (known as the 'Sadue Mueang') of Chiang Rai, which was placed here in 1988. From here, through the trees, you can enjoy a few views of the city and the surrounding hills.
Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong is an important ancient temple in Chiang Rai province. It is assumed that the temple existed before the time of King Mengrai, who found the area and established the city in B.E. 1805. history records that it was erected by King Ruan Kaew, the ruler of Chai Narai city in B.E. 1483 for enshrining the relics of the Lord Buddha that were given by a senior monk from Sri Lanka to King Pangkarat of Yonok Nakaphan City. The relics were separated into three parts to be enshrined in important shrines in Chiang Rai.
An Important thing in Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong, beside the Pagon and Lanna style Chedi enshrining the relics, is the contemporary style chedi of Lanna and Rattanakosin (Bangkok) arts. Inside the Chedi stands the bronze Buddha image of the Maravijaya attitude and beautiful mural paintings.
See also: Wat Phra Kaew | White Temple | Wat Ngam Muang | Wat Ming Muang
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