Located on a hilltop northwest of Chiang Rai, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong is one of the city's oldest temples, many centuries before the city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262. According to the Yonok Chronicle, the temple's Chedi was probably built in 940 during the reign of Phraya Ruen Kaew, Prince of Chiang Rai, to host an ancient holy relic of Buddha. The relic was brought from Sri Lanka by an elderly monk and then donated to Prince Pangkaraj of Yonok Nakpan; afterwards the relic was split into three parts and stored in three temples of Chiang Rai, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, Wat Phra That Doi Tung and Wat Phra That Chomkitti. The temple also has a historic significance as it is believed that this is the location where King Mengrai in 1260 chose as the site for his new Lanna capital since it provides an overview of the town and a panoramic view of the Mae Kok Valley. The golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong is the main attraction of the temple. The construction is 14 meters high, with a base in the shape of lotus petal with the body and the top decorated with a gold foil. The chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built. On top of the hill finds a circle of columns surrounding the new city pillar built in an auspicious occasion to celebrate Chiang Rai’s 725th anniversary as well as His Majesty the King Bhumibhol’s 60th birthday.
Admission fee & Opening hours: Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Admission is free.
Getting there: The temple is located on the top of Doi Chom Thong, about 1.2 northwest of city center, and easy accessible by songthaew from those who stay already in Chiang Rai.Read More
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