Wat Phra That Doi Tung ‘A temple for those who were born in year of the pig’

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There are countless temples in Chiangrai, all of which are beautiful and valuable. Wat Phra That Doi Tung is one of those. It is something that you should never miss. 

Let’s get to know more about it.

Wat Phra That Doi Tung is also known as ‘ Wat Phra Maha Chin That Chao’. It is about 2,000 metres higher than the sea level. The legend says, it was probably built somewhere around the period of King Achutharat of Yonoknakphan.

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This is a very fortunate temple for whoever born in year of the pig. If you are one of these people, you should visit the temple at least once in lifestime, just for your own good fortune. Best of all, you should pay respect to Lord Buddha’s collarbone relics. This should make you feel peaceful and happy, as the relics is considered to be very holy. There have been a story, saying that Mahākāśyapa, King Achutharat of Yonoknakphan, and his servants, brought the relics from India to the temple about 1,000 years ago.

Beside of the relics, there are also two beautiful pagodas, which are located in Debharak Garden. People believe that the garden is holy and watched over by gods. This is a very stunning scenery. You can even admire this in a great distance.

In fact, there haven’t been two pagodas at the first place. At the beginning, there was only one pagoda, which was perfectly decorated with Chiang San style of art. But, as time went by, King Mangrai decided to build another one next to the first one.

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However, the two pagodas have gone through some renovations and adaptation. The first renovation was started in the year 1927, after the temple had been badly ruined. Kruba Sri Wichai and villagers cooperated and fixed the broken spots. Next, in the year 1973, Ministry of Interior operated another renovation by covering the old pagodas with two new pagodas instead. Lastly, in the year 2006, Fine Arts Department undone the two new pagodas, as some villagers weren’t very happy about building them. Then the two original pagodas got fixed at Chiang Mai Office of Archaeology, until they now look so sparkling in golden color.

After you finishing from the pagodas and Buddha’s relics, you may want to continue with wandering around the temple. There are much more to see. A statue of Kruba Sri Wichai is located near the entrance of the temple. Two Naga-shaped handrails are also fabulous and shiny. A walking way with greenery around is absolutely a must-go spot, as you can find a lovely pavilion and a relaxing sightseeing spot if you keep walking along it.

Long story short, Wat Phrathat Doi Tung is a nice place for every familiy members to go together. Also, it is a good idea to go there, comfort your mind, and make merit. Just try to find some time and go. Don’t hesitate!

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How to get there 

Wat Phra That Doi Tung is located in Huai Krai District, Mae Sai County, Chiang Rai Province.

Just use the route Chiang Rai-Mae Sai-Doi Tung Palace. Then look for the way to Chang Mub Mae Fa Luang Arboretum and try notice the sign that lead you to the temple. They both shouldn’t be far from each other. 

If you would like to visit Wat Phra That Doi Tung, We can combine with the tour of “Private Tour Chiang Rai”
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Doi Tung Palace

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Choui Fong Tea Plantation (Mae Chan)

Nearby Places 

Let’s see where else you can go, beside of Wat Phra That Doi Tung. Let’s complete your tour!

Only about 15 kilometres away from Wat Phra That Doi Tung, this palace belonged to palace of Princess Srinagarindra, the royal mother of King Bhumibol. Nowadays, it is a kind of museum, looking so beautiful with Lanna-Swiss Chalet style of art. You can tour the whole area, even the royal bedroom. But, be careful not to take photo arbitrarily.

Just drive for about 41 minutes and you will arrive at it. Enjoy your time at the largest tea producer of Chiangrai. With over 1 million square metres area, the plantation consists of countless descending tea lots, beautiful valleys, and a restaurant, of course. Therefore, beside of just walking around the tea lots, you may sit on the a terrace of the restaurant, sip a cup of green tea, have a yummy piece of green tea cake.