Wat Phra That Doi outside Chiang Mai

#RegisterAugustHotelTester2025 Wat Phra That Doi Saket is located on a small hill in Doi Saket, an area famous for its zip lines and hot springs. Founded in 1112, it occupies a vast expanse and has grown ever larger. The temple is still undergoing renovations, including an enormous reclining Buddha statue and a Buddha footprint. Similar to Chiang Mai's most famous Wat Phra That Doi Saket, the entrance features a long staircase flanked by serpent-like Nagas (or a direct car ride). The complex boasts several beautiful buildings, including a stupa housing Buddha's hair relic and a lecture hall where artist Chaiwat Wannanon spent four years painting modern Buddhist murals in the 1990s, making it one of the few temples in Thailand to feature modern art. On another nearby hilltop, there stands a magnificent golden seated Buddha. It requires a bit of leg strength to reach it, as one has to climb over 200 steps from the ground. However, the scenery becomes more beautiful the higher one climbs. After reaching the platform, one can overlook the lush green fields below the mountain. It is well worth a visit.