Wat Phrathat Doi Saket or Doi Saket Temple

Doi Saket temple is very beautiful and enriched with amazing decorating styles. The

paintings on the walls of the Vihan, the entrance to the temple, and the statues all truly reflect the long, glorious and vibrating culture and history. The entrance to the temple (as is the case at Doi Suthep) has a steep set of stairs leading to the temple. The most prominent feature of the Doi Saket Temple is the giant golden sitting Buddha (Phra Buddha Pathimakorn), visible from the road leading to the temple. If you don’t feel up to the climb, have no fear as the road continues to the right and winds up to the top of the hill. There’s even a cute little coffee shop near the parking area if you need a refreshment. The interior walls of the temple are decorated with modern spiritual murals, painted by Khun Chaiwat Wannanon. There is also a monastic school located on the grounds of the temple.

History :

The temple at Doi Saket is said to have been built in the year 1112. The legend is that the Lord Buddha had come to Doi Saket for a short time, and was visited by naka whom he offered his hair for the purpose of worship. Shortly after he is said to have dissapeared, and this is the 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.

How to get to Wat Phrathat Doi Saket

The Doi Saket district is predominantly a rural farming area, with plenty of rice fields in the valley as well as orchards and other farming on the mountainsides. It is located on the road north to Chiang Rai (Highway 118), just before the climb up the mountain. From the center of Chiang Mai. This is the main road that intersects the Super Highway right by the Arcade Bus Station and the new Central Festival shopping center. Just drive straight for about 15 km until you see the sign to turn right for Doi Saket. Keep following this road right through the middle of the little town and you’ll see an intimidating Naga staircase leading up to the temple. Other choices are more comfortable, Chiang Mai Tour Agency can provide private tours Chiang Mai to Doi Saket Temple or can combine program with Private tour Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.