Wat Phra That Doi Kham, famous for Luang Pho Than Chai

Wat Phra That Doi Kham is an important temple in Chiang Mai Province. It is over 1,300 years old. It is located on Doi Kham, behind Royal Park Rajapruek, about 10 kilometers from Chiang Mai city. It is home to Luang Pho Than Jai, the sacred Buddha image of Chiang Mai, which can grant wishes and is a popular place for people to worship and make vows. It is over five hundred years old, but the way to fulfill vows is to offer jasmine garlands. Legend has it that Wat Phra That Doi Kham was built in 1230 during the reign of Queen Chamadevi of Hariphunchai, built by her two sons. It consists of a stupa containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, a sermon hall, monks’ residences, and a stucco Buddha image. It was originally called Wat Suwannabanpot, but locals called it “Wat Doi Kham” instead. In 1966, Wat Doi Kham was a deserted temple. Later, the crypt was broken into and villagers found many antiques, such as Phra Rod Luang, a large gilded sandstone Buddha, and Phra Sam Mo (made of clay), which were enshrined at Wat Phra That Doi Kham. Phra That Doi Kham has also been designated as a visual area before planes land at Chiang Mai Airport for various airlines. Every year, the 7th and 8th waning days after Visakha Bucha Day are considered the day of bathing the Phra That, which is considered the day of the cremation of the Buddha's image (8 days after his passing into nirvana). It is considered an important day in Buddhism, falling on the 8th waning day of Visakha month (the 6th month in Thailand). Wat Phra That Doi Kham therefore uses this day to organize an event and bathing ceremony to commemorate the Buddha's virtues, the Dharma's virtues, and the Sangha's virtues that he created and spread Buddhism. Chiang Mai has many tourist attractions besides Wat Phra That Doi Kham. You can also visit the Royal Park Rajapruek, which is located next door. For accommodation in Chiang Mai, you can search on trip.com. #VisitChiangMai