Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong is a temple built in the mountain city of Doi Chom Thong. In 1260, King Mengrai is said to have visited, viewed the surrounding area, and pronounced it suitable for the establishment of a city.
According to the Yonok Chronicle, the temple’s chedi was originally built in the year 940 during the reign of Phraya Ruen Kaew, a local prince, to house a third part of Buddha relics. The other two parts were enshrined at Wat Phra That Doi Tung and Wat Phra That Chomkitti.
What to See
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong has fine views of nearby hills and its chedi towers above the surrounding trees. To the south of the chedi is Chiang Rai’s modern City Pillar, installed in 1988.
Getting There
It is located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of the Kok River within town area, contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built. A major religious site in Chiang Rai was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. Tel: 0 5371 6055
