Wat Doi Kham is an ancient temple located on a hill not far from downtown Chiang Mai. It is popular among tourists and believers who come to pay respect to Luang Pho Thanjai, a sacred Buddha image believed to grant wishes quickly, especially for work, luck, and fortune.
This temple is also a viewpoint overlooking panoramic scenes of Chiang Mai city. Visitors love to come up to watch the sunset and take memorable photos. In this article, we will guide you to get to know this temple in depth, including its history, sacred significance, directions, and other useful information you should know.
Brief History of Wat Doi Kham
Wat Doi Kham was originally named Wat Suwannabuphap. It is over 1,300 years old and holds great significance for Chiang Mai locals and Lanna people. It has been continuously renovated up to the present to preserve its sacredness and to remain a spiritual center for the people.
General Information about Wat Doi Kham
- Full Name: Wat Phra That Doi Kham
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: None
- Location: Wat Phra That Doi Kham Google Maps
How to Get to Wat Doi Kham
- Private Car: From downtown Chiang Mai, drive about 15–20 minutes. Use the same route as to the Royal Park Rajapruek and Night Safari Zoo. The temple has convenient parking.
- Motorbike Rental: Suitable for travelers who enjoy riding and scenic drives.
- Taxi or Grab: The easiest option for those without a private car. The fare is reasonable.
Sacred Sites and How to Make Wishes at Wat Doi Kham
Wat Doi Kham is not only famous for its sacred Luang Pho Thanjai, but also has other important sacred sites and spots for visitors to pay respect and make wishes, including:
1. Luang Pho Thanjai
The spiritual center for people all over the country. It is believed that wishes will be fulfilled quickly, especially for work, finances, luck, and exams. Therefore, tourists constantly come to pray and offer jasmine garlands all day long.
Items for Worshipping Luang Pho Thanjai
- Fresh jasmine garlands (the number depends on your faith)
- Other fresh flowers or offerings as appropriate
- 3 incense sticks
Popular Wishes
Quick fulfillment in work, finances, luck, fortune, exams, or any wish you want to come true quickly.
Tips for Making a Wish
Pray for only one specific wish. Do not ask for multiple things at once.
2. Phra That Doi Kham
A sacred stupa over 1,300 years old located on the hilltop of Doi Kham. It is a sacred symbol cherished by Chiang Mai locals. People climb up to pay respect for auspicious blessings.
Items for Worshipping Phra That Doi Kham
- 3 incense sticks
- Fresh flowers such as marigolds or garlands
Popular Wishes
- Auspiciousness and blessings for life and family
- Safe travels
- Good health
Tips for Making a Wish
Calm your mind and pray with firm determination.
3. Thao Wessuwan
The majestic Thao Wessuwan, guardian of spirits and wealth. It is believed that paying homage will ward off evil, enhance good fortune, and bring prosperity in life. Many devotees regularly visit to pay respect and make wishes throughout the year.
Items for Worshipping Thao Wessuwan
- 9 incense sticks
- Red roses or fresh red flowers (red is believed to be auspicious for Thao Wessuwan)
- Fruits such as sugar cane, bananas, or coconuts (according to faith)
Popular Wishes
- Protection from evil, misfortunes, and malevolent spirits
- Warding off bad luck and enhancing auspiciousness
- Some people wish for wealth, money, and smooth work, as Thao Wessuwan is considered the lord of treasures in certain beliefs.
Tips for Making a Wish
- Before praying, state your full name, surname, date of birth, and clearly express your wish.
- After worshipping, walk around the Thao Wessuwan statue (if the area allows) to enhance auspiciousness and confidence in your wish.
Other Interesting Spots at Wat Doi Kham
Apart from paying respect to sacred places, Wat Doi Kham also has beautiful corners and small activities for visitors to stroll around, relax, and capture memorable photos.
1. Chiang Mai City Viewpoint
Behind the temple is a spacious courtyard where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. In the evening, it becomes a popular spot for watching the sunset and taking beautiful photos.
2. Courtyard of Various Buddha Postures
Inside the temple, various Buddha images in different postures are displayed according to Buddhist beliefs. Visitors can walk around, pray according to their day of birth, or pay respect for overall good fortune.
3. Small Chedis and Shrines Around the Temple
There are shrines and small worship spots scattered throughout the temple grounds, perfect for walking around and paying homage at different sacred points following Lanna beliefs.
4. Giant Bell and Drum
A giant bell and drum are located along the walkway up to the temple. It is believed that ringing the bell or beating the drum helps drive away bad spirits and brings auspiciousness to life.
5. Souvenir and Jasmine Garland Shops
Shops selling fresh jasmine garlands for offering to Luang Pho Thanjai and small souvenir stalls are available, so you can pick up a memento to take home.
Why You Should Visit Wat Doi Kham
For foreign travelers wanting to experience the atmosphere of an ancient hilltop temple and observe Northern Thai beliefs up close, Wat Doi Kham is definitely a destination not to be missed.
1. See a Stupa Over 1,300 Years Old
At the hilltop of Doi Kham sits an ancient stupa over 1,300 years old, symbolizing Buddhism in Northern Thailand. Those who love history or ancient architecture will witness authentic Lanna-style beauty.
2. Admire Authentic Lanna Art and Culture
Inside Wat Doi Kham, visitors can see ancient Lanna art and architecture, from intricate carvings on the old stupa and pavilion structures to finely decorated Buddha images. There are also wooden carvings and traditional details reflecting Northern Thai life, making the temple like an open-air classroom narrating the story of Lanna culture.
3. Experience Northern Thai Beliefs Up Close
Wat Doi Kham is still actively visited by locals for making wishes and prayers. Visitors can learn how to pay respect, light incense, and witness small rituals according to local traditions—a peaceful and impressive cultural experience.
Things to Know and Be Careful About When Visiting Wat Doi Kham
Visiting Wat Doi Kham is not only about preparing offerings and a faithful mind; there are also small details you should know and follow to ensure a smooth visit and to show proper respect for this sacred place.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Opening Hours: The temple is open daily from around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit in the morning or before evening.
- Offerings: You don’t need to bring offerings from home. Jasmine garlands, flowers, and incense can be bought at the temple’s shops.
- Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee, but it’s good to prepare a small amount for donations according to your faith.
Proper Etiquette Inside the Temple
- Dress modestly: wear tops with sleeves and long pants or skirts.
- Speak softly; avoid loud conversations or laughing that may disturb others.
- You may take photos in designated areas, but avoid photographing too close to Buddha images or during ceremonies.
- Keep the temple grounds clean; do not litter.
Things to Be Careful About and Prohibited Actions
- Do not climb onto the stupa or sacred structures to take photos.
- Pets are not allowed within the temple grounds.
- Smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in the temple area.
Summary
Wat Doi Kham is more than just a sacred place for making wishes to Luang Pho Thanjai. It is filled with rich history, authentic Lanna art and culture, a beautiful view of Chiang Mai city, and an atmosphere of true faith that visitors can feel. If you have a chance to visit Chiang Mai, don’t miss going up Doi Kham Hill to make a wish, recharge your spirit, and bring home memorable experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Doi Kham
Before visiting Wat Doi Kham, many people may have some questions. This section gathers common FAQs to help you visit with peace of mind.
1. How to get to Wat Doi Kham without a private car?
Most foreign tourists take a Grab or taxi from downtown Chiang Mai. The trip takes about 15–20 minutes. It’s convenient and reasonably priced.
2. Is there a guide service at the temple?
Usually, there is no official guide at the temple, but you can explore on your own. If you come with a local tour, some tours may provide a guide who explains the history and how to worship properly.
3. Do I need to prepare offerings myself or can I buy them at the temple?
You don’t need to bring offerings. The temple has shops selling fresh jasmine garlands, fresh flowers, and incense sticks—everything you need is easily available.
4. Can I take photos?
You can take photos in the temple courtyard and viewpoint area, but please avoid taking pictures during religious ceremonies or too close to Buddha statues to show respect.
