Wat Phra That Doi Kam is a temple that tourists often miss during their visit to Chiang Mai - and it's a shame. The impressive and tall Buddha statue that stands there, together with the spectacular view from the place are a winning reason to visit the temple, which is located on top of a hill at the edge of the city.
This temple has a history of no less than 1300 years and the hypothesis is that the place was built around 687 AD. Like many of the temples in the area, Wat Phra That Doi Kham was also established as a burial place for the holy remains of Buddha. Therefore, the oldest building in the complex is the stupa, where they were buried.
According to popular belief, when Buddha visited the place he managed to convince a tribe of violent cannibals that operated in the area to stop eating humans and even managed to convert them to Buddhism. When he left, he left them ends of his hair and it is still in the stupa of Wat Phra That Doi Kham.
This stupa reminds of the stupa in another and very famous temple in Chiang Mai - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This stupa was destroyed by the elements and rebuilt, not before more Buddha figures were found inside.
During your visit to the temple, you will not be able to miss the seated Buddha statue, which stands 17 meters high and is dressed in golden clothes. Thanks to its impressive size, you can see it from the bottom of the hill. This impressive sculpture gave the temple one of its affectionate names "The Golden Temple". Next to the big statue are placed several small Buddha statues and at the foot of the steps leading to the statue are statues of warriors, who protect the Buddha.
Another reason to come to Wat Phra That Doi Cam is the excellent view from the place. You can see Chiang Mai from a distance and also the surrounding green mountains.
To reach the temple you will have to climb up the hill. There are several ways to do this, but it is recommended to take the stairs. This gram has 300 steps and is decorated with figures of snakes.
The temple is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Tourists are required to pay a nominal sum of 30 baht to enter the complex. You will also need to arrive in long pants and a shirt with sleeves, otherwise you will have to rent a scarf to cover yourself with.
