Wat Phrathat Doi Tung

What Phrathat Doi Tung in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Wat Phrathat Doi Tung
Chiang Rai

Wal Phra Maha Chinathat Chao (Doi Tung) or commonly known as Wat Phrathat Doi Tung is located on top of Doi Din Daeng.  It was built in the reign of Phrachao Uchutarat, the 3rd King of the Singhanawat Royal Family.  At the time. Phra Maha Kassapa presented to the King relics of the Buddha (a collarbone).  The relics were then moved and kept on top of Doi Tung, previously known as Doi Din Daeng where the Milakku or Lua tribe resided.  The King gave gold to the head of the tribe in exchange for an additional 3.000 square wa extension on each side of the land surrounding Phrathat.  The temple was named after a sacred flag known as Tung in local dialect which was 7,000 square wa in length and put up at the temple by Phra Maha Kassapa.

The great hermit Sura Deva presented 150 relics of the Buddha to King Mangrai, the 4th king of the Singnanawat Royal Family who ruled Yonok Chiang Saen city at the time.  The King once again placed the Buddha relics on top of Doi Tung.  This is why today there are two Phrathat Chedis standing side by side on top of Doi Tung.

According to the belief of Lanna culture, Phrathat Doi Tung was the first trace of Buddhism that was established in the country.  It represented the Buddha himself and it relates to the belief that Phrathat is assigned to the Year of the Pig.  Worshipers of Phrathat Doi Tung will achieve success and prosperity in life.  However, according to Buddhist teaching, in order to achieve success, one should be cautious in living one’s life and always make merit, observe the precepts and practice Dhamma.

How to get there
Phrathat Doi Tung is located at Huai Khrai Sub-district, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province.  From Chiang Rai city center, take Highway 1 for about 55 kilometers.  Turn left to Highway 1149 and Phrathat Doi Tung is only 600 meters away from Wat Phrathat Doi Tung.