Doi Tung

Doi Tung Review

If you're traveling north from Chiang Rai on Highway 110, watch for the left-hand turn at Km 32 to Doi Tung. The road winds 42 km (26 miles) to the summit, where an astonishing view opens out over the surrounding countryside. The temple here, Wat Phra That Doi Tung, founded more than a millennium ago, is said to be the repository of some important relics of Lord Buddha, including a collarbone. The shrine attracts pilgrims from as far away as India and China, for whom its huge Chinese Buddha figure is a vastly important symbol of good fortune. On the mountain slopes below the temple is the summer home built for the king's late mother. The fine mansion is closed to the public, but the gardens, an explosion of color in all seasons, are open unless particularly important guests are staying.