The white Buddha
About 17 metres on the hill.
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A temple on a small hill south-west of Chiang Mai, said to be older than the city itself, whose name means golden mountain. Its best-known feature today is a huge white seated Buddha about seventeen metres tall on the hill's edge, overlooking the city, the airport and Doi Suthep. Thais come here for a special ritual: people offer jasmine garlands to the Buddha with a wish, and if it comes true they return with more jasmine to fulfil the vow, so heaps of white jasmine surround the altar. The temple has an old golden stupa, a giant statue of Thao Wessuwan, guardian of wealth, and a long serpent-guarded stair for those who want to climb on foot. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off inside the halls. You can drive almost to the top, and the view is loveliest late in the day. It is close to Royal Park Rajapruek and the Night Safari, so combine them in half a day: the temple before sunset, then the park or the safari.
About 17 metres on the hill.
Offered for vows.
To Doi Suthep.
Doi Kham hill, south-west Chiang Mai near Royal Park Rajapruek
They make a wish with jasmine, and if it comes true they return with more to fulfil the vow, a tradition this temple is known for.
