Wat Phra That Doi Saket

The temple at Doi Saket is similar to Wat Doi Suthep, yet smaller in size. The entrance to the temple (as is the case at Doi Suthep) has a steep set of stairs leading to the temple. The most prominent feature of the Wat Phra That Doi Saket is the giant golden sitting Buddha (Phra Buddha Pathimakorn), visible from the road leading to the temple. The interior walls of the temple are decorated with modern spiritual murals, painted by Khun Chaiwat Wannanon. Normally modern art is not featured in Buddhist temples in Thailand, so this is somewhat unique to Doi Saket. There is also a monastic school located on the grounds of the temple. The temple at Doi Saket is said to have been built in the year 1112. The legend is that the Lord Buddha had come to Doi Saket for a short time, and was visited by a naga whom he offered his hair for the purpose of worship. Shortly after he is said to have disappeared, and this is the reason for the location of the temple. Thai artist, “Khun Chaiwat Wannanon” began painting the interior of the temple walls with spiritual Buddhist murals in the early 1990s. It took over 4 years for the murals to be completed. This is something that is unique to the temple at Doi Saket. Most Buddhist temples in Thailand do not have any modern art in a modern style. [Source: mychiangmaitour]

Ayutthaya Historical Research