I've lived here for a number of years now and have heard of the "temple on the hill" with the views of the city and finally got there last month.

I knew the general vicinity and just drove in circles until we came across it.

Is this Wat Doi Phrabat? Seems to be the only likely candidate on the map.

I'd certainly recommend it as part of a city day tour.

The wife and I like a restaurant on the lake near there so eventually found our way up there one day. I have since been up there a few times on the Phantom as well. Nice views on a clear day.

That is a good restaurant, the wife took a visitor an I there last month. Cute Karaoke girls setting up as we left, but wifey obviously hadn't factored that into the evening's entertainment.

very close by to wat doi prabat is the wat doi kawkwai... (temple at buffalo horn mountain) ..... i believe it also has great views....

I think the OP was referring to Wat Doi Khao Kwai. The restaurant beside the lake is near to Wat Doi Khao Kwai than Doi Prabat. Wat Doi Prabat is beside the old airport and does not have the viewing point where the OP probably took the 3rd photo. The buffalos or Kwai in the other photo probably was at Wat Doi Khao Kwai (Buffalo horn).

Sounds like Wat Doi Khao Kwai to me then toybits. It has quite a little community up there, dormitories and a meeting hall.

Ta for that.

Definitely the photos were taken at Wat Doi Kao Kwai / Buffalo Horn Hill. I can say this with the assurance of having lived nearby for over a year. :-)

- see: www.chiang-rai.biz/activities/chiang-rai-temples