Temple in the Mountains

Trip Start Sep 09, 2005
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Trip End Dec 23, 2005


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Friday, November 18, 2005

Wat Phra That Temple, in the Doi Suthep mountains, is one of the four royal wats in the north of Chaing Mai. Mom and I grabbed a taxi and headed up the winding (slightly nausiating) road up the mountain. The story behind the temple: in the 14th century a budda in a temple in the old city split in two exactly equal parts - for an unknown reason. To honor the 'miracle' the king placed one of the pieces on the back of a white elephant and let him wander. After the elephant climbed the Doi Suthep mountain, he circled three times, trumpeted, and died. Hence, marking the spot for the new temple to be built.

Leading up to the temple is a 290 step snake staircase. The temple itself was covered by gold, surrounded by countless buddas, ornate wood carvings and a myjestic view over all of Chaing Mai. Clear skies, 85 degrees, beautiful to wander around, it was a great way to end our morning in Chaing Mai before heading off to Bangkok. One night in Bangkok (haha - can you hear the music) and we would meet our group to travel Cambodia with.
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