We spent our first full day in Chaing Mai visiting three different Buddhist Temples. It was an amazing experience. Having our own personal tour guide also helped things along!!
The first temple we visited was Wat Su Dok, which was built in the 14th century. This Wat is where a large number of the royal family is buried. They have their own area of the Wat dedicated to them.
When we arrived, our guide, Pin, explained that there was a funeral taking place that day for one of the Buddhist Monks from the temple. Apparently, only the monks are placed In caskets before they are cremated. Another monk then was talking over a loud speaker explaining the life of this monk.
This was our first experience in a Wat, so Pin walked us through what to do when you actually enter the building with Buddha in it. First, you take off your shoes. Then, you walk up to the Buddha statue get on your knees and bow your head to the floor three times. (We discovered everything in Buddhism has to do with three!!).
Our next Wat was the most famous in Chaing Mai, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. This Wat is located up in the foothills outside of Chaing Mai. Pin explained that the followers would walk for 5 1/2 hours to the temple before the road was built. After driving up to it, with the road so steep, that walk would not be for the faint of heart! The scenery was beautiful though. Located inside a National Park, we drove by three or four different water falls.
When we arrived at Wat Doi Suthep, Hubby was given the choice to walk up the 370 stairs to the temple, or take an elevator. Hubby chose the stairs. Let me tell you, when ever you are given this choice, TAKE THE ELEVATOR!!! Hubby and I trekked up the stairs, along with Pin’s intern. It was not a pleasant experience! Honestly though, I’m secretly glad we did it (although I will NEVER admit that to Hubby!!!). Once there, it was Amazing. To me, it looked like what Shangri-la would look like.
While there, we were blessed not once, but twice by two Buddhist monks. One of them even gave us a string bracelet. Pin walked us through the story of The Lord Buddha, which was painted on the wall of the temple. We also have our future told by a game that is played in the temple. It was crazy weird how good mine was. Hubby’s, not so close!
We were also able to see the whole view of Chaing Mai. The city doesn’t seem so big until you are up there!!
Our final temple was Wat Jedyod. This Temple looked like we stepped right into Lara Croft Tomb Raider. It was awesome. After leaving Wat Doi Suthep, which was insanely busy and popular, Wat Jedyod was so quiet.
The buildings, which were there before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, were somewhat overgrown and falling apart. To me, that added to the charm.
The temples are DEFINITELY. A must see in Thailand.