Mae Hong Son Tourist Attraction :
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
| Situated on the top of 250-meter high Doi Kong Mu hill is the beautiful temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. Constructed in the year 1874, this remarkable Buddhist monastery is considered as a true depiction of strong Burmese influence on Thai architecture, its culture and even traditions. |
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There are two different ways of reaching the temple. Visitors can climb to the top of the Doi Kong Mu using the stairway that starts from Wat Phra Non and goes until the temple while passing through the forests. Another way of reaching the hill top is to follow the second path that starts from Wat Muo Taw. In any case, it takes half an hour to reach the temple on foot. However, one can always use a motorcycle or a car to reach the temple but you will miss out on the scenic beauty that walking allows you to see.
Walking up to the hill top on the stairway is truly a delightful experience. While ascending to the hill top, visitors will encounter two enormous lion statues that are carved out of stone in Burmese style. The lions are present to guard the path that leads to the temple. Interesting features of this temple are the two richly decorated white pagodas that have been constructed in Burmese-style. While the larger one was constructed in the year 1860, the smaller pagoda was erected during the year 1874. In fact, from the city one can see the pagodas light up during the night. Most part of the temple is based on the Shan-style of architecture.
Enshrined in the larger pagoda are the ashes of a revered monk that were brought to this temple from Burma by two of his devotees. The smaller chedi contains ashes of Phaya Singhanat Racha, first governor of Mae Hong Son. Present behind the two pagodas is a large open-fronted wiharn that contains the altar. This wiharn is located at the base of the crown of the hill. Leading to the crown of the hill is a steep road at the end of which is present the ubosot, a large slender standing image of Lord Buddha. Standing next to the ubosot are several cenotaphs and smaller pagodas.
The scenery from the top of the hill is truly breathtaking and provides a spectacular view of the entire valley amidst which is located the beautiful city of Mae Hong Son.
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