Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu Temple
Phra That Doi Kong Mu Temple is a sacred temple of Mae Hong Son province, one of the major landmarks in this province. It is located on a hill to the west of Mae Hong Son city, overlooking a beautiful valley. The temple is particularly beautiful in the early morning when the mist and low cloud fill the valley below. This is one of the ‘iconic’ views of Thailand you often see on postcards. During midday, you will have a clear view of Mae Hong Son town with the valley below and mountains beyond.
The temple’s major annual ceremonies are New Year’s Day, Songkran Festival, and the End of Buddhist Lent Day.
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu Temple
1. What to see in Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu Temple
- Two large chedis
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is impressive with its two ‘chedis’ containing the remains of monks from Myanmar. The larger chedis were built in 1860. It contains the relics of an important monk, Phra Maha Mok Kallana Thera, one of the disciples of the Buddha. The relics were brought to Mae Hong Son by migrants from Burma who built the pagoda. Around the base are niches enshrining images of the Buddha. The smaller chedis was built in 1874 by Phraya Singhanat Racha, the first governor of Mae Hong Son. The lower section comprises of several square-shaped tiers of diminishing size. At each of its four corners is a Chinthe, a lion standing guard accompanied by a Naga, the mythological snake. Niches standing in front of the chedi enshrine Burmese style Buddha images. The chedi is topped with a golden spire.
- Two viharns & Burmese style assembly halls
Besides the two chedis, you can find a small, simple viharn, an assembly hall with a very ornate, multi-tiered Burmese style roof attached to the larger chedis. There is also a larger Burmese style viharn standing away from the two chedis. At the center is a Pyatthat, a very ornate Burmese style structure consisting of multiple tiers of receding size. The Pyatthat is topped with a Burmese style finial
- Other attractions:
If you climb a bit higher up the hill, there is a Buddha image overlooking Mae Hong Son. The image is in subduing Mara posture, seated on a high pedestal. It is guarded by a pair of white and gold guardian Chinthe lions.
Continuing traveling uphill, you can see another small temple building topped with a Pyatthat roof. The stairs are guarded by mythological Naga serpents. In front of it is a large standing Buddha image wearing a golden robe.
On the top of Doi Kong Mu hill, you can see 360-degree views of Chong Kham Lake, Mae Hong Son, the Pai valley. Watching the sunrise and sunset over the hill is one of the best things to do in this place. The valley covered with mist in the early morning, and the sun disappearing behind the Burmese mountains are incredibly wonderful images which you should never miss.
2. How to get to the Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
The temple is located on top of Doi Kong Mu hill, almost one kilometer West of Chom Kham Lake and 3 kilometers from the west of Mae Hong Son.
- By tuk-tuk, motorcycle, or a car
You can take a tuk-tuk, motorcycle, or a car from town to get there. However, you will miss out on the scenic beauty that walking allows you to see.
- On foot:
There are two different paths to reach Phra That Doi Kong temple on foot. You can use the stairway to climb to the top of the Doi Kong Mu. The stairway starts from Wat Phra Non and goes until the temple while passing through the forests. Another way is to follow the second path that starts from Wat Muo Taw. The second road is a little easier, as it consists mostly of a zig-zag of ramps with only short stairways at the switch-backs.
Walking on foot takes around half an hour.
Stair to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu Temple
3. Opening hours & Entrance fee
The temple opens daily during daylight hours. Admission is free, but donations are highly appreciated.
Address: Phra That Doi Kong Mu temple, Chong Kham, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand
