Overview

THE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE! Travelling in the north of Thailand is not only an opportunity to absorb the richness and rewards of its natural beauty, but also to experience its lush cultural heritage and spiritual progression within the Thai Buddhist framework. “Tak Bat” means giving alms to monks. It’s a way for Thai people to give back by offering food to Buddhist followers who help teach others to be good and virtuous. It’s not charity in the Western sense. Thais see it as a virtue and for monks it’s a chance to give people the means to show goodness and do good deeds. Among the hundreds of Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, the Wat Umong or “Tunnel temple” is unique because of its location in the forest and its system of tunnels. The serene and peaceful atmosphere at the 13th century forest temple near Doi Suthep mountain provides a welcome change from the much-visited sites in Chiang Mai. The Wat Suan Dok located just West of the old walled part of Chiang Mai city is a very old temple known for its large number of white chedis or pagodas. Wat Suan Dok literally means “flower garden temple”. The temple derives its name from the location where it was built. The temple area was once used as a Royal flower garden by the ruler of Chiang Mai. The most noticeable feature of the Wat Suan Dok is the large number of chedis. The tallest golden chedi in Sri Lankan style is 48 meters high and contains the relic of the Buddha. A large number of smaller white chedis contain the ashes of members of several generations of the Chiang Mai Royal Family. The ashes were brought here from several places in Chiang Mai as requested by Princess Dara Rasmi early 20th century.