Chiang Mai, Thailand: I signed up for a tour today that will take me to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (typically shortened to Doi Suthep). As an additional part of the tour, I had the option of going to see a tribal village or visiting the Bhubing Palace. I was told by the woman at the hotel that she prefers Bhubing Palace because of the beautiful flowers – sign me up!
The tour group consisted of only seven people and we were picked up in a large van. The drive up to Doi Suthep was a twisty, winding one. The two of us who wanted to see the Bhubing Palace were dropped off first while the others were taken to the village. My main bit of entertainment at this point was that every time our guide said “Bhubing Palace” it sounded just like “Pooping Palace” – well, at least to me, and I was amused.
The palace was built in 1961 for use by the royal family during state visits to the north of Thailand. The palace itself is open to the public except during the months of Jan – March when it is typically in use by the king.
The grounds of the palace are essentially one enormous garden that stretches in every direction.
The walk through the grounds had many varieties of plants I have seen before, but also some I had never seen. There was also a large rose garden that stretched for quite a ways.
The color and variety had more packed into a single space than I had seen anywhere else.
Rounding the corner and reaching the road where the actual palace sat was especially beautiful.
The palace itself was not the grandest of structures, but more of a cottage affair.
A short walk through the woods away from the palace was a staircase leading to a pond.
All around the pond were even more flower beds.
Unfortunately, I had to leave the pond area after a short while and get back to the van to continue our trip.
It was a short drive to Doi Suthep from the Bhubing Palace. Leading from the parking lot for Doi Suthep to the top of the mountain is a long staircase of 309 steps. This long climb is supposed to provide a chance for contemplation for the visitor. However, we took the tram car and missed out on the contemplation.
Upon entering the complex one sees many of the traditional elements seen at other locations.
There was also a large cannonball tree with orchids growing at its base.
The tree is believed to have been growing at this site for over 1,000 years. There is also a statue of a large white elephant at this spot.
The elephant’s story dates to the founding of the temple in 1383. A Buddhist monk had brought a relic (believed to be the shoulder bone of Buddha) to the king of this region. This relic was held to have special powers and was able to vanish and glow. The relic was discovered to have broken into two pieces. One of the pieces was enshrined at Wat Suan Dok. The larger piece was placed on the back of a white elephant that was then released into the jungle. The white elephant ascended Doi Suthep, circled the top of the mountain three times, trumpeted three times, and died. Taking this as an omen, a temple was built at the location where the elephant died. The relic from Buddha is stored within the main chedi located within the temple.
Before entering the temple, I walked around the outer portion of the complex for a bit. There was a large platform that afforded views of the valley below.
Nearby, there were other shrines and the ubiquitous portraits of the king and queen.
I finally headed into the temple to look at the many Buddhas, the chedi, and spires.
Making my way around the temple I was amazed at the variety of materials used to construct the various Buddhas.
There were also oil lamps burning that visitors could refuel as their offering.
As it was nearing the time to depart, I finished my walk through the temple grounds and headed out.
Meeting the rest of the group, it was then time to head down the staircase (so, we got a little bit of contemplation).
After the ride back to Chiang Mai, I got out near the old city gate so I could take some pictures of the gate and the moat surrounding the old city.
With that, I headed back to the hotel and then out to dinner. Overall, a great day of sightseeing.