We planned a big exploration day for the grandsons in Chiang Mai with fabulous temple visits followed by an amazing immersion with elephants. AP Good Travel was our guide for this trip and we can’t recommend them highly enough!. We used them previously in 2019. Our first stop is a temple few tourist visit, Wat Pha Lat, or the secret jungle temple.

Wat Pha Lat is a hidden gem which has it all: a holy viharn (shrine hall), serene atmosphere, breathtaking views over the city of Chiang Mai, and a beautiful little stream that passes through the temple’s garden. This temple was constructed during the reign of King Kuena (1355-1385). Legend says that the king’s white elephant stopped and knelt down at this place whilst walking up the mountain. The animal continued his journey but then died when arriving at the top of the height. King Kuena ordered the construction of Doi Suthep temple at the very place the elephant died. Later, he also ordered the construction of temples at the three other spots where the white elephant had rested, one of these being Wat Pha Lat.

We were the only visitors on this morning.

Our guide, Nop, explained the growth of the temple during COVID, as volunteers worked daily to uncover and repair a whole new section of the temple.

The entrance to the shrine hall and temple grounds.

Owen and Vaughan led the way up the stairs.

Marla and I both felt very honored to have tthe opportunity to return to this sacred temple on the mountain.

A Buddha sculpture sits in a niche of an ancient chedi.

A giant Singh (lions) guards the chedi and the entrance to the temples.

We all felt transported to another time and place.

Vaughan and Marla in part of the newly discovered and repaired shrine.

This is the perfect spot to see Chiang Mai far below.

A beautiful purple orchid attached to a tree.

Next, our driver and guide parked near the Naga steps which lead you to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Marla opted for the tram after her problems the day before as it was really hot and humid!

Vaughan begins the 309 steps.

This photo is Vaughan and Owen’s parents at the same spot in 1997!

The Boys finish the climb. It was a piece of cake for them as they both run track!

A monk at the temple.

Intricately carved pillars at the observation area.

Enjoying the view of Chiang Mai below.

Nop and Marla.

A shimmering statue and golden chedi with a beautiful blue sky in the background.

Buddhists circle the Chedi three times in a clockwise direction holding a lotus flower to show respect for the relics of the Chedi and as a form of worship.

Marla and I have visited Doi Suthep on more than 5 occasions, always marveling at the beauty of this sacred place.

Marla stands next to a replica of the famous “Emerald Buddha.”

Ringing a bell at the temple. The temple bells for many Buddhists symbolize wisdom and compassion which are part of the path to enlightenment.

Owen is a great observer of people and life at the temple.

Worshippers at one of shrine areas.

We stopped for lunch at a very authentic restaurant on the way to the elephant camp. The Boys enjoyed chicken Pad Thai once again.

Next week we will explore one of my very favorite places and experiences,…Elephant Eco Valley.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.