Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Koeng

Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Koeng: A heavenly view atop the peak of Doi Tao

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to travel up to Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Koeng, located in Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai Province. My purpose this time was not only to pay respects to the stupa but also because locals in Doi Tao told me that the view from Doi Koeng is the most beautiful they have ever seen. So, I had to see it with my own eyes.

The journey to Doi Koeng is not easy. If you come from Doi Tao District, you must take a boat across the Ping River through Doi Tao Lake, then hike up the mountain for about 2 hours. This route is only open when there is water in the lake from November to January. The more convenient route is to drive from Hod District, passing Tha Duea Subdistrict, and continue to the end of the road where you will find clear signs leading up to Doi Koeng. However, if you use a sedan, I strongly advise against it because the road is full of rocks, sand, and very steep and narrow slopes. Some sections are so narrow that cars cannot pass each other. Only experienced drivers with suitable vehicles should attempt this.

After parking at the bottom, I walked up the long wooden stairs to the summit where the stupa is located. It took about 10-15 minutes. The climb was tiring, but once I reached the top, the fatigue vanished immediately. The golden stupa stood proudly against the deep blue sky. A gentle cool breeze made the atmosphere fresh and peaceful. The view from here was vast, clearly showing the winding Ping River flowing down to the Bhumibol Dam. Although the lake water was quite low when I visited, it did not diminish the beauty of the view at all.

Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Koeng holds great religious and historical significance. The stupa enshrines the Buddha's relics. The left frontal bone relic (phalanx) beside the stupa is connected to Queen Chamthewi, the ruler of Hariphunchai or Lamphun in the past, who once came to pay respects to Doi Koeng Stupa in the year 1200 BE.

Between 1920-1921 BE, Kruba Srivichai, a Lanna saint, restored the original stupa and built a new stupa covering the old one in the form we see today. Somdet Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab also visited to pay respects during that time. Later in 1986 BE, Kruba Boonsri Apipuno undertook a pilgrimage to restore the temple and built additional monastic buildings, making it as beautiful and complete as it is now.

I, mr.hotsia, am impressed that this temple is not just an ordinary tourist spot but also blends deep history and faith. It is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle of big cities and experience a peaceful and meaningful natural atmosphere at the same time.

Connecting with the lifestyle and nature of Doi Tao

Besides Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Koeng, Doi Tao District has many other charming places to explore. When I traveled there,Remnants of Doi Tao LakeThe water in the lake has dropped significantly, revealing old stupa ruins and local cornfields, reflecting the changes in nature and the lifestyle of the local people. The reduced water level does not destroy the area's beauty but instead offers new perspectives on nature and local culture.

If you start your journey from Hod District, a town with history and a warm atmosphere, besides heading to Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Koeng, I recommend stopping by the old town of Hod, which was once flooded. I have written about it in an articleThe Ancient Flooded Town of Hod Has Returnedto gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and history of this area.

Local Food and Markets Along the Route

Of course, on such a long trip, I, mr.hotsia, did not miss the chance to find good local food along the way. In Doi Tao and Hod, there are many interesting local eateries such asJaeng Muang Restaurantin Mae Chaem, not far from this route. I recommend stopping here to enjoy delicious Khao Soi and local coffee before continuing your journey. The food here has the authentic taste of Northern people, and the restaurant atmosphere feels warm, like eating at a friend's home.

Additionally, along the route, there are local markets where villagers exchange produce and goods. This is a great opportunity to see the genuine lifestyle and culture of the Lanna people. I, mr.hotsia, love walking through markets like this because I get to talk with locals, taste foods not found in regular restaurants, and capture simple yet charming everyday life scenes to take home.

Tips from mr.hotsia

If you are planning to visit Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Koeng, prepare well for the journey, especially if you plan to drive up the mountain. The road is quite difficult and very narrow. Sedans are not suitable and can be dangerous. I recommend using a pickup truck or a four-wheel-drive vehicle for safety. Also, try to visit during good weather without rain because the slopes and rocks become very slippery.

During the dry season, like when I visited in mid-October, the water in Doi Tao Lake drops significantly, making boating and raft rides impossible as they are from late year to early next year. If you want to experience the full lake atmosphere, plan your visit between November and January.

For those interested in Lanna history and faith in Kruba Srivichai, Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Koeng is another must-visit place because it is full of stories reflecting faith and the restoration of Lanna art and culture.

Finally, I, mr.hotsia, want you to experience the atmosphere here yourself because photos or stories can never compare to standing on the summit of Doi Koeng, breathing fresh air, and looking out over the vast view as I truly did.