Wat Rong Khun is better known as “The White Temple” and is one of the most recognizable temples in the world.  It state of the current temple is a modern rebuild of an older temple that was in disrepair.  The best time of day to photograph the temple is early morning, before other tourist arrive.  It also gives you the best chance to capture the temple a pond at the foreground of the temple.  The advantage is that you have a better chance of no wind and the pond will reflect the temple like a mirror.

What I found most interesting is the section before crossing the bridge over the pond.  The ground is lined with hands reaching out, some holding skulls, as you walk to the bridge.  I’ve been to many temple but never seen anything like that.  When viewing this temple it’s good to remember it has been redesigned by an artist who has used his own personal money to construct.

The best time of year to go is the dry season, late December through April, however, I was here in June and had very good weather.  The temple is located in Chiang Rai.  Most tourist will take a day trip with a tour company leaving Chiang Mai early in the morning.  Some other options is to spend the night in Chiang Rai or hire a private driver to get an earlier start.

There is an entrance fee for foreigners of 50 Baht (about $1.70).

There are two ways to access Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. You can take a lift to the top that cost 20 baht or walk the Naga Stair, which is free. You still have to pay an entrance fee of 30 baht when you get to the top. This is a separate charge from the lift fee.

According to the ticket to enter the complex, there are 306 steps to the top. It sounds much worse than it is. It is not that steep like other temples in Bangkok or Tibet. The steeps are gradual and easy to do.  The steps are guarded by two beautiful Naga. The tail of the Naga acts as a large railing the entire length of the steps. Very impressive.

The temple is said to be built on the location where a white elephant had died after trumpeting three times.  However, there is more to the story.  The elephant was carrying what was thought to be part of a shoulder bone of Guatama Buddha, tied to it’s back by the king.

The highlight of the monastery is Golden Chedi.  Many people come to pray and pay respect.  The chedi is surrounded by various buddha’s.  One of the more popular statues is the Green Glass Buddha.

BEWARE of the temple dogs! They are vicious. When I was exploring Wat Pha Lat, I had four, as a group, run up to me growling and barking. Made me very uncomfortable. Fortunately there was a Monk nearby and all he did was a loud grunt and the dogs immediately stopped. So if you go, and there is no Monks around, try the grunt. If that doesn’t work, well, good luck. Try and stay calm and don’t make any sudden movements.

Wat Pha Lat is a small jungle temple used as a resting point by Monks travel up Doi Suthep to the main temple Wat Doi Suthep.  The highlight of this temple is accessing it via the Monk’s Trail.  After about a one mile hike, you enter the temple along a curving staircase lined with Buddha statues.  To the right is a cascading stream.  Cross the stream by a small wooden bridge.  After crossing, to the right is a white Naga staircase and offers beautiful photo opportunities.  To the left are various temples and a large Chedi.