Wat Chaloem Phrakiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson

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About Wat Chaloem Phrakiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson

The journey to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, a hidden gem in Northern Thailand, is an adventure in itself. The temple, nestled in a National Park about 150 km east of Chiang Mai or 180 km south of Chiang Rai, is not a typical tourist destination. It's not listed on the usual tour packages, and many tour operators haven't even heard of it. This makes it a truly undiscovered treasure, waiting to be explored before it becomes a mainstream attraction.

Getting there can be a bit of a challenge. There's no scheduled tour service, so visitors will need to hire a car and driver, or rent a car themselves. The journey from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai can be a bit daunting, especially on a moped, so it's recommended to hire a car and driver. The journey can be made into a four-hour side trip if traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai or vice versa.

Once at the base of the temple, visitors can pay a small fee for a ride to the beginning of the walk by 4 wheel drive pickup. The ride is a thrilling experience, with the vehicle navigating the steep and treacherous road. After getting out of the pickup, visitors walk about 400 meters on a very easy paved trail. Then the real work begins.

The climb to the temple is a tough one, but definitely worth the effort. It involves trekking up multiple layers of steps, with beautiful pagodas and stupas on many different levels. It's recommended to take water and a facecloth, as the climb can be exhausting and sweaty. Despite the challenge, the views from the top are phenomenal and well worth the effort.

The temple at the top is a peaceful place, perfect for sitting and pondering life. The visibility can be limited at times, but the tranquility of the place more than makes up for it. There are resting places at intervals along the way, and it's suggested to start the climb early in the day to avoid the heat.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a relatively new temple, only about 14 years old. They recently built stairs so people can hike up to the temple that is located on the very top of the mountain. Along the way, visitors can see the beautiful scenery of all of Lampang. There are about 2 temples to visit, one selfie point, and a small cafe to get a refreshing drink before continuing the hike.

The mountain tops and cliffs are dotted with a number of stupa and temple structures, the materials for which were all carried up the hill by hand. Once visitors have made the climb, they can truly appreciate the effort that must have gone into building these structures. The high points offer stunning views, but may not appeal to anyone having serious issues with vertigo and heights.

After the climb, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant near the bottom car park. The restaurant is run by a man who had a restaurant in London for many years, and his food is highly recommended. Before leaving, visitors should also take the time to explore the small complex of temples and gardens near the car park.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is an amazing and breathtakingly beautiful place to visit. It's a bit difficult to get to, but the journey and the climb are well worth the effort. It's a must-see in unseen Thailand, and comes highly recommended for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.