'PHU CHI FA' Chiang Rai

       Phu Chi Fah Forest Park is located in the area of the Pa Mae Ing and Pa Mae Ngao National Forest Reserve, which falls within Baan Rom Fah Thong Moo 9 and Baan Rom Fah Thai Moo 10, Tambon Por, Wiang Kan District, Chiang Rai Province. The area also falls within the Forest Conservation Area (Zone C) with total area of approximately 2,500 rais announced by the Royal Forest Department as a Forest Park on 6th February, 1998.

      TopographyThe area is in the midst of Doi Pa Mohn Mountain range along the Thai-Laos border. The area is 1,200-1,628 meters above average sea level and an average slope all round of approximately 40%. The highest spot is recorded at the observation point.

       ClimateTemperature up on the hills can be quite cool but season wise, it would be more like Tropical Monsoon with influence from South-Westerly wind during rainy seasons and North-Easterly wind during winter. There are 3 seasons altogether in this area – summer from March to May, rainy season from June to September and winter from October to February.

Doi Suthep Temple

       Doi Suthep is a mountain, about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, with on it Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a Holy Buddhist Temple. Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddha relics and therefore is Holy to Buddhists.

      The place can easily be reached from Chiang Mai. I would say that it is hard not to find a bus or car that wants to bring you there. As you can see on this page, Doi Suthep certainly is worth a visit.

       When you reach this Holy Buddhist place, the first thing you will notice is business (left hand side picture), as usual everywhere in Thailand. To reach the Temple of Doi Suthep, climb the stairs (see the right hand side picture) for the best experience.

       There has been a kind of rail-elevator, that has been closed down after an accident. It was not in operation in 2004. I do not know if this elevator has been re-opened ever since.

       There are about 300 steps to climb. The reward is more than worth the effort. You will see a beautiful Buddhist Temple and you will experience a beautiful view. While climbing the stairs, you should pay attention to the giant dragons on the sides of the stairs (they appear already downstairs; see the right hand side picture).

Wat Sothon Wararam Woravihan

        Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan This temple is situated on the west bank of the Bang Pakong River, 2 Kms. south of the city hall. Enshrined in a new gigantic hall is Phra Phutthasothon, or "Luang Pho Sothon" regarded as one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand. The image, in the attitude of meditation, measuring 1.65 metres wide at the lap and 1.98 metres high, is always seen entirely pasted with gold leaves by worshipers. Two annual fairs celebrating the image fall in the 5th and the 12th lunar months (around April and November).

 

        According to legend, Luang Pho Sothon floated down the Bang Pakong River to the site of the temple. Efforts to retrieve it were unsuccessful until a villager had a small shrine erected on the site and performed a ceremony welcoming the image to the community.

      Ancient Fortress This historical site is located on Maruphong Road in the town. This fortress was frequently used during the reigns of King Rama lll and King Rama V. Many old cannons can now be seen along the wall. Nearby, a public park is suitable for viewing the scenery of the Bang Pakong River.

         Bang Pakong River This scenic river originates in the Khorat high plateau and winds through the heart of the town before running into the Gulf of Thailand at Amphoe Bang Pakong. A boat trip along the river can start either from the town market or Wat Sothon, and travellers can go towards Amphoe Bang Khla, a total distance of 25 kms. The trip takes bout 3 hours by long-tail boat.

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