The tradition of climbing Doi Suthep to pay respects to the relics of the Lord Buddha at Phra That Doi Suthep.

This trip was planned to join the walk up Doi Suthep during the "Tiew Khao Doi Wai Sa Pa Roi Mi Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep" ceremony, or on the TAT website, the "Walking up Doi Suthep to bathe the Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep on Visakha Bucha Day" ceremony. It is held every year one day before Visakha Bucha Day. I have often heard Chiang Mai people talk about it when I come to visit. I have been wanting to come for many years. This year, many opportunities came together, both in terms of tickets and travel time. This trip was 3 days and 2 nights (May 28-30, 2018). On the way there, I left Suvarnabhumi Airport for Lampang. I wanted to try this route. It took an hour and a half.

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A two-row car from Lampang Airport to the bus station costs 50 baht per person. A van from Lampang to Chiang Mai costs 73 baht. When I arrived in Chiang Mai, it was raining heavily. I checked into my accommodation, which was not far from Rin Kham Intersection. When the rain stopped, I walked out with an umbrella, ready to climb Doi Suthep. While waiting to cross the road at Rin Kham Intersection, I took some photos of the evening lights (the traffic light at this intersection is really long).

Continuing on, the road is closed from the front of CMU. Tonight, the walk up is no longer lonely, there are a lot of people.

The procession carrying the royal water bestowed by His Majesty King Rama X for the bathing ceremony of the Doi Suthep chedi arrived at the Kru Ba Srivichai monument. The event featured performances and an opening ceremony.

Following the official opening ceremony by the Chiang Mai governor, we began our ascent up the mountain alongside many others who had been waiting for the ceremony to conclude.

Walking in the rain with an umbrella, it started raining all the time. As I started walking, I started to have fun. I heard an announcement that it was 13 kilometers from the Khwang Anusawari Kru Ba Srivichai to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. I was worried if I could climb it. I walked slowly, not in a hurry. Along the way, there were people opening food stalls with food, snacks, water, candy, cold towels, and inhalers all the way. I enjoyed the colors along the way and soon reached the first viewpoint. It was my first time seeing it at night, and it was beautiful.

After a long break, we continued to the second stop, Wat Phralad. We wanted to visit the church, but everyone said it was dark and deserted, so it was better to come during the day. So we only took one picture at the pavilion by the side of the road.

Continuing on, we occasionally heard the playful banter of children who came in groups to have fun. We started to rely more on drinking water, and the constant rain meant we still needed to use cooling towels. We thought that if it got any hotter, we wouldn't be able to handle it. Then, we saw this point, which meant we were close. Our motivation surged, and we were able to pick up the pace significantly.

At this point, we had already received our food, as we were unsure of what time we would be able to disembark.

After gaining energy, we continued walking up the Naga stairs (we heard that the cable car was open). Many people started to climb the stairs by holding onto the railings. We were still able to walk steadily. We really appreciate the temple staff who kept sweeping the shoes that were taken off at the stairs and piled them up on the side where the temple provided shoe racks. If shoes were left on the stairs and an elderly person tripped and fell, would they be able to take responsibility? There are already shoe racks provided, so please walk just a little further. We finally arrived! We walked 3.5 kilometers from the hotel to the Kruba Srivichai Monument, and another 13 kilometers from the Kruba Srivichai Monument to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

The rain has started to fall, and the mist is beginning to envelop the temple. It's a truly beautiful sight, even though the rain is starting to get heavier.

Continuing on to the viewpoint, we heard an announcement that there would be a prayer ceremony at that location. The further we walked, the colder it became, with both wind and rain.

The weather was so cold that we had to walk down the mountain. We couldn't walk down the mountain because it was raining and the path was very slippery. We queued up to take a shared taxi down to the front of Chiang Mai University for 40 baht each. We arrived at our accommodation at 3 am and didn't go to sleep until 4 am.

In the afternoon, we finally had the energy to go out for food at Akatr Meat Stew on Sirimangklacharoen Road. The stewed meat was delicious, and the soup was excellent.

Across the street, there is a crowded coffee shop. Today, we did not wait. We continued walking to the Flower Garden Gate.

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It's time for a caffeine boost. We've been to this shop many times. They roast their own coffee beans, which are strong and aromatic. We love it. The coffee shop is called "Dream Weaver" and is located behind Wat Phra Singh.

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Continuing on to the made-to-order food stall next to the fence of Wat Phra Singh, we love this place. It's delicious, cheap, and plentiful. This dish is only 30 baht.

Undeterred by the rain, we continued our journey to Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan.

Departing from Wat Phra Singh, we arrive at the Ho Inthakhin, where we pay respects to the City Pillar Shrine of Chiang Mai.

Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, just in time for the candle procession.

After finishing, I walked to Wat Phantao. I like this place because the location is beautiful again.

It was past nine o'clock when I realized I had forgotten that I wasn't staying at my usual place near Tha Pae Gate this time, but at Rin Kham Intersection. I hurried back to my accommodation, stopping along the way to eat shrimp and crispy pork wonton noodles at Raja Noodles, Crab Wonton, and Red Pork.

Continuing on to Santitham, I stopped by again. The food is cheap and delicious, especially the mala.

On the last morning of the trip, we set out for Ang Kaew Reservoir at Chiang Mai University. The early morning air was fresh and cool, with a light drizzle at times.

We spent two hours at Ang Kaew Reservoir before taking a quick dip before leaving.

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After returning to my accommodation to drop off my belongings, I headed to Brew Fact for a coffee break. I ordered their signature traditional ice cream, which was delicious and had a strong coffee flavor.

Refreshed, I headed to the Three Kings Kway Chap restaurant for my first meal of the day. The kway chap and crispy pork were so delicious that I couldn't finish it all.

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To conclude the trip, we picked up the ordered Som Lim at Kad Warorot and enjoyed some delicious desserts.

The fun is over. On the way back to Chiang Mai Airport, I landed at Don Mueang. This trip used 4 airports, which was very worthwhile.

Another meal, non-stop! The Mom's Chicken Basil might be suitable for those new to basil dishes. However, it's a bit oily.

On the return flight, we circled three times before landing. It was a truly value-for-money flight, living up to the slogan "Fly Value."

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