Thailand

Nestled deep in the forest on the hillside of Chiang Dao, this sanctuary is one of the hidden gems to discover near Chiang Mai. The temple is situated inside a cave, surrounded by dense and lush vegetation. To reach the monastery, visitors must climb over 500 steps. The walls along the stairway leading to it are adorned with large statues of Naga, mythical serpent-like creatures. The handrails of the stairs are extensions of these serpent effigies.

Historical background: the temple's creation

Tranquil and serene, the monastery cave was a favorite meditation spot of Luang Boo Sim Buddhacaro. Captivated by the ambiance, this revered monk eventually made it his home. In 1967, Luang Boo Sim founded Wat Tham Pha Plong to teach Buddhism. He spent ten years of his life in this sanctuary, delivering his final teachings before passing away.

Wat Tham Pha Plong today

Many visitors come to the temple for meditation and introspection. Devotees pray alongside monks inside the cave, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. It's easy to find tranquility and serenity here. The monks speak English, facilitating communication for a more immersive experience, including the possibility of requesting accommodation at the temple.

Visiting the sanctuary

A rewarding climb

Throughout the ascent, visitors are treated to extraordinary panoramic views, with floral corners and lush greenery along the way. Colorful butterflies flutter around exotic flowers peacefully. The air is fresh, providing a rejuvenating climb.

To aid in rest, there are numerous rest points along the ascent, each marked with Buddhist proverbs. These provide opportunities to enrich one's knowledge and take notes.

Prayer and meditation cave

The effort of climbing is greatly rewarded upon reaching the cave. Inside, one finds Buddha images, effigies of Luang Boo Sim Buddhacaro, picturesque worship items, and extraordinary constructions. The surrounding natural landscapes add to the beauty. From the cave, the views are panoramic.

Golden Chedi guarded by Nagas

Continuing the ascent, visitors reach a golden pagoda guarded by Naga statues at its main entrance. This serves as a museum honoring the venerable monk Luang Boo Sim. Inside, one can find a unique Buddha effigy adorned with stained glass.

Practical information

Prices and opening hours

Visiting the cave sanctuary is free of charge. The golden Chedi closes at 6 p.m.

The best time to visit

The ideal period to visit the temple is from November to February, when there is less precipitation and humidity and the temperatures are suitable for climbing.

How to reach the monastery

You can travel to the temple from Bangkok or Chiang Mai, heading to Mochit or Chang Puak bus stations.

The entrance to Wat Tham Pha Plong is approximately 2 kilometers from the famous Chiang Dao caves.

Nearby attractions

The vicinity of the temple offers plenty of other attractions. Close to the monastery, you can explore various sites, such as:

• Malee Cave
• Chiang Dao Nest
• Wat Tha Chiang Dao
• Pha Daeng National Park
• Pong Arng Hot Springs
• Sri Sungwan Waterfall