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We had spent most of the morning travelling from Chiang Mai and exploring Doi Inthanon National Park – the highest point in Thailand. Next on our tour was a visit to the twin royal pagodas of Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon.
Located not far from the top of Doi Inthanon, the two pagodas were built to commemorate the King and Queen’s 60th birthdays.
We were travelling in the middle of the rainy season in Thailand, and this was very apparent on this particular day. The one good thing about site seeing in bad weather is that you often get the place to yourself, and so what is usually a very busy and popular tourist attraction was now basically deserted, and we were free to explore without the crowds.
The Queen’s Pagoda in the clouds
Another advantage of seeing this particular attraction in bad weather is that we were up in the clouds, giving the place an entirely different feel to what it would be like in fine weather. I found the view of the pagodas in the clouds to be quite beautiful.
Each pagoda has a large stair case leading up to it, along with an escalator for those who have trouble climbing stairs, so this is a place that can really be visited by anyone.
We started by visiting the larger King’s Pagoda, and climbed up the huge stair case to the top.
Climbing up the stairs to the King’s Pagoda
Inside the pagoda is a Buddha statue, and it’s walls and ceilings are beautifully decorated with artwork. The panels on the walls depict important events in Buddhism.
Inside the King’s Pagoda
The ceiling
The exterior of the pagoda is also decorated with panels of beautiful Buddhist artwork, and we wandered right around the building to view them and the surrounding gardens.
Exterior artwork
The garden in the clouds
From here we made our way back down the stairs and up the other stair case to the Queen’s Pagoda. Although these are the “twin pagodas”, the Queen’s Pagoda is actually smaller, but equally beautiful.
Again, it is covered in beautiful artwork both inside and out.
Queen’s Pagoda
The Ceiling
Exterior artwork
Beautiful detail
After walking around the Queen’s Pagoda the rain had eased off and the clouds even cleared a little, so we took a walk around the beautiful gardens that surround the pagodas. A very peaceful place.
View of the garden from the Queen’s Pagoda
Elephant statues in the garden
View of the Queen’s Pagoda from the garden
Flowers in the garden
The Queen’s Pagoda
View of the King’s Pagoda from the garden next to the Queen’s Pagoda
The architecture and artwork of Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon is truly breathtaking. These pagodas are certainly worthy of the King and Queen of Thailand.
Have you been to Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon or anywhere else in Doi Inthanon National Park?
You’re right, the artwork is beautiful! The fog also makes the tower look pretty eerie – but cool!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Success! 31 Days of Posting and Finding Happiness First
I really liked how the fog made the pagodas look as well. It had kind of a mystical feel. Cheers Brock!
Dean Wickham recently posted..Child-friendly holiday destinations
Beautiful photos — we’re hoping to be in Thailand in August. Will make note and try to check this out!
Thanks Ellen. Definitely check it out if you’re in the area. I’m heading back to Thailand briefly in June and I can’t wait. Have a great trip!
[…] left the twin royal pagodas on Doi Inthanon and made our way back down the mountain to stop for some lunch before heading to the […]
These pictures are breathtaking! One of my best friends just visited Thailand and said it was incredible! I really want to go as well, especially because I’m right in the middle of my Asian architecture unit in school. I’m getting my bachelors in architecture, so I really appreciate these awesome pictures. Thanks again for the great post!
Hi Troy. I found the architecture in Thailand to be quite incredible and not something that I expected. A lot of work is put into the elegance and detail of the temples.
Good luck with your studies!
Dean Wickham recently posted..Cycling to Poukham Cave in Vang Vieng, Laos
[…] Pagoda at Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The twin royal pagodas of Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon are located near the top of Doi Inthanon – the highest mountain in Thailand. (function() {var […]