Saturday Drive to Wat Phra That Doi Saket

This Saturday had started like any other. I was in Chiang Mai, the northern region of Thailand, a land known for its mountains, traditional temples, and the laid-back atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the bustling, chaotic energy of Bangkok. But today I felt a random urge to get behind the wheel, take a random drive, and see where the roads would take me. In the back of my mind, I had a vague notion to explore the eastern region of Chiang Mai. Maybe it was the whisper of adventure or the need for a change of scenery, I couldn't tell.

​Driving eastwards, I found myself getting drawn to the small town of Doi Saket. There’s a Buddhist temple up there, Wat Phra That Doi Saket, a guidebook had told me. Built in 1112. A relic of the past, standing stoic through the sands of time. Legend says that Lord Buddha once visited Doi Saket and was received by the naka, a serpentine deity, who was honored with a lock of Buddha's hair for worship. It sounded like the kind of story folks around here liked to believe in.
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As I drove up the winding road to the temple, I felt an odd sort of anticipation building inside me. The narrow road stretched on, revealing fleeting glimpses of the temple, a tease before the main event. On reaching the base, I found myself staring at a long flight of stairs. Upon reaching the top, I stood in the presence of the golden Buddha. But what took my breath away wasn’t just the sight of the Buddha but the panoramic view that unfolded in front of me. The vast expanse of Chiang Mai and Doi Saket lay sprawled out, a quilt of varying shades of green, patches of civilization dotting the landscape. Nice random exploration!