Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu formerly known as Wat Plai Doi

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is a respectable temple that has stood with Mae Hong Son people for a long time. it is a familiar landmark from anywhere within the city.

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is located on a hill to the west of Mae Hong Son city. It stands atop Kong Mu hill and can be seen from anywhere in town. The temple itself is notable for its two large white chedis and its typical Shan architecture. This temple holds many annual festivals on special occasions, such as New Year’s Day, Loy krathong Festival, Song Kran’s Festival, the Buddhist Lent Ceremony, especially in Buddhist monks to Daowadung.

Interesting features of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is the two richly decorated white pagodas that have been constructed in Burmese-style.

Large Chedi : It was built by a Tai-Yai merchant named “Jong Tong Su” in 1860. It is a decorated chedi in Mon style, with stucco patterns, and 3 superimposed octagonal pedestals. The lower pedestal was adorned with small facades called “Soom Phra” on all 8 sides.

Small Chedi : It was built in 1874 by Phaya Singhanat Racha, the first governor of Mae Hong Son to commemorate his appointment to be Ma Hong Son’s ruler. The chedi houses Phra Mokkanlana’s relics brought from Myanmar. It is a decorated chedi in Mon style, with 3 superimposed rectangular pedestals. At 4 corners of the pedestal are adorned with stucco Leo statues. The lower base was embellished with small facades called “Soom Phra” in Mon artistic style. The major facade has 3 superimposed decorated rooftops in stucco castle shape. The Viharn of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is located beside the big Phra That Chedi. They were built simultaneously. The viharn is in “Song Rong” architectural style, with rectangular shape and 3 superimposed wooden roofs. The roofs were adorned with metals, and perforated in Thai-Yai designs.

The Viharn of Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu : It was located next to the big Phra That Chedi. The viharn is in “Song Rong” architectural style in a rectangular shape. It was roofed with 3 superimposed wooden roofs, and decorated with perforated metals according to Thai-Yai style.

Panoramic views : From Phrathat Doi Kong Mu Temple, visitors can get a clear striking panoramic view of the whole landscape and the town of Mae Hong Son. The view of the sea of fog that collects in the valley each morning is impressive. At sunset the sun disappears behind the Burmese mountains. Other times you get wonderful views of the town and surrounding valleys.

The Staircase :  Higher up the hill overlooking Mae Hong Son is a Buddha image in subduing Mara posture, seated on a high pedestal. The image is guarded by a pair of white and gold guardian Chinthe lions. On top of the hill is another small temple building topped with a Pyatthat roof. The stairs are guarded by mythological Naga serpents. In front of it is a large standing Buddha image wearing a golden robe.

Opening Time : The temple opens daily during daylight hours

Address : Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Chong Kham, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand

GPS Coordinates Map : 19.3000751,97.9583525

Entrance : Admission to the temple is free but donations are suggested.

How to get there :

To travel there, take Highway no.108. From Phaya Singhanat Racha Monument, drive up the unpaved road on the left of the monument for around 1.5 kilometers.

There are two different ways of reaching Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. Visitors can climb to the top of the Doi Kong Mu using the stairway that starts from Wat Phra Non and goes until the temple while passing through the forests. Another way of reaching the hill top is to follow the second path that starts from Wat Muo Taw. In any case, it takes half an hour to reach the temple on foot. However, one can always use a motorcycle or a car to reach the temple but you will miss out on the scenic beauty that walking allows you to see.

• By public vehicles :Tourists can rent a Tuk-Tuk , or Son Taew (Two-row seated bus) from the town up to Phra That Doi Kong Mu.
• By personal vehicles
• Tour company or travel agent can arrange transport via air-conditioned car, van or mini-bus.
• By renting the mountain bike or Motorbike.

Note : Wheelchair user is accessible

Nearby Places

• Wat Phra Non

Wat Phra Non has a unique of its own. A gigantic Buddha statue of the lying-down manner is located there. In case you’re confused, the word ‘phra’ here means ‘Buddha statue’ and the word ‘non’ means ‘lie down’. Now, that makes sense why the temple was named as Wat Phra Non.

• Phraya Singhanatracha Memorial

Situated at the foot of Doi Kong Mu, this monument commemorates the first governor of Mae Hong Son Phraya Singhanatracha. His origin was Thai Yai native from Burma (Myanmar) but he later gathered people to establish a village called Ban Khun Yuam on the south of Mae Hong Son. After he was regarded as the governor of Khun Yuam town, he was later appointed by the King of Lanna to be the official governor in 1874.