Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Moo (วัดพระธาตุดอยกองมู)

Thai. A hilltop temple in the amphur meuang of Mae Hong Son, at a height of approximately 1,300 meters above sea level and surrounded by teak trees. The temple was formerly called Wat Plai Doi (วัดปลายดอย) and it reflects strong Burmese influences. Its wihaan and most other buildings are constructed like Burmese pyatthat, made from wood and with tapering, multi-level rooftops, typically decorated with ornamental silver plate. In the front yard of the temple stand two large, white chedi, topped with golden chattra (fig.). They are surrounded by Buddha images in both Thai Yai and Thai style, with the latter in the different Phra prajam wan poses. The large chedi was built in 1860 by Jong Thong Su (จองตองสู), while the smaller one was constructed in 1874, commissioned by Singha Nat Racha, the city's first ruler (fig.). A building in the front houses a Buddha image with a bhumisparsa mudra in Burmese style, seated in the lotus position (fig.). Further uphill is the temple's ubosot with in front of it a large standing Buddha image in the pahng hahm phra kaen jan pose, and next to it a crowned Buddha image seated in the maravichaya pose, as well as some other statues, including nagas and singha lions. The compound also has a souvenir market with both local Shan and Burmese handicrafts and even some antiques. Its location provides an exceptional aerial view of the city, the local airport and the surrounding mountains and valleys (fig.). In the evening the temple is illuminated with hundreds of light bulbs which can clearly be seen from the city's centre below. Also transcribed Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. See MAP. 回