Tag: temple

Sacred Doi Suthep & Modest Doi Pui
In an earlier post, I wrote about visiting Doi Inthanon. Now, let me share with you about Doi Suthep and Doi Pui.
Doi Suthep is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Chiang Mai. If you only have time to visit one temple in Chiang Mai, make it Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Northern Thailand’s most revered temples.
The Dazzling Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
I could think of no better word to describe Wat Phra That than “dazzling”.
Doesn’t it dazzle? Under the sun’s gaze, the ancient temple gleams and sparkles in gold.
To marvel at its golden chedi (stupa), you’ll need to get up there. There are two choices – climb the 306-step naga staircase, or take the funicular tram.
We did both — funicular up, steps down — and I recommend this combo. It’s all part of the experience! Plus, the intricately carved naga (serpent) railing makes for great photos. Although sadly, I didn’t take any! I had forgotten all about taking photos as I tried to make my way down the 306 steps.
According to Hindu and Buddhist mythology, nagas are deities. These sacred serpents, running along both sides of the staircase, are guardians of the temple.
Once you reach the top (1,000m above sea level), you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Chiang Mai below.
On clear days, the view is stunning — a mix of skyline and serenity. It isn’t surprising that many visitors often linger not just to admire the view but to enjoy a few quiet moments of reflection.
Wat means temple in Thai, so you’ll see this prefix often in temple names across the country. The iconic temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was founded in 1383. According to legend, it enshrines a sacred relic — part of Buddha’s shoulder bone — which gave rise to the name: Phra That (meaning “relic of the Buddha) and Doi Suthep (the mountain it sits atop). Check out Wikipedia if you are interested to know more about the temple.
It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially in the cooler months. We visited in November — a peak travel time for European visitors escaping the winter chill — but it didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded.
Things to note:
As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, one should dress appropriately before entering:
- No shorts or sleeveless tops
- Shoes must be removed before entering temple buildings
- Sarongs and wraps are available for rent at the entrance
Entry Fees
- Temple: 30 THB (foreigners)
- Funicular tram: 20 THB
Doi Pui Chiang Mai & the Hmong Tribal Village
Just a little further up from Wat Phra That lies Doi Pui, the highest peak in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park at 1,685m above sea level. Here, you’ll find the Hmong Tribal Village, home to about 1,300 people across 200 households.
Unlike Mae Kampong, this little village is a meander of alleys lined with shops selling handicraft items and hill tribe products, including ornaments, gemstones and clothing. There are also souvenirs, fruits, locally made tea, etc.
It wasn’t too crowded when we visited. Out of respect, I refrained from taking any photos during this village walkthrough, especially if I wasn’t planning to buy anything.
There’s also a small museum that you can visit if you’re interested in learning about Hmong history, textiles and farming tools. The Hmong people are one of Thailand’s largest hill tribes, known for their rich traditions, colourful clothing, and agricultural way of life.
Capturing street moments
I think street moments tell a story. It allows you to experience the authentic daily life of the locals. Be it a fruit seller who sets up shop off her pick-up truck, or the local Hmong riding his motorbike through the village, these scenes offer a deeper appreciation of the people and their environment.
Featuring the landscape
At the end of the alley walk, you’ll find a modest garden. While it doesn’t compare to the pretty flower farms in Mae Rim, its beauty lies in something more authentic: wooden homes nestled in the natural hillside. That’s the real charm — a balance of preserved tradition and gentle tourism.
Right at the top sits Hmong Doi Pui Family Coffee. Order its local brew of Arabica coffee, sit back and relax. Enjoy the beautiful scenery laid out before your eyes and perhaps even a furry feline lounging nearby (I couldn’t resist snapping that cute little feline on the rails).
Getting to Wat Phra That and Hmong Doi Pui Village
From Chiang Mai’s Old City, it’s about a 45-min drive to Doi Suthep, then another 20-30 min uphill to Doi Pui. It’s a lot nearer compared to Doi Inthanon. Roads are narrow and winding, so hiring a private driver or joining a tour is highly recommended — especially if you’re not used to mountain driving.
Besides booking your own private transport, you can get there via:
- Songthaew (red truck taxis) – Budget-friendly and great if you’re not in a hurry. Don’t worry about getting back into town as you’ll find many lining up at the foot of the temple, waiting for anyone hailing a ride back to the Old City.
- Taxis – Convenient and time-efficient
- Day tours such as those by Klook and Viator. Many day tours combine Doi Suthep and Doi Pui, making it an easy combo for a half or full-day adventure.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Klook.com
7 July 2025
The charm of Hirosaki
From the Apple Park, we hopped on a bus to our next stop – Hirosaki Castle and Park. When we reached our destination, we were met with this picture-perfect scene. It wasn’t quite peak autumn yet but you could already see hints of red and orange. Imagine both sides of the canal lined in deep autumn hues – it must be breathtaking in full season. Unsurprisingly, many stopped by this iconic spot to snap photos.
Hirosaki Park and canal in autumn. Love this? Check out my other pics at Shutterstock.
Before exploring the park, it was time to refuel. Here’s a place that we strongly recommend, if you do not mind indulging quite a bit – Restaurant Yamazaki. The restaurant ranks quite highly on Tripadv isor and Tabelog and is famous for <drum roll> its miracle apple cuisine!
Restaurant Yamazaki and the Miracle Apple
Restaurant Yamazaki is a renowned French restaurant in Hirosaki. It serves seasonal course meals which highlight the region’s ingredients, in particular apples. Their signature dish is the Miracle Apple Cold Soup, a refreshing chilled treat which is made using the whole apple, including the skin, to create a cappuccino-like creamy soup. The delicious soup is made with Akinori Kimura’s miracle apples, hence the name. Mr Kimura is an apple farmer from Aomori who is most known for cultivating these miracle apples without any chemical fertilisers or pesticides and was the first person in the world to succeed in what was thought to be impossible. You can read about him here if you are interested in his story.
The food was simply delicious. If you have a chance, do give this restaurant a try. It’s best if you make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
We were inspired to try this and also visit Aomori because of Mediacorp Singapore artistes Jeremy’s and Jessica’s travel programme Double J Baecation 绚耀爱情. Their experience at Restaurant Yamazaki — especially the Miracle Apple Cold Soup — really caught our attention. You can watch the episode on YouTube (in Mandarin, with English subtitles) below. Hopefully, you will be equally inspired to go visit!

A stroll to Saishōin Temple Five-storied Pagoda
After our delicious lunch, we took a short 11-min walk to Saishōin Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple near Hirosaki Castle. This beautiful temple and its five-storied pagoda, officially named Kongozan Komyoji Saishoin Temple, was built to watch over the castle. The pagoda, a designated National Important Cultural Asset, is considered the most beautiful in Tohoku. Its colours and architectural design sit harmoniously against the backdrop of the autumn leaves. You can also purchase and write your wishes on small wooden ema (絵馬) plaques to hang at the temple.
Finally, Hirosaki Castle and Park
From the temple, we made our way back to Hirosaki Park. It’s a popular spot during spring and autumn, thanks to its 1,000 maple trees and 2,600 cherry trees. During the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Autumn Foliage Festival, the park becomes a canvas of brilliant colours. In winter, it transforms again for the Snow Lantern Festival with glowing lanterns creating a magical landscape.
Nestled in the park is Hirosaki Castle, widely considered as one of Japan’s most beautiful castles. Just next to it, you can also catch sight of Mt Iwaki in the background, framed by beautiful autumn foliage — postcard perfect.
A bit of history:
Hirosaki Castle is one of the few original castles left in Japan. Many of Japan’s castles were dismantled or burned down in World War II and were rebuilt after the war. The Hirosaki Castle is the only castle built during the Edo period (1603-1867). Built originally in 1611 by the Tsugaru samurai clan, the castle was rebuilt in 1811 after its main keep was struck by lightning and burnt down in 1627. Today, it is listed as one of 100 fine castles in Japan.
If you have time, visit the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden. We skipped it because it was getting late, but it’s well worth seeing during flower season.
Admission fees for the castle and the garden are both the same – 320 yen (adults) and 100 yen (child) each. Its premises are open from 9am to 5 pm.
Photo-taking experience
I enjoyed the photo-taking experience here. The place was just beautiful in autumn. We hung around until evening and were rewarded with the lovely orange hues of the sunset, with Mt Iwaki in the background. I think I even managed to snap what I think was possibly a meteor shower, as I saw two streaks of light across the sky. And as the sky darkens, Hirosaki Castle and its park are a different sight. Against the bluish sky and with lights shining, the autumn colours of red, yellow and orange and their reflection in the pond further bring out its charm and magic.
Getting to Hirosaki Park and Castle
- From the JR Hirosaki Station, you can take a 30-min walk to the Park if you don’t mind the stroll.
- You can also take the Dotemachi Loop Bus or Dotechō Junkan Bus (only between 10am and 6pm) from Hirosaki Bus Terminal bus stop no. 8 in front of JR Hirosaki Station for 100 yen. The bus runs every 10min and the journey takes about 15min.
- Alight at Shiyakusho Mae (市役所前) for Hirosaki Park.
Of course, if you don’t like the idea of planning your trips or want it hassle-free so you can enjoy your trip, you can also book day tours. I’ve picked out some from Viator if you are keen.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
18 April 2025