New Courses At Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

[sabaijai]

This will probably be of interest to only a few of the Chiang Mai forum regulars, but the International Buddhism Center at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep will be expanding its teaching programs (now limited to vipassana meditation) to include courses in Pali (language of the Tipitaka, Buddhist scriptures) and Thai for Buddhism.

The new offerings are set to come on aboard after a new two-story teaching hall opens in Feb 2005.

The International Buddhism Center (IBC)

http://doisuthep.sirimangalo.org/

http://www.chedi5000.com/

Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand

Tel.: +(66) 53 295 012 E-Mail: [email protected]

[chanchao]

Does it cost money? The commercialism all around that place puts me off a little. I mostly avoid it now except when with newbie visitors. Got in a huge argument about the 30 baht foreigner fee for the elevator last time. Angriest I've been this year I think.

[sabaijai]

Instructon is free of charge, same as at Wat Ram Poeng and Wat Phra That Chom Thong. All part of the same program, under the tutelage of the famous Ajahn Thong Sirimangalo. Ck the website for further details.

I think it's reasonable to pay for the tram myself, and at least entry is still free (unlike at Wat Pho or Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok), considering it's one of the top pilgrimage spots in Thailand.

But skip the tram, the stairs are free and it's great exercise.

Whatever you may think about the wat, the IBC is a world unto itself in terms of atmosphere. It has only been open since August and has lent a new wat patibat (practice wat) dimension to the monastery.

If you look at WPT Doi Suthep as a tourist attraction, then yes it's for 'newbies'. For Buddhists it's still quite a special place. If you go early in the morning or after sunset you'll see very few tourists. Matter of fact, I'd say that the notion that WPTDS is only for newbies could be considered a newbie notion in itself. I still regard it as one of the highlights of our city.

Edited December 2, 2004 by sabaijai

[meadish_sweetball]

Instructon is free of charge, same as at Wat Ram Poeng and Wat Phra That Chom Thong. All part of the same program, under the tutelage of the famous Ajahn Thong Sirimangalo. Ck the website for further details.

I think it's reasonable to pay for the tram myself, and at least entry is still free (unlike at Wat Pho or Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok), considering it's one of the top pilgrimage spots in Thailand.

But skip the tram, the stairs are free and it's great exercise. 

Whatever you may think about the wat, the IBC is a world unto itself in terms of atmosphere. It has only been open since August and has lent a new wat patibat (practice wat) dimension to the monastery.

If you look at WPT Doi Suthep as a tourist attraction, then yes it's for 'newbies'. For Buddhists it's still quite a special place. If you go early in the morning or after sunset you'll see very few tourists. Matter of fact, I'd say that the notion that WPTDS is only for newbies could be considered a newbie notion in itself. I still regard it as one of the highlights of our city.

I suppose as you say, it depends if you are a Buddhist or not. I always felt it must be a real challenge to meditate amidst the din of all the obnoxious and loud tourists....

[sabaijai]

I suppose as you say, it depends if you are a Buddhist or not. I always felt it must be a real challenge to meditate amidst the din of all the obnoxious and loud tourists....

No kidding. The ideal time to be at WPT Doi Suthep is after sunset, when all the tourists have left. It's lovely up there at night, especially this time of year with the mist rolling and and out. Or early in the morning, before 9am or so.

Head up there around sunset sometime if you haven't done it yet, and hang out for an hour so. You might leave with a completely different impression of the little mountain watching over us.

[chanchao]

Yes! On that last trip I also found out they only close at 9pm now! Which means you can actually see the view of Chiang Mai by night from the temple. It was exceptionally clear too, curse myself for not having a hi-res camera, but still shot some nice video that give an impression.

Cheers,

Chanchao

[Ajarn]

Do they still close the road up at 8pm?

[sabaijai]

Do they still close the road up at 8pm?

Considering all the folks with business at the wat, at the palace, and the Hmong villages beyond the palace, I don't see how they could close the road at any point in the night. Perhaps they just use a checkpoint after 8pm?

I can't say from personal experience, as I've never been up there past 8pm.

[Ajarn]

Do they still close the road up at 8pm?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Considering all the folks with business at the wat, at the palace, and the Hmong villages beyond the palace, I don't see how they could close the road at any point in the night. Perhaps they just use a checkpoint after 8pm?

I can't say from personal experience, as I've never been up there past 8pm.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Last time I wanted an evening city view, there was a sign saying the road was closed at 8 and there was a checkpoint just past Phra Svrichai (sp) with a guard who said the same to me. That was a couple of years ago. About five weeks ago, I was at the lookout just below Wat Doi Suthep watching darkness spread over the city... A Forest Ranger (?) vehicle came up behind me and told me (in Thai) over his loudspeaker that the park was closed and to leave... That was a bit before 7pm, as I remember...

I would assume there must be exceptions for the reasons you mentioned. I'm just unclear what the current situation is for us non-locals.