January 20, 2014 Monday Part 3

Wat Palad is a temple in the forest about half way up Doi Suthep. Many, many tourists go up Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and pass by Wat Palad on the way up and on the way down the mountain. By my estimation talking to the Red Truck drivers, far less then one percent stop and visit Wat Palad. One driver told me that she goes up to Wat Phra That Doi suthep every day once and sometimes twice. And possibly once in three months will someone ask to stop at Wat Palad.

Wat Palad – The Temple in the Forest

I should not be telling anyone about Wat Palad – it is that special. Wat Palad is special for many reasons, among them that it is a peaceful gem hidden in the forest, quiet, and free from the large number of tourists that are seemingly everywhere during the high season in Chiang Mai. Wat Palad is more than 650 years old, but was not registered with the Thai government until 1991

. Most Thai people in Chiang Mai have still never heard of Wat Palad. I feel somewhat repentant about further revealing this majestic locale – perhaps most ideal for those deeply into this kind of thing. However, goodness is meant for sharing, right?

When the elephant with the relic was going up the mountain followed by the King and an entourage of soldiers and musicians, at one point the elephant came to its front knees, and it was thought that it would stop. However, the elephant arose and continued up the mountain to the loaction where Wat Phra That Doi suthep is now located. Wat Palad is a temple build in the forest where the elephant made that temporary stop. And being in the forest, there is a large stream running through part of the temple grounds.

Wat Palad is a place of beauty of nature and serenity. When I first learned of and visited Wat Palad, I thought (as I thought with Wat Suan Dok) that this would be a good place to come meditate. Now I have learned that many people from the Green Papaya Sangha meditation group hike here from Chiang Mai University (about a 45 minute uphill hike) on Saturday mornings to meditate. Something for the next visit to Chiang Mai.

I have also learned that Thich Nhat Hanh spent one or two years living at Wat Palad after he was forbidden re-entry into Vietnam in 1966.

The entrance to the temple grounds are guarded by two large Singhs. The viharn in the background is open-air with no walls. It is so peaceful and quiet at Wat Palad, the walls are not needed. One can worship or meditate while allowing the natural sounds of nature in.

Up this old stairway to the chedi.

I have not been able to learn yet whose remains are in the chedi at Wat Palad. It is an old structure, and while there is some restoration taking place, it is a slow process. The restoration has been ongoing for more than 10 years, and dramatic progress has been made. More will be done.

Across the stream, down a uneven path, around the corner, and a beautiful worship area appears.

Back up the path flanked by the thewada.

One of the naga staircases at Wat Palad.

Wat Palad is indeed a gem in the forest. One of the most peaceful places in the Chiang Mai area.

Monday was a long day. We were up on Doi Suthep for over five hours. Each of the three places is very special and worthy of more time than we spent. Linda and I both went to rest, met later for a casual dinner, and a leisurely walk back to the center of the old city. Another very good day in Chiang Mai.