Wat Santikhiri

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Unlike nearby Wat Tha Ton, it doesn’t climb up in convenient stages. A path starts from behind the morning market; the main worshipping hall is at the foot of the hill, and then there’s the stupa with a steep, heavily wooded hillside in between. It goes without saying that the views are amazing but don’t forget that another 718 steps are waiting to take you back down again!

The track leads initially to the small wat itself -- not especially impressive -- and from here you ascend to the spectacular Chedi Phra Boromothat. It is heavily wooded, so other than a few glimpses through the trees you won’t get the full vista until you attain the summit. The chedi is hollow and though devoid of ornamentation inside it does have steps accessing the second floor. The exterior is also relatively plain in decoration: grey with gold leaf spires and flourishes, which is surprisingly toned down for these parts. Trees immediately in front have been cleared to allow an unobstructed view over the surrounds. On busy days there may be a vendor or two in the carpark.

If you’re feeling lazy, a sealed road winds its way some three or four kilometres to the summit. It starts from further up the road to the west of town, down near the hilltribe market. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon but if you’re walking, be warned that it’s a tricky path in the dark and if you’re driving, take great care on the very winding and very steep road.

By Mark Ord .

Location map for Wat Santikhiri