Nine Sacred Temples of Mae Hong Son
		Phra That Si Chom Four Ancient Stupas of Mae Sarieng district, Mae Hong Son

NINE SACRED TEMPLES OF MAE HONG SON — ‘LAND OF THE MIST’
In Thai culture, nine is considered to be an auspicious number. A merit-making pilgrimage to the following nine sacred sites will bring good luck and the individual who completes the journey will earn much merit.

Buddhist temples in the mountainous Mae Hong Son, ‘land of the mist’ are no less interesting or unusual than those found in the Central Plains. Most reflect elements of Burmese architectural style and Shan-Burmese as well as Buddhist influences.

		Wat Phra That Doi Kong Muu Situated on the summit of Doi Kong Muu mountain peak, west of the town of Mae Hong Son. Two huge pagodas — the historical landmarks of Mae Hong Son, form the centre-piece of the temple.
		Wat Phra Non Situated on the foothill of Doi Kong Muu peak. The chapel houses a 12-metre long Reclining Buddha featuring the Tai Yai artistic style. The museum displays Buddha images in various postures. Other items on display include an old Tai Yai religious book and the personal belongings of nobility dating back to the World War II period. Ashes of former Mae Hong Son rulers are also enshrined in the temple.
		Wat Kham Kho or Wat Dok Bunnag Situated opposite Wat Phra Non Ancient scriptures written in the local dialect related the history of the Tai Yai people are kept at the temple.
Temples located in Mae Hong Son town
		Wat Muay Taw Situated in the centre of town
		Wat Chong Khum-Choeng Klang Royal Temple Situated near Wat Chong Khum Park Located on the south side of Chong Kham Lake, in the lee of the mist-shrouded mountain peak known as Doi Kong Mu, the temples are set against a picturesque backdrop. The temple provides a fascinating example of a Shan-Burmese Buddhist temple. A collection of 33 wooden figurines housed in the viharn of Wat Chong Klang represent figures depicted in the Jataka tales or accounts of the life of Lord Buddha.
		Wat Hua Wiang On Singhanat-Burung Road, Chong Khum sub-district The temple is built of wood and houses a beautiful Burmese-style Buddha image that is an exact replica of Phra Maha Muni, a sacred Buddha image in Mandalay, Burma. The Mae Hong Son replica was cast in sections in the northern Burmese capital before being transported overland for final assembly in the ancient Lanna kingdom.
		Wat Klang Thuung At 86 Nivetpisan Road, Chong Khum sub-district
		Wat Don Chedi At 84 Khumlumphrapan, Chong Khum sub-district
		Wat Pha Ang On the Mae Hong Son-Khun Yuan Road, Pang Muu sub-district

PHRA THAT SI JOM
Ancient Stupas of the Four Corners of Mae Sarieng district, Mae Hong Son
There are four sacred sites in each corner of Mae Sarieng district in the town of Mae Hong Son. Each is the site of an ancient stupa. Many chedis or stupas contain holy relics, pieces of bone, of the historical Buddha. In Northern and Northeastern Thailand, these chedis are called ‘phra that’. These four ancient stupas are important religious landmarks and are highly revered by local residents. According to folk belief, paying respect at all four sites is an auspicious act that will bring a happy and peaceful life.

Phra That Chom Kitti		Phra That Chom Chaeng Constructed in the Lanna Northern Thai architectural style but also incorporates other influences.
		Phra That Chom Thong The stupa sits on the top of a hill overlooking the town of Mae Sarieng. It houses a big Buddha image.
		Phra That Chom Kitti A Lanna style stupa. An annual religious festival is held on the eighth day of the waxing moon in June.
		Phra That Chom Mon The stupa, constructed in the ancient Lanna style, sits on the top of a hill to the northeast offering a panoramic view overlooking the valley with homes surrounded by verdant fields tucked away in the hair-pin folds of the valley. The meandering Yuam River flows southbound through the valley.

Chedi
The word ‘chedi’ originates from the word ‘cetiya’ in Pali. The chedi, or stupa, is a solid cone-shaped monument. Chedis throughout the Thai kingdom reflect a vast range of architectural styles. Chedis in Northern Thailand are multi-sided and more elaborate, while others take the shape of an inverted bowl or bell-shaped structure. Chedis symbolise the enduring stability of Buddhism.

Many chedis are believed to house holy relics (pieces of bone) of the historical Buddha. In Northern, as well as Northeastern, Thailand, these stupas are called ‘that’ or ‘phra that’.

Viharn
An assembly hall in a Thai temple or a Buddhist chapel that houses Buddha images and mural paintings. The viharn is used for ceremonies involving both monks and lay people.

Ubosoth
An ordination hall or Buddhist chapel where monks are ordained. The ubosoth is situated on holy ground marked by sema stones (temple boundary markers).

RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
SACRED PILGRIMAGE SITES
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