Wat Tham Pha Plong

Things to do at Wat Tham Pha Plong

• 

  Climb the naga staircase

  Culture

  A staircase of about 500 steps climbs through the forest, with a long naga serpent running up each side. The first stretch is the steep part, then it eases off, and there are shaded benches to rest on. Go early in the morning, before the heat.

  Good to know: Sources count anywhere from 501 to 510 steps. One guide says the hard part is roughly the first 200.

• 

  Read the sayings on the way up

  Culture

  Green signs hang on the trees all along the stairs, each with a short Buddhist teaching in Thai and English. One reads: "If we have patience and perseverance, we can overcome anything that confronts us." Fitting, halfway up 500 steps. Stop and read a few on your breaks.

• 

  See Luang Pu Sim's cave shrine

  Culture

  At the top is the rock shelter where Luang Pu Sim meditated. Today it's a shrine, with gold Buddha images and photos of the monk lining the cave wall, and a small museum about his life. A few more steps lead up to the golden chedi.

  Good to know: The forest monk Luang Pu Sim found the cave in 1960, set up the monastery in 1967 and stayed until he died in 1992, aged 93.

• Pair it with Chiang Dao Cave

  Nature

  The temple is about 2 km past Chiang Dao Cave on the same road, so do both in one morning. Keep going straight past the cave car park and turn at the temple sign. Dress modestly and keep your voice down, because monks live and meditate here.

  Good to know: Chiang Dao is about 70 km north of Chiang Mai, so it makes an easy day trip or a stop on the way to Fang or Tha Ton.

Boat trips and park access change with the season and weather, so confirm locally before you go.

When to go

Best months for The North: Nov to Jan. Month-by-month guide

1. Jan Best
2. Feb Good
3. Mar Avoid
4. Apr Avoid
5. May Mixed
6. Jun Mixed
7. Jul Mixed
8. Aug Mixed
9. Sep Mixed
10. Oct Good
11. Nov Best
12. Dec Best

Regional weather guide, not specific to Wat Tham Pha Plong. Tap a month for details.