1. junction to Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol (Stainless Steel Temple)
Although Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol is touted to be one of Hat Yai’s top tourist attractions, don’t be surprise when locals give you a blank stare when you ask them for directions to this Stainless Steel Temple. Hat Yai, and in general Thailand, has way too many wats and temples, after all.
2. winding road uphill on a tuk tuk
3. arrive at Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol
Located on the top of a hill approximately 45 minutes’ drive east from Hat Yai city centre, this world’s first stainless steel temple is interesting for visitors who are religiously inclined.
4. Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol
5. the stainless steel pagoda
It is said that the temple looks more alluring at in the night light. I was there during the day, but day time visit is better than no visit at all, right? You see, it is not easy to make one’s way to Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol, located off Punnakan Road, if without private transport.
6. golden Buddha statues
7. Goddess of Mercy altar
The best way to visit Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol, then, is by chartering a tuk tuk. Negotiate the price as it could go as high as ฿800 (return). Always be reasonable but make sure that your tuk tuk driver understands that he is to drive up the hill and not wait for you at the base of the hill!
8. golden Buddha statues
9. golden rabbit
Your tuk tuk driver will wait for you and send you back to the city, so your fare has to cover his wait time as well. Pay him only after you get off the tuk tuk in the city, or at an agreed destination.
10. altar
11. close up shot of the pagoda
The base of the stainless steel pagoda (or stupa) is made up of circular-shaped chambers that depict the days of the week. Each circular has been installed with one or two Buddhist deities and framed photographs on the wall.
12. the crest
13. circular chambers on the ground level of the pagoda
At ground level, you will be able to see two circular stairs to the top of the pagoda. Make sure to take the one with the UP arrow as the other is for descending. Surely there is a meaning to this, although many visitors missed the indications.
14. stairway up
15. stainless steel structures within the pagoda
On the upper level within the bowls of the pagoda are more stainless steel structures. Similar to the ground level, these too indicate time, in the form of Year and Month.
16. intricate craftsmanship
17. one of the stupa-like structures
A visit to Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol does not require too much time. However, once you are there, you would want to stay longer to enjoy its tranquility, especially on the upper level of the pagoda. Do bear in mind to dress appropriately when visiting temples and wats in Thailand.
18. stairway down
19. vast compound
This trip was made possible by Dexma Express, Malindo Air, 尚游 Premium Travel. Malindo Air Malaysia flies direct from Subang SkyPark Terminal (SZB) and Penang International Airport (PEN) to Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.
20. another section of the temple
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1 Comments
At March 29, 2018, Marsha wrote:
Kuil di Thailand memang unik. Marsha sangat suka keunikan binaan