Temple on a Glass Cliff

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Thailand Fly & Drive – Part 9 (Khao Kho)

After catching the sunrise at Khao Takhian Ngo, I try to look for a petrol kiosk around town. You won’t get the big PTT kiosks in this part of the country… have to settle for the little coin operated ones that sell you gas at a premium price…

The price was a whopping 34 baht/litre which is like 25% more expensive that at the normal petrol kiosks. Lesson learnt. It is quite an interesting experience though for a stupid tourist like me, having to figure out how to slot in the notes and which buttons to press. Luckily a motorcyclist cut my queue rudely without any sense of shame whatsoever, so I had an example to follow. 😛

After a lovely breakfast at our accommodation, we head off to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, or the Temple on a Glass Cliff, which is a 30 minute drive from where we are staying.

Everything about this temple is amazing. At the foot of the steps leading up to the temple, you are greeted by this picturesque little pond, where you kind of get the feeling that you have been transported to Japan or something.

Then you get to the obligatory long flight of steps, but these steps are a sight to behold, already splashed with colour in bright mosaic, and flanked by beautiful greenery and flowers.

Intricate sculptures and carvings on monuments also adorn the path on the way up to the temple.

Before we reach the top, I’m already impressed. When we get to the top, my jaw literally drops. The pagoda, in the shape of a lotus flower, is set on five levels. The surfaces that surround the pagoda are covered with millions of mosaic tiles and shards of pottery in colourful patterns and designs. No pattern is repeated and every wall seems to tell a story.

In contrast, on the other side, is the five-fold Buddha in pure white and gold, looking so simple and yet so grand. This is an absolute stunning masterpiece of design. I dare say it is the most beautiful Buddhist temple I have ever visited!

The grandeur of the surrounding mountains add greatly to the sense of magnificence and the serenity of the place. You can hardly find a spot where the view isn’t awe-inspiring. Definitely a MUST MUST visit if you are in the area!