Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

THAILAND, Mae Hong Song

The temple is situated on top of the hill of Doi Kong Mu. According to a wall inscription, the larger stupa was constructed in 1860, while the smaller stupa was built in 1874.
The present temple consists mainly of the two stupas, main hall, ordination hall, and monastic living quarters. The stupas show the influence of Burmese architecture. They were constructed in brick and painted completely in white. The layout of the larger stupa’s base platform is octagonal and it consists of five tiers. On the second tier each of the sides of the stupa contains a Buddha niche with a Buddha statue. The body of the stupa is in the form of an inverted bowl, above which there is a spire of stacked rings. Finally there is a gilded canopy. The smaller stupa is very similar but its base platform is square. There are miniature stupas on the corners of three of the four tiers. The base of the body is proportionally wider and lower. The main hall stands to the west of the stupas. A steep road leads to the hilltop where the ordination hall is situated. In front of the ordination hall there is a large statue of a standing Buddha.