Doi Suthep: A Thai Religious Experience

As Easter is here we remember the death of Jesus Christ for our sins and his later resurrection. As most refelect about their relationship with The Lord on this day, I felt it necessary to share my recent experience at Doi Suthep, one of the tallest mountains overlooking Chiang Mai. The view was not particularly great given both the haze and the country’s constant struggle with pollution. Nevertheless, it was abundantly clear that we were high above civilization despite the mere fifteen minute jeepney ride.

Though the view is beautiful (weather permitting), the true incentive to attend Doi Suthep is the temple, which is exactly 301 steps up the mountain from the common tourist meeting area. It’s initially incredibly overwhelming! Locals. Tourists. Monks. Things you’ve seen at every other market. Doi Suthep contains the foundamentals of any tourist trap, yet it is still enticing.

Walking up the stairs was a treat. We were greeted by little girls adorned in native clothing leading us towards the dragon scultpure banasters. After paying the minor entry fee, we were free to roam the temple and its surrounding areas. The first place we naturally gravitated towards was the temple. There were droves of tourists, locals, and monks present. Many were bringing white flowers to the center of the temple presumably as a sign of good faith or a peace offering. Around the central hub of the temple there were subordinate temples where monks were performing rituals on those praying. At one point, the monk started throwing water at those praying ostensibly to absolve them of their sins, but I am not entirely sure. Given Sangkron (Thai New Year) was days prior, water is evidently a focal point of Thai culture. I presume it symbolizes  physical and spiritual cleansing as well as an indication of new beginnings. 

I must honestly admit I was incredibly overwhelmed by the whole process. Yes, it was a beautiful reflection of Thai culture and some of their religious practices, but, at times, I naturally felt out of place. I am usually one to never hesistate to bring my camera anywhere to document anything, but religion is so personal that it was more difficult to capture such footage than I anticipated. I empathized with the locals  praying for the basic fact that I wouldn’t want my encounters with God to be documented for pubic consumption. There are certain parts of my life that I feel are rather personal, with religion being one. I don’t feel the need to overty employ my beliefs on other people. In short, people can and will believe in whomever they choose. With that philosophy in mind, I tired to remain as respectful of their rituals and ceremonies as much as possible while trying to remain as noninvasive as possible. 

The rest of the day consisted of a lot of errands in preparation for our future days in Thailand. We had to procure bus tickets for a quick trip up north to Chiang Rai, book another hostel in Chiang Mai after our return from Chiang Rai, and send out some postcards. Hopefully my penpals receive their postcards. That’s always a major fear when sending postcards internationally.

Chiang Mai part one was amazing, but I look forward to what Chiang Rai and the latter portion of our Chiang Mai explorations offers.

Until then,

Happy Easter from Thailand!

~ Chris Hickey