Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol (Stainless Steel Stupa temple) @ Hatyai, Thailand

I have told you guys how I ended up in Hatyai this early of the year with my blogger friend, Emily Lowe. So as she never been to Hatyai at all, she asked me instead to plan for the itinerary and places of interest that I would like to visit. After doing some search online and blog walking, stainless steel temple caught my attention and listed in my places must go.

Coming to this place, it's not that convenient as what I think of. No public transport coming to this place and rarely got any car pass by. The road to this temple climbs steeply. You will need to take 2 hours if you walk up from the base of the hill (my estimation). When you ask the rate of charter a tuk-tuk to this temple, please make sure the driver really drives you up to the temple and not the base of the hill.

The asking rate could go as high as 800 baht for the return ride. We managed to find 400 baht tuk-tuk driver who willing to drive up there. It was so funny when he complained to us in front with his sign language that he needed to step on the gas pedal all the way up. 

After all, I personally think it is not too safe overall to travel up here if you are alone especially lady.  Along the slope, the two sides of us are jungle and trees. As shown in the picture, the temple is at the summit of the hill.

There are a lot of wat or temple in Thailand. This includes Hatyai district. So it was a bit weird for local when we asked them for direction to this place. It seems that this temple is not that popular enough among the local as the one that we asked still looking for google maps for direction.

Even Malaysia has a lot buddhist temple but normally we see Guan Yin or Fo sculpture. In Thailand, it is so different. The deity they workship is originated from Theravada Buddhism. 

Look carefully, there are 2 men sculpture in the "palace"! I guess these two are King Bhumibol and his queen in this palace sculpture. They worship with the king as well?

In Thailand and Java, the nāga is a wealthy underworld deity. Naga is the Sanskrit and Pāli word for a deity or class of entity or being, taking the form of a very great snake — specifically the king cobra, found in Hinduism and Buddhism.

The basement of the stupa from outside. The entrances are in a circular shape.

A bundle of stainless steel with various cups in different designs hang on it make up the centre point of the basement.

I have no idea why they hang the cups there.

The unique staircases laid out like coins link the basement to upper floor.

There is one staircase for going upwards and another for visitors going downwards. Even though the staircases design is rather unique, but it poses danger to us if we are not careful.

Could you imagine that's no buddha sculpture on this upper floor but only these steels?

I mean if it rains, I might get wet here. And I wonder if there is any thunderstorm, this would not be safe either. Luckily it was a hot sunny day during our visit, we did not feel hot but windy.

The temple is also known for its stark lighting which can be enjoyed in the evening. As our time is limited, we chose to go in the noon time. Nevertheless, we feel the calmness and serenity while sitting and take a walk there. This is indeed a good place to sit and meditate.

The exterior design of the stupa from an upper floor

Nice shot by Emily Lowe at circular steel entrance

Hatyai not only for shopping & Khlong Hae Floating Market but that's also the cultural side that worth for one to pay a visit too!