Chanthaburi - Khao Khitchakut National Park

The Buddha’s footprint on Khao Khitchakut, Chanthaburi.

Pay respects to the Buddha’s footprint on the sky-high mountain peak, large numbers of visitors make the pilgrimage here (in February or March)

It is believed that an act of making a pilgrimage to the Buddha’s footprint equates to appearing before the Lord himself and is considered as a great meritorious deed. Consequently, thousands of people have ventured to the peak of Khao Khitchakut, to pay respects to the footprint of the Buddha.

Khao Khitchakut national park is fertile and green. For waterfall lovers, there are three dazzling falls here called Klong Chang Se, Kra-ting and Klong Kra-sue in the middle of scenic landscape. More importantly, a large number of worshippers climb the towering mountain of Khao Khitchakut to the top in order to pay reverence to the footprint of Lord Buddha. This annual event has been held a very long time. According to religious belief, this is the ultimate way to perform good deeds and advance in determination despite difficulties.

From the starting point at Phluang temple, you have to get a four-wheel pickup that takes you on a steep eight-kilometre route. Then, you need to walk for another 1.2 kilometers. On the mountaintop, it is possible to see several geological phenomena related to Buddhist myths including the stone pagoda, the stone in an upside down monk’s alms-bowl shape, the hermit cave, Indra’s motor racing tracks, as well as gigantic stones that look like a turtle or an elephant.

From the breezy peak, you can easily look down on Chanthaburi. If you have not been there yet, do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We guarantee you will not be disappointed.


Location
The Khao Khitchakut National Park has its headquarters at a site which can be reached by taking a turning at Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection) on Highway No. 3 and proceed on for a further 21 kilometres.

Address:  Phluang, Khao Khitchakut, Chanthaburi 22210 Thailand

Recommendation ***** (must see!)

Arrived at Chanthaburi around 11pm

Outside of Pluang temple

Pluang temple

Pretty scary for the faint hearted; and your arms will be all tired after the journey
as you need to hold on tight to the rails.  These guys drives like mad!

First stop arrived.

Purchase your flowers and incense here

First stop prayers, every "station" that you prayed must remember to say the
same wish.  If it comes true, you must make sure to come back next year

So the climb starts - my advice - wear jeans and a good pair of track shoes.
And bring some food..you will need it later

Everywhere are scattered flowers, make sure you keep some for the
final "destination"

Some birth stones for sale

I arrived around early morning about 2-3 am..and the chanting session
just started.  I just chanted along with them for the next few hours

Looked at the amount of people!

Heard from my local friend about this "Rock".  Locals ever tried using a rope
to "swinged" through between it and the "base" that it is on...the rope simply
went through - meaning the "Rock" is "floating" on the base.

Noticed the sky changing colour, it's about 5am now

6am

7am

8am

The Buddha's foot - now opened to the public

Flowers, incense, money...as a way of offering

Steep and scary..

Can you see an image of the Buddha here?

Sudden fogs

Most foods are sold out due to high demand; that's why I say bring your own food

You can present your wallet here so that the monk can draw yant on it..
Make your wallet always "full"

Rub the tree trunk and see if you can see your lucky number here :)

This is the final stop for the pilgrimage

Heard some monks saying that the pilgrimage here is even harder than the one in India

Some gifts

 

I completed my pilgrimage! Here's my proof!

There goes my favorite pair of shoes!