Annual Walk Up To The Top Of Doi Suthep 2024

Today Tuesday the 21st May 2024 is a chance to be a pilgrim.
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​Anyone can join this incredible community event and walk to the very top of Chiang Mai's famous mountain this evening to celebrate Visaka Bucha Day. 

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WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The full moon is on Wednesday May 22 which is a very important day for Buddhists.

It is called 'Visaka Bucha Day' aka 'Visakha Puja' and marks three key events in Buddha’s life;
the birth, enlightenment and death of the Prophet.
In addition, the United Nations has designated Visakha as the "International Day of the World".

The day before, a traditional pilgrimage begins in the afternoon at the bottom of Doi Suthep Mountain.

Tens of thousands of people from all around the world, of all ages, walk, stroll and run up the 14 kms to the top of the mountain.
The idea is to arrive around midnight as thats when Visaka Bucha begins. 
At this time, you can witness many ceremonies and people making merit.

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I AM NOT THAT FIT. IS IT TOO HARD FOR ME?
Yes, it can be strenuous and will take about 5 hours - but the great feeling of achievement is worth it when you finally reach the apex and mix it with thousands of others who hav shared the struggle. 
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It is a truly fantastic, unique event to Chiang mai. There is lots of free food, drinks and entertainment along the way.
​Plus of course, first aid assistance if you need it. ​

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SOUND LIKE A LOCAL AND AND PRONOUNCE THE NAME OF THIS SPECIAL EVENT PROPERLY. 

It all begins around 4pm at the end of Huay Kaew Road just before it starts to rise.

Once you see these lovely celestial nymphs, you are ready to rock and stroll ...

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Note to residents of Chiang Mai: This is a no-alcohol event.

The actual Visaka Bucha Day is Wednesday 22 and all banks and government offices including Immigration will be closed.
Many bars and restaurants and convenience stores will not be serving alcohol. 
Also, traffic around Huay Kaew and Canal Road in the afternoon will be disrupted. 

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These monks are not real but wax replicas of famous and revered monks. 

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These monks are real. And so is Princess Minny.

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You deserve a foot massage when you reach the top. Well done.

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