TOPS Day 3: The Importance of Company

It was yet another early morning bus ride, but this time, we were travelling up a mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a temple located within the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, and is also a sacred site to many Thai people. As we started with a walk up the 300 steps of the intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase, we began to marvel at the splendour and serenity of our surroundings. Upon reaching the top, we were greeted with the sight of the golden spire which decorates the centre of the mountain top temple. The walls around the spire form a mini enclave and are richly decorated with historical murals and shrines.

As we were given time to walk around Doi Suthep, I chanced upon a little girl with her mother praying to a sculpture of a monk at the front of the temple. The mother gently cupped her hands around her daughter’s, as she delicately placed joss sticks into them, and gestured her daughter to place it into a sand-filled container. This was a memorable moment for me, as it was one of the most iconic photographs I have ever taken. I found the the cloud of smoke from the joss sticks juxtaposed with the sharp focused girl somewhat fascinating.