Legend says that at the top of Khao Khitchakut, a holy mountain located deep in the Chanthaburi province near the Thai-Cambodia border, there is an actual footprint of Khao Khitchakutthe Lord Buddha.
It’s believed that visiting the footprint equates to appearing before the Lord Buddha and those who make the trek are granted 1 wish. These spiritual beliefs are what draw thousands to make the climb every year.
The Buddha’s footprint at the Khao Khitchakut is said to be the highest in Thailand. It is believed that taking the long journey and climbing up to reach the peak of the mountain is a good way of making merit by showing ultimate respect to the Lord Buddha. Those who make the summit, despite of the crowds and difficulties have proved their perseverance. To get to the top, visitors have to start at Phluang temple, then take a 4-wheel pickup vehicle that will take them on an eight-kilometer steep route. After that, devotees and visitors must climb a steep 1.2 kilometers to reach the peak. On the mountaintop, it is possible to spot several geological phenomena related to Buddhist myths, including a stone pagoda, the stone in an upside down monk’s alms-bowl shape, the hermit cave, and gigantic stones that resemble local creatures.
