Drive to the mountain top and you'll be greeted by this 603-step stairway to be climbed. Or you could ride the funicular if tired.

Local kids are sociable and eager to please impressionable farang.

This looked like the top but there was still a bit more to go.

Great place for a group photo. Couples must stop and take a quick pic. This golden umbrella makes for a good place to pose.

Gold is everywhere, and closer inspection reveals ornate details from the base to the face.

Come on, where else are you gonna get to see this?

A closer look shows all different but equally fascinating figures surrounding the main chedi area.

This collection is highlighted by the fabulous emerald Buddha. This rare Buddha statue is prized as a national treasure, just as the famous one in Bangkok.

Decoration along the sides of great staircase. The individual bricks are labeled in tribute to the donors who made this journey easier with these stairs!