BK Live

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Temple in the Mountains

Rising 1676 meters above the city the Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is one of the most important religious destination in Chiang Mai.

Originally built in the year 1386 by King Keuna the Great, the story behind its construction of tells of a white elephant (which only a king can own) ascending the mountains with one-half of a sacred buddha relic.

This temple was built where the white elephant made its final resting place and was named after hermit Suthep Reusi, who had lived there 1,300 years ago. It is widely said that if you did not visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then you had not visited Chiang Mai.

According to my guide, if you had not been blessed by the holy monk in the temple, then you had not been to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Visiting the temple is easy, as there are various public transport options available to take you to the base of the temple. A songthew (red taxi) will be able to take you up 1 way to the temple from Chiang Mai Zoo or University at only 30 baht per person. Tuk tuks are not allowed up Doi Suthep.

If you do not want to climb the 306 steps up to the temple from its base, tram rides are available to take you up as well as down. The basic admission charge is 30 baht for any foreign visitor or 50 baht with a 2-way tram ride . Due to the high altitude of the temple, the air there is cool and very refreshing. On a good clear day, you can also have a good aerial view of the city from the lookout terrace around the temple.

Along the way up or down, there are 2 other smaller temples (tied to the white elephant legend as well) which you can visit as well as the royal family’s winter residence, the Phu Phing Palace which you can visit on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Official Holidays, when the royal family is not in residence. The Huai Kaeo Falls are in the area as well.

By DarkRay

Bookmark: