Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple – Thailand

Don’t say you visited Chiang Mai without visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple

This stunning golden temple located on top of Doi Suthep Mountains, 11 kilometers away from Chiang Mai center. This temple is not only the most sacred temple in Chiang Mai but also on of the most sacred temples in Thailand.

There are two ways to get to the temple. First is climbing 309 steps of the Nagas Staircase (this sacred seven-headed serpent runs the length of the stair) guarding the gate to the entrance. It might be exhausted, but you will be rewarded the breath-taking view there. There is also another easier way is to reach the temple, taking the electric elevator, it costs only about 20 Baht for Thai and 50 Baht for foreigners.

When you reach to the top, you can see the golden pagodas, shrines, bells, statues, the holy Buddha relics and a golden chedi, one of the temple’s holiest structures. Near the top of the stair is the white elephant that carried the relics of Buddha to the top of Doi Thep Mountain, trumpeted three times then lay down to rest eternity.

There are numerous areas on temple grounds to pay respect the shrine, kneel in prayer and receive blessings with offerings and incense.

The ideal times is early in the morning to avoid the crowds or later of the day to watch the sunset over the mountains. If lucky enough, you can even catch the monks chanting, praying or performing their daily rituals.

If you travel by car, take the Huay Kaew – Chiang Mai University – Chiang Mai Zoo road and you will see the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple signposted. You can also travel by mini buses from Chiang Mai University, which are available from 5AM to 5PM.