Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

You haven’t gone to Chiang Mai unless you’ve been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep. This place is the most important and famous in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was built in 1383, this has a chedi that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled courtyard. The corners of the chedi are adorned with parasols which represent royal regalia. The temples courtyard is lined by a cloister, which contains images and murals depicting Buddhas life. There are two viharns situated in the middle of the east and west sides of the cloister. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is the perfect place to get a best view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To get there, drive along Huay Kaew Road up the mountain. Alternatively, there are song thaew services available at the foot of the mountain. It costs about 30 baht/head to go up to Doi Suthep and approximately 50 baht/head to go further to Doi Pui and Phu Phing Palace.