If you only visit one temple in Chiang Mai, then this should be the one you visit. The mountain wat that overlooks the city of Chiang Mai is the holiest temple in the north of Thailand.
According to legend, in the late 14th Century holy relics were placed on the back of a white elephant. The elephant climbed the mountain at Doi Suthep and before collapsing and dying of fatigue, the sacred animal marked the spot where the relics should be enshrined by turning round three times and trumpeting three times. The original chedi was built by King Ku Na at the end of the 14th Century, but the present complex dates from the 16th Century and has been restored and extended at various stages over the centuries.
An impressive naga balustrade borders the 306 steps that lead up to the temple. If you can’t manage the steps, there is also a cable car which eases its way gently to the top. The temple complex is beautiful and the stunning architecture is complemented by the serene, picturesque setting. The white elephant monument commemorates the legend behind the foundation of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Before entering the platform around the Golden Chedi you must remove your shoes and visitors should ensure knees and shoulders are covered. The wat charges a 30 Baht entrance fee which is paid at a booth at the top of the stairs. The blunt sign states ‘foreigner pay 30 Baht’ but the money does go towards maintenance costs and for education of poor students in remote areas.
Any Chiang Mai tour company or travel agent can arrange return transport via air-conditioned mini-bus. Independent travel is also easy enough to arrange via the regular songthaews that run from Wat Phra Singh in the old town and from the Kad Suan Kaew shopping mall (usually via a change of vehicle near to Chiang Mai zoo). Songthaews will normally wait until they have a minimum of 8 passengers before departing up the winding hillside road that leads to the temple. In a shared songthaew from outside Chiang Mai zoo, expect to pay a minimum of 30 Baht per person each way. There is also the option of negotiating a rate for private hire.
photo © thaizer.com
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