Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in the North West of Thailand is located in the province of Chiang Mai. The temple started its construction 1383 at the site where a sacred white elephant trumpeted three times then died. The temple or "Wat" as it is known to worshipers boasts 309 steps which are significant to local culture. Along the steps are two stunning mosaic dragons that lead all the way to the Chedi (or Stupa). Entry will only be given to visitors who are appropriately dressed with sleeved tops and pants or long skirts (no shorts or singlet tops). However you may hire these at the door for a small fee. Once in the grounds of the temple you are able to see stunning views of Chaing Mai city as well as witness daily worshipers an emerald Buddha and giant bells. Well worth a visit. Entry costs 30 Baht to visitors. Catch a Songthaew (Utility vehicle) to get you there, which is a slightly uncomfortable but inexpensive.

Doi Suthep is billed as gateway to the Himalayas. It's difficult to believe but this huge mountain range does start from Thailand in the East and goes all the way to Afghanistan in the West.

The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking.

Drive is pretty long and boring but the road goes all the way to the top. The tour operators typically drop off the tourists at the top with the tour guide and then drive the vehicles back down the road a bit to the car parks.

The top consists of a wooden platform on the peak accessible via a boardwalk, a small coffee/snack shop and a nature preservation area to one side which showcases the natural habitat of the area. The conservation area has a very nice walking trail which is partially wheelchair accessible.

A little way down the road, there is a Buddhist monument worth a visit on the way back to Chiang Mai.

wat phratap doi suthep is the place on a hill overlooking chiang mai city and around. i was stay in yha srivitchai, and takes about 15 minutes to up hill and about 10 minutes to down hill.
it's a place for buddhist worshipers. and learn about sang buddha gautama himself. a contemplating place and to see the hill of doi suthep itself for those who like nature.
on the way back, you can stop at amari gate within the city. one of the oldest gates from the old brick wall dates back centuries ago. and enjoy the night market.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple, located 15 km from the Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination of foreign visitors. The temple is said to be founded in 1383 when the first chedi was built. Over time the temple has expanded, and been made to look more extravagant with many more holy shrines added. A road to the temple was first built in 1935.

It is said that once folks were searching for a location for a new temple. So they put a symbol on an elephant and let it wander around. Eventually the elephant came up this hill and died. Like the elephant, I don't like climbing hills. Nevertheless,the view is very nice, and the temple is beautiful. Worth you time, if you are in the neighborhood.