Commonly known as “Doi Suthep”, for the mountain it is located on, Wat Phra That is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered in Thailand. This site has long been considered a holy place. The temple is a major pilgrimage destinations during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak.
In 1383, the King Geu Na wished to find a site to house a holy Buddha relic. It was placed on the back of a sacred white elephant that was trusted to devine the perfect location. The elephant walked up to the top of Doi Suthep mountain, trumpeted three times, turned around three times, knelt down, and died. And there, the temple was immediately built.
A road to the temple was first built in 1935… and what a long and winding road it is. Consider the ride up part of the experience. Once you reach Doi Suthep, you’ll find 309 stairs leading to the temple complex, although they are hidden behind vendor stalls. You’ll see another set of stairs to the right more clearly. Those lead to the funicular, which costs 30 baht one-way or 50 baht round trip. I was a little carsick from the ride up, so we took the funicular up and then walked back down the stairs once we’d toured the temple.
The temple is truly beautiful and well-worth the trip. Careful craftsmanship and plenty of gold adorn the small shrines, Buddha statues, and bells. You’ll also find a stunning view of the city and the Ping valley from the terrace as well as several large bells that are rung by pilgrims to bring good luck and even a statue of the legendary elephant.
Be sure to take note of the many Thais making merit: walking clockwise around the chedi three times, clasping a lotus bud and incense. As with all temples, shoes must be removed and shoulders must be covered before entering this sacred area.
Meandering Family: Beyond the Nest 
Love your photos. Keep them coming 🙂
Thank you!
Thank you for these wonderful photos. I am traveling to Thailand at the end of July with my partner and her family. Her mother, a Thai native, passed away last fall, and we are going to return her ashes to her family monument in Northern Thailand. I’ve “meandered” a bit myself, but this will be my first trip east of India. I spent a few days in Bodh Gaya, and your photos of Doi Suthep remind me of the Thai temple there: colorful, ornate, and beautiful beyond description. As a practicing Buddhist, I look forward to visiting some of the temples there. I’ll be following your blog to get a traveler’s view of the Thai experience. Thanks again! Jeff
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. I’m sure that you, your partner, and her family will have a wonderful time in Thailand. It should be particularly meaningful given the trip’s purpose. The temples (wats) are incredible in Thailand and there are so many to choose from in Chiang Mai and the surrounding province. As you know, Buddhism is practiced in many ways around the world. Thais have their own unique twist on Buddhism. I’m no Buddhist scholar, but you will find that Buddhist beliefs are fairly intertwined with animistic belief, Hindu influences, and even “magical” practices. I’m hoping to eventually write a short blog post on the topic, although it could easily justify a book by someone far smarter than myself. Keep any eye out for the ubiquitous Spirit Houses, statues of Ganesh at the Buddhist wats, magic Sak Yant tattoos, and amulets. I find it a fascinating and beautiful tapestry.