Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep temple courtyard.
Doi Suthep is a small mountain on the west side of Chiang Mai, topped by a temple (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) and a Royal palace.
History
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was commissioned by King Kuena, who ruled Chiang Mai from 1367 to 1388. According to legend, the temple was built after the monk Sumana presented King Kuena with a bone relic of the historical Buddha. The king searched far and wide for a suitable spot to build the temple, but none could be found.
Finally, the king tied the relic to the back of an elephant and set it loose. For days the elephant stomped through the jungle, shadowed by the king's men, until it reached the mountaintop of Doi Suthep. Construction began in 1386 and was completed within a few years.
What to See
The Doi Suthep temple is impressive and worth a visit on its own merits, but the site is also a great place to get a sweeping view of the city of Chiang Mai (when smog doesn't obscure the view). The view is impaired especially in the December and January when farmers burn rice stubble in their fields.
Quick Facts
The mountain of Doi Suthep is next to the city of Chiang Mai, past the University and the Zoo.
Doi Suthep is popular with tourists and many tour buses make the ascent. Alternatively, you can hail a little red truck that will take you up for a price, or even rent a bicycle if you have the fitness for such things. It is an 11km-long steep climb.
Sources
Photo licensed under GFDL.
