Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai (must see)

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, situated in Chiang Mai Province, is a revered Theravada Buddhist temple commonly known as "Doi Suthep," after the mountain it rests on. For many Thai people, this place holds great spiritual significance. Positioned 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Chiang Mai city, the temple stands proudly at an elevation of 1,073 meters, providing breathtaking views of downtown Chiang Mai.

This sacred pilgrimage site is treasured for its relic, making it one of Thailand's most venerated destinations. Monthly, it attracts around 120,000 visitors, with even higher numbers during special occasions like Songkhan and, notably, Visakha Bucha Day. On the latter, local devotees climb the mountain and spend the night on the temple esplanade, commemorating the Buddha's birth.

Legend tells that in the Sukhothai Kingdom, a monk named Sumanathera had a divine dream directing him to find a relic in Pang Cha. He discovered a magical bone believed to be Gautama Buddha's shoulder bone. Despite presenting it to King Dhammaraja, the relic showed no unusual traits, so Sumanathera kept it.

King Nu Naone of Lan Na discovered a relic and summoned a monk to bring it to him. In 1368, the monk took the relic to Lamphun, Thailand. Upon arrival, the relic split into two pieces. One was enshrined at Wat Suan Dok, and the other was placed on a white elephant named Doi Aoy Chang. The elephant climbed Doi Suthep and trumpeted three times before passing away. This led King Nu Naone to build a temple at the site.

To visit the temple, one can reach it conveniently by road from Chiang Mai. After arriving at the temple's base car park, visitors can ascend 309 steps to reach the pagodas or opt for a tram ride. Alternatively, a scenic hike along the Monk's Trail from the city is also feasible.

Visitors in the temple grounds must wear respectful attire, remove footwear. Sacred area houses original gold-plated chedi. Site has pagodas, statues, museum, shrines, blending Buddhism and Hinduism. Notable figures include the Emerald Buddha model and Ganesh statue. Temple offers panoramic Chiang Mai views.