Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep well worth a stop if you are in Chiangmai

A must see, on any voyager to Chiang Mai, is the wondrous and divine wat of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which is based nearby the top of Doi Suthep - Pui National Park.

Doi Suthep Temple that is on the top of Doi Suthep montane is some of the most Land mark of Chiang Mai, everybody come to Chiangmai have to visit this wat if you come to Chiangmai and never been they said you never been to Chiang Mai yet.

The Doi Suthep Temple is build near the peak of Doi Suthep mount at 1055 metres above the sea level, 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai city town. The wat can be reached from the main avenue through the Suthep - Pui national park.

The way up to the Phra That is a cement landing trim with seven-headed Naga. Inside the wat is a Chiang Saen design chedi. Following stylised Lanna drawing, the bell-shaped stupa is covered with two layers of gold leaf and has a high octagon base. Bestead to the west of Chiangmai, voyager can clearly look the scenic admire of the city from the temple. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is held as certainly one of some of the most important temples in the province. It might as well be said that a tour to Chiang Mai cannot be done with no a stop to pay a symbol of regard to Doi Suthep Temple.

Construction on Wat Phra That Doi Suthep began in 1386 under King Kuena (r.1367-88) and was completed within a few years. The temple neat was periodically expanded and embellished over the following centuries. Construction would have been an arduous task, with workers having to carry supplies through thick jungle: the avenue leading to the temple was only installed in 1935. The modern paved road was a joint effort of communities throughout the Chiang Mai region, each of whom contributed 1,300-foot sections.

You will find fine views over the city town of Chiangmai to be had from the temple's lower platform. The platform is surrounded by big bells that are rung by pilgrims to bring good fortune. On the northwest corner of the platform is a statuary of the legendary elephant who selected  the spot of the wat. Enclosed by a frescoed cloister, the upper terrace is home to a tightly-packed enigmatic of little sacred place, bells, golden umbrellas and Buddha sculpture. shoes must be removed and shoulders must be covered before entering this oracular area. In the center of the upper terrace is the great pagoda, a 16th-century expansion of the 14th-century original. The dazzling gold-plated temple is modeled on Wat Phra That Haripunjaya in Lamphun, formerly the greatest wat in the Chiangmai region.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is approached on foot by walking a precipitous stairway, that  has 306 steps and is flanked by large  legendary  King of nagas (Serpents), that  symbolize humanity's progress from ground into paradise.

Most Thai voyager come to make an offering usually flowers, candles, incense, and small squares of gold leaf that are applied to a favored Buddha or to the exterior of a chedi and to be blessed. Believers kneel down and touch their foreheads to the ground three times in venerate. Some shake prayer sticks to learn their fortune.
The Doi Suthep Temple is certainly one of the most significant temples of Northern Thailand. During the Buddhist holidays of Visakha Bucha day and Makha Bucha Day Thai people come to this temple in great numbers.

Ticket : Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (admission 30 Thb.) is open daily 7am to 5pm. If you'd rather not climb the 306 steps, a special part of the experience, there's a funicular lift to the top for 50 Thb.

Get here early or late to avoid the crowds. To get here, take a red truck from in front of the zoo, at the western end of Huai Kaeo street. The ticket fee is 50 Thb going up and 40B for the Bhubing palace. The ride can get cool, so bring a jersey or jacket. The bus stops at the base of the king of nagas stave. Another choice you can contact Chiang Mai travel agency.This tour is available in two alternatives  join with group tour or private tour. The private option provides you better flexibility and you can spend as much or as few time at any of the spots that you visit. Unlike the tight and fixed schedules of budget tours, the private option allows you to do the tour at your own pace. This half day tour is a most worthwhile one. You can simplify matters by booking a half-day tour though any travel agency in Chiang Mai for around 600B, including a stop at Winter palace or Meo Village that you can choose one.