[category]
[title]
What is it?
As northern Thailand's most important Buddhist pilgrimage site, it’s no surprise that Wat Phra That Doi Suthep happens to be perched up on the slopes of Doi Suthep, overlooking the city. Founded in the 14th century, the temple houses a sacred relic of the Buddha so devout visitors have been making the climb for centuries. These days you can drive to the top, although the last leg is a satisfying ordeal, with a 306-step naga staircase leading right up to the dazzlingly bright, gold covered chedi.
Why we love it:
Besides the legend behind how its location was chosen – the then royalty put relics on the back of a white elephant that walked to the top, trumpeted three times and promptly died – the temples boasts incredible views, fantastic architecture and very real pilgrims aplenty. Did you even see Chiang Mai if you didn’t visit Wat Doi Suthep?
Time Out tip:
Make sure to pay the resident monks a visit, who tend to sit in the wings of the temple ready to give blessings and tie prayer bands around your wrists.
Suthep, Chiang Mai. B30. 5am-9pm