No trip to Chiangmai would be done without going to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the iconic, ancient wat of pilgrimage on the eastern skew of Doi Suthep, the consecrated montane that grow upward west of Chiangmai. It is one of Northern Thailand’s major tourist destinations, yearly attracting not less than about million visitors, both Thai and foreigners.
Located about fifteen kilometres up a winding roadway, and approximately a half hour drive from the city Doi Sutep is known to everybody and getting a taxi or songtaw is easy to do at this point. If feasible stop at the observation deck about half way up the avenue, excellent for pictures and a breathtaking see.
Generally referred as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , it is a Theravada Buddhist wat with sacred sacred sanctuary, chedi, statue and painting around. The first stupa is said to have been founded in 14th century as a Buddist monastery and still is a working monastary. It is certainly one of one of the most holy sites in the region. Aspects of the wat paint from both Buddhism and Hinduism. A model of the Emerald Buddha and a imagery of the Hindu God Ganesha can be see in the temple site.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was established in 1383 under King Keu Naone and enjoys a mystical birth story. A visiting Sukhothai monk instructed the Lanna king to establish a temple with the twin of a miraculous Buddha relic (enshrined at Wat Suan Dok) . The relic was mounted on a white elephant, which wandered the mountain until it died at this spot, interpreted as the 'chosen' location.
Inside the temple neat are a number of pavilions, stupas, imagery and viharns. The pavilions contain the living quarters for monks. A small museum with antique relics, photographs and old pieces of wat wares can also be visited. The Phra Ubosot or ordination hall is the place where the prayers take place. Striking a series of small bells in the sophisticated is believed to bring good luck. Whenever there is wind on all sides the surroundings is filled with the sounds of wat bells adding to the tranquility and stillness of this lovely place. The main chapel and pagoda is surrounded by a terrace wayfarer can walk through. The walls of the veranda are covered with picturesque mural mural, that tell the yam of the Jataka and the earlier life of the Buddha.
At the bottom of the neat is a big parking that leads up to a commercial area, next onto the King of nagas staircase, 306 steps later and you are at the temple proper. If you’re not feeling up to walking the steps there's a elevator that costs just a little to go to the top.
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 every day 7am to 5pm. If you'd rather not walk the 306 steps, a special part of the experience, there's a funicular railway to the top for 50 Thb.
If you have time to see one temple while you're in Chiang Mai, make it this one. It's further out of old city and you will need to take a red truck to get there - to the top of the 'mount'.
How to go : Get here early or late to keep away from the crowds. To get here, take a red truck from in front of the zoo, at the western end of Huai Kaeo road. The fare is 50 Thb going up and 40B for the Palace. The ride can get cool, so take a pullover or jacket. The bus stops at the base of the naga staircase. Another choice you can contact Chiang Mai tour agency .This tour is available in two options 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 places that you tour. Unlike the tight and fixed schedules of join with group 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 trip though any tour agency in Chiangmai for on all sides 600B, including a stop at Phuping Palace or Hmong Village that you can select one.
