Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Monuments and Historic Buildings: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is situated at about fifteen-km from Chiang Mai and is a sacred Buddhist temple of the Thai people. Magnificent views of the Chiang Mai city can be witnessed from the temple grounds and this remains a very popular tourist destination for foreigners.
The wat is believed to be built in 1383 and the road to the temple was first constructed in 1935. One needs to climb around 310 steps to reach to temple, but there is a tram facility available too.
No shoes are allowed in the temple premises and proper dressing is expected. A copper-plated stupa (chedi) is the original attraction of the temple but over time the complex has seen a number of statues, shrines, bells and pagodas.
The temple follows the faith and philosophy of both Buddhism and Hinduism. As such, there is a model of an Emerald Buddha and a statue of Ganesh, a Hindu God.