Amazing View at Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai - Thailand

Around 10 miles (15km) west of Chiang Mai, Thailand lies the Doi Suthep Mountain, famous for the Wat Phrathat temple perched on the summit. Legend has it that in the late 14th century King Ku Na was looking for somewhere to house a collection of holy relics. He placed them in a howdah on the back of an elephant and let the animal wander.


You can enjoy the panoramic view of Chiang Mai City and Ping valley from the summit of Doi Suthep. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is approached on foot by climbing a steep 290 stairway flanked by tremendous mythical Nagas, which symbolize humanity's progress from earth into nirvana. However, for the less energetic, taking a cable-car would be an easier and faster way to reach Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

It is easy enough to get to Doi Suthep. Public transportation may be used to travel the road 16 kilometres northwest out of Chiang Mai, past Chiang Mai University and ascend the winding road up the mountain to the base of the temple.