A Visitor's Guide to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
When you visit Chiang Mai, the first thing you will notice is temples that can be found at every step of the way. Discover one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Background
The construction began in 1386 and was built to hold a piece of shoulder bone from Buddha. The bone was placed on a scared white elephant who reached the mountain peak before dying. The place where he laid down after death is now the site of this sacred temple.
All About Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
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The words ‘Wat’ means temple, ‘Phra That’ - a relic of Buddha, and ‘Doi Suthep’ - angel mountain. Basically, it means a temple having Buddha’s relic of angel mountain.
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As you ascend towards the mountain peak you will come across Huay Kaew waterfall. You can enjoy nature’s beauty as well as attempt to jump in the water.
Visit the Wat Pa Lat and you will be greeted by 2 half lion and half human warriors at the entrance.
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Once you pass the main building, you will reach at a small waterfall dotted with many small temples.
After entering the main temple, you will see a statue of an elephant, that carried a relic of the Buddha to this location.
You need to pass by the Bodhi tree along with a hermit statue, as well as a Hindu-God Brahma statue.
Once you pass the main viharn, you will get the first view of the mesmerizing 52 ft tall Golden Pagoda.
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Explore the temple to find many beautiful Buddha statues and colored murals, each depicting the life of the Buddha.
You will fall in love with the statue of the Hindu god Ganesha within the temple.
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The best time to reach the temple is after sunrise when the monks start praying and the tourist rush is to a minimum. Or before sunset to see the magical moment of the sun disappearing behind the majestic mountains.
Location
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the crown of the Doi Suthep mountain. Plan a trip to the mesmerizing mountain, enjoy the scenic beauty, and the sacredness of the temple.
Dress modestly as per the custom and respect the local culture. Do visit the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and Chiang Mai Zoo along with the temple. The old saying: ‘If you haven’t seen Doi Suthep, you haven’t been to Chiang Mai’ feels true when you visit this beautiful place.