Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple located at the top of a mountain. It is one of the most well known and sacred temples of North Thailand. I was told that if I only saw one temple in the city, it should be this one.
To get there, you have to make your way to the Chiang Mai Zoo. Then take a red
songthaew up a windly mountain to the top. The songthaew then drops you off at the base of the temple, which is filled with outdoor food and souvenier vendors.
After walking through the shopping area, you come up to the 309 steps that will lead you up to the temple. There is also a tram for those not inclined to make the ascent on foot.
 |
| The beginning of the dragon staircase. |
 |
| details. beautiful details. |
At the top (and after a 30 bhat ticket fee for foreigners) you are greeted with the exquisit red and gold temple halls.
 |
| cheesin' it with the dragons... |
The temple was built in 1383. Legend says that the temple site was selected by an elephant carrying the artifacts of the Buddha. The elephant roamed the mountain side, until it reached a suitable spot. It stopped, trumpeted, circled three times, then knelt down and died. The temple was built on that auspicious spot. Here are more pictures from around the temple.
 |
| baby monk kiss |
 |
| statues of elephants all around |
 |
| statues of Ganesha are found as well |
And since it's on a mountain, there is also a SWEET view.
The main attraction of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the huge gold-plated chedi, which is even visible from the city below.
 |
| people walking around the chedi in prayer |
No comments:
Post a Comment