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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Our Favorite Temple in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Thailand’s most sacred temples and a symbol of spiritual devotion. Located in a national park with magnificent views overlooking Chiang Mai city, the temple complex provides tourists and locals alike with a stunning blend of cultural history and buddhist charm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”2463″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]The wát (temple) is a beautiful example of northern Thai architecture, accessed by 306 steps flanked by mythical serpents (nāga).[/vc_column_text][dt_quote type=”pullquote” background=”fancy”]

“Located atop Doi Suthep mountain, this sacred temple complex provides tourists with a stunning blend of cultural history, magnificent views, and calm mood. ” – Chayanee Rattanasuwan

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The Golden Chedi

The steps lead to the inner terrace, where a walkway surrounds a gleaming golden chedi. Devotees circle the chedi in a clockwise direction, believing it will “produce good fortune by imitating the auspicious journey of the sun.” Pilgrims queue to leave lotus blossoms and other offerings at the shrines surrounding the chedi where each corner has parasol-like structures called chatras which represent a buddhist symbol of protection.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2467″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2469″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=””]

The Legend of the White Elephant

The famous monastery was established by King Keu Naone in 1383 to enshrine what is believed to be a piece of bone from the shoulder of the Buddha. The bone shard was brought to the Lanna kingdom by a traveling monk who broke it into two pieces, with one piece being enshrined at Wat Suan Dok. The second piece was mounted onto a sacred white elephant that wandered the jungle until it trumpeted three times and died – selecting the exact spot where the monastery was later built.

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Weekend excursions at One Step Rehab include other temple sites and experiences that can only be found in Chiang Mai. Learn more about our range of activities and excursions here.

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