Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep : |
 Established in 1383, this magnificent temple overlooks the city from its 1,073m elevation on the slopes of Doi (Mount) Suthep, which peaks at 1,685m. It is famous for its large gold-plated chedi, visible from the city on a good clear day. Although Wat Doi Suthep is the most recently built of the temples dating from the Lanna Thai period, it is the symbol of Chiang Mai. The site was selected by sending an elephant to roam at will up the mountainside.
When it reached this spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, and knelt down - which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. Clearly marked songthaews to Doi Suthep leave from Pratu Chang Phuak, passing Chiang Mai University and the zoo on the way. Prices are fixed at 40 baht up and 30 baht down; the drivers wait until they have sufficient (up to 8) passengers before they depart. Most guidebooks advise picking up a sawngthaew from Th Mani Nopharat, but these seem to have increased in price from a reasonable 40b to a ludicrous 500b. Don't encourage these charlatans to milk the tourist cash-cow any further - if you are going from the centre take a regular sawngthaew to the zoo and change there.
The trip takes about 30 minutes one way. Alternatively, the 18km journey from town can be made by motorcycle or a bicycle with appropriate gearing.
The final 12km from the zoo onwards is entirely uphill and will take 60-90 minutes if cycling. Entrance to the temple is free for those who wish to climb the 300-plus steps; alternatively, there's a cable car with a 50 baht fare. |
