Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is probably Chiang Mai's most important site for visitors, and certainly its most visible. Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep nestles into the side of Doi Suthep some 3,000 feet above sea level amongst some of the most picturesque scenery you are likely to encounter. Built by King Gue-Na in 1383, the temple houses a large copper-plate Chedi (twenty-two meters high) that is covered in gold and contains holy relics of the Lord Buddha. As well as being a key tourism destination, the temple has considerable importance and Buddhist pilgrims visit the site all year round. The temple has four chapels and an important golden Buddha image is found at the temple. To get to there you either walk up a staircase (around 300 steps) or use a cable car. Details: The cost of the cable car to the temple is 40 Baht. Admission is free but a donation of 20 Baht is suggested. The temple opens daily from 07:00 to 17:00 and it is a very popular destination so you can expect crowds during the day. How to get there: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is 15 kilometers from Chuang Mai. Probably the easiest way to get there is one of the numerous Songtaew buses that regularly leave the city for the temple from the market at the corner of Chotana Road and Manneenopparat Road (outside Changpuak Gate) at a cost of 60 Baht (35 Baht up to the temple and 25 Baht back. A number of tours also leave the city at a cost of around 600 Baht to 1,000 Baht.