Chedi of Doi Suthep temple

Doi Suthep Temple

The Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important temples of Northern Thailand. During the Buddhist holidays of Visakha Bucha day and Makha Bucha Day Thai people come to this temple in great numbers.

Visit the temple about half an hour from Chiang Mai city on a morning or afternoon tour.

Temple of the Golden Mountain

Because of its location on top of a hill and its huge golden chedi, Doi Suthep temple is often called the temple of the Golden Mountain or the Golden temple of Chiang Mai.

Ornate building at Doi Suthep, the Golden Temple of Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The temple of the Golden Mountain

Doi Suthep Mountain

This temple is located on top of the Doi Suthep mountain, some 15 kilometers out of Chiang Mai. From the car park there are two ways to reach the temple.

309 Steps to the top

The first is a 309 step pretty vertical climb up the mountain. The stairs are flanked by huge Naga creatures. The Naga is an underwater creature from Buddhist mythology in the form of a large snake.

Cable car

If you don’t feel like climbing, there is a cable car to take you up in comfort.

Great views of Chiang Mai and the Ping valley

If the weather is clear you will have some magnificent views of the the city of Chiang Mai, the airport and the Ping valley. The views and the peaceful atmosphere of the place alone are worth the visit.

White lions guarding the entrance to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep temple
Guarded by white lions

The legend of the white elephant

There are several versions of the legend of how the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was founded.

Buddha relic

According to a popular version of the legend a monk from Sukhothai was in possession of a relic believed to be a shoulder bone of The Buddha. This relic was believed to have magical powers. The monk took the relic to King Kuena, ruler of the Lanna Kingdom.

Relic split up in 2 pieces

When he arrived, the relic had split up in two pieces, one being of the original size, the other one smaller. The smaller part was enshrined in the Wat Suan Dok, a temple just outside the old city of Chiang Mai. The original relic was to be placed in a newly build temple.

Sacred white elephant

To choose the location for the new temple, the relic was placed on the back of a sacred white elephant that was then set free to go where ever it wanted. The elephant climbed up Doi Suthep mountain and just before it arrived at the top, it trumpeted three times and died. This was taken as a sign that this was the place to build a temple to house the relic.

Buddha images at Doi Suthep temple

Chedi containing a relic

Then in 1368 the first chedi of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was build to keep the holy relic. Since then, the temple complex has grown considerably. At the top of the stairs is a statue of the white elephant that determined the location of the temple.

Other structures on the grounds

Within the temple complex are a number of pavilions, pagodas, statues and viharns. The pavilions contain the living quarters for monks.

The Phra Ubosot or ordination hall is the place where the prayers take place.

Small museum

A small museum with ancient relics, photographs and old pieces of temple wares can also be visited.

Strike bells for good luck

Striking a series of small bells in the complex is believed to bring good luck. Whenever there is wind around, the atmosphere is filled with the sounds of temple bells adding to the tranquility and peacefulness of this beautiful place.

Mural paintings telling the story of the Buddha

The main chapel and pagoda is surrounded by a terrace visitors can walk through. The walls of the terrace are covered with beautiful mural paintings, that tell the tales of the Jataka and the previous lives of the Buddha.

Dress code

When visiting this sacred place, dress appropriately. Inside the temple grounds, please take off your shoes.

Drinks & snacks

There are several small shops for drinks and snacks as well as a souvenir shop.

Doi Suthep Vipassana meditation center

The Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple houses a meditation center where both Thai people and foreigners can learn and practice meditation.

For more information about meditation and a list of retreats and temples in Thailand that teach Vipassana or Samatha meditation, read meditation retreats in Thailand.

Location

Doi Suthep temple is located on top of Doi Suthep Mountain, a little over twenty kilometers West of the center of Chiang Mai. It’s a few minutes by car away from Phuping palace, the Royal winter residence.

The easiest way to visit the temple is to book a morning or afternoon tour.

Other Chiang Mai attractions: