Located on the top of Doi Kham Mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai. It is very popular among the locals and tourists for its 17 meters high Buddha statue, which is the largest in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located in the heart of the city and it was built in the late fourteenth century. It was a built on the site where monks used to reside. The first structure of the temple was built in the late seventh century. The temple is built in Lanna style architecture which is typical northern Thai architecture. It has stepped roof with long snakes on the top and it is painted red inside. Amazing artwork and engraving in the gold can be seen which shine in the sun.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Posted on: 19th February 2016
The Legend of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
There are many legends about this temple. According to one of the legends, this place was completely untouched for hundreds of years. Two brothers and a cannibal giant used to live in the mountain eating anyone who enters its territory. Once Buddha visited the site and he convinced them to give up cannibalism and follow Buddhism. Then the brothers built a temple on the top of Doi Kham Mountain. The construction of Wat Doi Suthep was started in 1386 on the orders of King Kuena and it was completed in 1388. During heavy rains in 1966, the golden pagoda was collapsed and numerous ancient statues of Buddha were broken. After that, the temple was constructed again.
Practical Information
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is situated at a distance of about 15 km from the city center of Chiang Mai Near the town of Mae Hia. The temple can be visited on any day between 6 am and 5 pm. The easiest way to access the site is with a car rental from Chiang Mai.