Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, in March 2016, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Capital of Chiang Mai province with a city population of 148,477 (2008).The city is 700 km ( 435 miles ) north of Bangkok and covers an area of 20,107 sq km .The province has some of the highest mountains in Thailand and the city stands on the river Ping, which is a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river which runs through Bangkok.The people speak Khan Muang also known as Northern Thai or Lanna.Chaing Mai has one of the most famous temples in Thailand standing on the Doi Suthip, a hill to the north west of the city. Known as Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep this temple dates from 1383.However that being said Chiang Mai province has over 300 temples.
Also there is the National Park at Doi Inthanon, Dokmai gardens which has over 650 plant species including 120 different vegetables.There is the Elephant nature park 60 km ( 37 miles ) north of the city where many rescued elephants reside. Hillside tribe tourism and trekking which mostly involves visits to the various local hill tribes including Akha / Hmong / Karen & Lisa tribes.
Shopping is great in Chaing Mai with the local night bazaar that stretches over many main streets, side streets and shopping mall areas. On Sunday evening the handicraft and food market is held at Rachadamnoen road. Getting to Chiang Mai from Bangkok could not be easier there are up to 14 trains a day which takes about 12 to 15 hours overnight. Flights from BKK up to 28 a day and takes about one hour ten minutes. Hotels and tours are well catered for within the airport at Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Wat in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as Doi Suthep although this is actually the name of the mountain where it's located. It is a sacred site to many Thai people. The temple is 15 kilometres ( 9.3 miles ) from the city of Chiang Mai. From the temple, impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen. is the wondrous and holy temple of Wat Phra That which is located near the top of Doi Suthep ( Mount Suthep ). The temple is simply referred to as Doi Suthep by most people. Every tuk-tuk and Songthaew driver in Chiang Mai will offer to take you on the 15 kilometre trip up the winding mountain road to Doi Suthep. Built as a Buddhist monastery in 1383 it is still a working monastery today. Funds raised by donations and the lift fee go to support the monks living there and for maintenance of the various temple buildings. The architecture, statues, murals and shrines seen here are nothing short of breathtaking.
On arrival at Doi Suthep you will be in a large car park, the temple complex is up the side of the mountain beside the car park. Starting with a walk up the 300 steps of the intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase you begin to marvel at the splendour of your surroundings. For those that do not fancy the 300 step climb up to the complex, you can go up the lift for 30 Baht and walk down the staircase when you have finished. On reaching the top you are greeted with the sight of the golden spire which decorates the centre of the mountain top temple. The walls around the spire form a mini enclave and are richly decorated with historical murals and shrines. Here you find a beautiful copy of the Emerald Buddha statue on display. The real Emerald Buddha statue is now in Bangkok.
Doi Suthep mountain rises about 1000 metres ( 3,542 ft ) above sea level; there are fine views over the city of Chiang Mai to be had from the temple's lower terrace. The terrace is surrounded by large bells that are rung by pilgrims to bring good luck. On the northwest corner of the terrace is a statue of the legendary elephant who chose the site of the temple.
The monastery was established in 1383 by King Keu Naone to enshrine a piece of bone, said to be from the shoulder of the historical Buddha. The bone was brought to Lanna by a wandering monk from Sukhothai and it broke into two pieces at the base of the mountain, with one piece being enshrined at Wat Suan Dok. The second fragment was mounted onto a sacred white elephant who wandered the jungle until it died, in the process selecting the spot where the monastery was later founded.
Outside this central enclave area you will find the shrine to the White Elephant and the story of how the temple on Doi Suthep was founded. There is a wide walkway around the main temple which leads you to a large viewing terrace with terrific views down over Chiang Mai, weather permitting. Just past the viewing terrace is one of the worlds largest gongs, which makes an earthly rich sound when struck.
The Wat can be reached by road from Chiang Mai. From the car park at the temple's base visitors can climb 309 steps to reach the pagodas or take a tram. Once inside the temple grounds visitors must be appropriately dressed and must remove footwear. The original copper plated chedi is the most holy area of the temple grounds. Within the site are pagodas, statues, bells, a museum, and shrines. Aspects of the wat draw from both Buddhism and Hinduism. There is a model of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh. Views of Chiang Mai can be seen on the far side of the temple.
Mai Rim Snake Farm and Show, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai.This snake farm show wide species of both non-poisonous and poisonous snakes, with cobras show as their the highlight. Guests can hold a live cobra and python. Show times are at 11.30 a.m., 2.15 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, in March 2016, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Capital of Chiang Mai province with a city population of 148,477 (2008).The city is 700 km ( 435 miles ) north of Bangkok and covers an area of 20,107 sq km .The province has some of the highest mountains in Thailand and the city stands on the river Ping, which is a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river which runs through Bangkok.The people speak Khan Muang also known as Northern Thai or Lanna.Chaing Mai has one of the most famous temples in Thailand standing on the Doi Suthip, a hill to the north west of the city. Known as Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep this temple dates from 1383.However that being said Chiang Mai province has over 300 temples.
Also there is the National Park at Doi Inthanon, Dokmai gardens which has over 650 plant species including 120 different vegetables.There is the Elephant nature park 60 km ( 37 miles ) north of the city where many rescued elephants reside. Hillside tribe tourism and trekking which mostly involves visits to the various local hill tribes including Akha / Hmong / Karen & Lisa tribes.
Shopping is great in Chaing Mai with the local night bazaar that stretches over many main streets, side streets and shopping mall areas. On Sunday evening the handicraft and food market is held at Rachadamnoen road. Getting to Chiang Mai from Bangkok could not be easier there are up to 14 trains a day which takes about 12 to 15 hours overnight. Flights from BKK up to 28 a day and takes about one hour ten minutes. Hotels and tours are well catered for within the airport at Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Wat in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as Doi Suthep although this is actually the name of the mountain where it's located. It is a sacred site to many Thai people. The temple is 15 kilometres ( 9.3 miles ) from the city of Chiang Mai. From the temple, impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen. is the wondrous and holy temple of Wat Phra That which is located near the top of Doi Suthep ( Mount Suthep ). The temple is simply referred to as Doi Suthep by most people. Every tuk-tuk and Songthaew driver in Chiang Mai will offer to take you on the 15 kilometre trip up the winding mountain road to Doi Suthep. Built as a Buddhist monastery in 1383 it is still a working monastery today. Funds raised by donations and the lift fee go to support the monks living there and for maintenance of the various temple buildings. The architecture, statues, murals and shrines seen here are nothing short of breathtaking.
On arrival at Doi Suthep you will be in a large car park, the temple complex is up the side of the mountain beside the car park. Starting with a walk up the 300 steps of the intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase you begin to marvel at the splendour of your surroundings. For those that do not fancy the 300 step climb up to the complex, you can go up the lift for 30 Baht and walk down the staircase when you have finished. On reaching the top you are greeted with the sight of the golden spire which decorates the centre of the mountain top temple. The walls around the spire form a mini enclave and are richly decorated with historical murals and shrines. Here you find a beautiful copy of the Emerald Buddha statue on display. The real Emerald Buddha statue is now in Bangkok.
Doi Suthep mountain rises about 1000 metres ( 3,542 ft ) above sea level; there are fine views over the city of Chiang Mai to be had from the temple's lower terrace. The terrace is surrounded by large bells that are rung by pilgrims to bring good luck. On the northwest corner of the terrace is a statue of the legendary elephant who chose the site of the temple.
The monastery was established in 1383 by King Keu Naone to enshrine a piece of bone, said to be from the shoulder of the historical Buddha. The bone was brought to Lanna by a wandering monk from Sukhothai and it broke into two pieces at the base of the mountain, with one piece being enshrined at Wat Suan Dok. The second fragment was mounted onto a sacred white elephant who wandered the jungle until it died, in the process selecting the spot where the monastery was later founded.
Outside this central enclave area you will find the shrine to the White Elephant and the story of how the temple on Doi Suthep was founded. There is a wide walkway around the main temple which leads you to a large viewing terrace with terrific views down over Chiang Mai, weather permitting. Just past the viewing terrace is one of the worlds largest gongs, which makes an earthly rich sound when struck.
The Wat can be reached by road from Chiang Mai. From the car park at the temple's base visitors can climb 309 steps to reach the pagodas or take a tram. Once inside the temple grounds visitors must be appropriately dressed and must remove footwear. The original copper plated chedi is the most holy area of the temple grounds. Within the site are pagodas, statues, bells, a museum, and shrines. Aspects of the wat draw from both Buddhism and Hinduism. There is a model of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh. Views of Chiang Mai can be seen on the far side of the temple.
Mai Rim Snake Farm and Show, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai.This snake farm show wide species of both non-poisonous and poisonous snakes, with cobras show as their the highlight. Guests can hold a live cobra and python. Show times are at 11.30 a.m., 2.15 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.