This temple is located at the top of Suthep Mountain (or a.k.a. Doi Suthep in Thai) and it is considered as a landmark of the city. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is among well-know tourist attractions in town. Although the mountain stands up for more than 1,600 meters above the sea level and it is approximately 15 kilometers from the city to the top of the mountain, it is still very convenient to reach the temple.
If you stay at anywhere in the city area, you should take a “Red Taxi” which usually runs around town without a fixed route to either at the front Chiang Mai University main gate or at the front gate of Chiang Mai Zoo along Huay Kaew Road. These 2 locations would be the stations for the other groups of red taxis particularly going to Doi Suthep and other nearby attractions in the area. The road is in a good condition so it does not take a long time until reaching the temple. When you arrive to the point, you would notice and feel the cool breeze. The weather is generally nice and mild throughout the year because of the high altitude.
When reaching the main gate of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you can make your choices either to do a good cardio-exercise by walking 309 steps for free or taking an automatic cable car with a little amount of money to reach the main pagoda. Please note that like many holy Buddhist places, it is advisable not to wear shorts, vests, or singlets to show a respect for the places.
You can pray to the main pagoda by walking 3 cycles around the pagoda.This pagoda is considered to be a holy pagoda for the ones who were born on the Year of Goat according to the Asian 12 Zodiac. In addition, you can also worship other shrines and ring some bells around the temple.The temple also provides a scenic spectacular point that you can get a panorama view of whole Chiang Mai city.
It is a good idea if you decide to walk down as it should not take a lot of energy or being too exhausted. You can see beautiful pine trees along the stairs. Then, when you are at the bottom levels of stairs, you can enjoy doing some souvenir shopping or grab some snacks to eat just in case you are hungry.
/// Written by Khlongyuth Im-Emsap, Thailand
