Google Sightseeing takes you on tour of the world as seen from satellite, using the free Google Earth program, or Google Maps in your web browser. Each weekday your guides James and Alex present new weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers.

The editors: James & Alex

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Friday, 9th September 2005 by James

The temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep overlooks the city of Chiang Mai from its mountain top location 3,520 feet above sea level. Dating back to 1383, the temple is accessed via the 290 step staircase which you can see running up to the buildings. It’s just like in Kung Fu films ;-)

Also noticible is the temple’s golden pagoda which contains holy Buddha relics attracting Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.

Thanks: Hendrik Räcker

4 Responses to 'Wat Phra That Doi Suthep'

  1. 1. jazzfunk says:

    What’s really amazing (as well) is that there are large houses farther up the mountain, above the little wispy clouds. No roads to them either. Still looking for the ‘Enter the Dragon’ palace up there…

  2. 2. satellite lover says:

    Look out for an amazing square canal system if you scroll to the right over the city. I suppose it is some ancient defense system but impressive engineering no matter when it was built.

  3. 3. eddy napalm says:

    The nearby city toward the east of this location is Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern part of Thailand. Once it was an independent Kingdom. It was annexed to Thailand (then Siam) about 200 years ago.

  4. 4. Noud says:

    Nowadays fortunately there is a electric train lift taking tourists up to the temple, starts just east of the parking lot. Visit there in the morning to have a clear view over Chiang Mai.

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