Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Friday, 9th September 2005 by James Turnbull
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
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…
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.
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.
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.