Experience Doi Suthep

The holiest shrine in Northern Thailand, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (also spelled Wat Phratat Doi Suthep), first began construction in 1386 under King Kuena and was completed within a few years. The building was an incredible task, with workers having to carry supplies through the thick jungle. The temple is often referred to as Doi Suthep, which is actually the name of the mountain where it’s stands on. It's 15 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai and sits at an elevation of 1,073 meters, with 306 steps to reach the golden temple. The name of the Temple (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) explains what the temple has. Phra entails an honorific Buddha image, and That means a relic. Combining the two tells you there is a relic of Buddhas in the sanctity of the temple, and in this case, it's half of Buddha's shoulder bone. If you ask your guide to tell you about the white elephant legend, he might reveal the location of the relic. This golden temple is known for it’s picturesque sunrise and sunset views over the city and givings of morning monk alms.

The incredible viewpoints of Doi Suthep reveal the abundant jungle surrounding the ever-changing city of Chiang Mai below. The first viewpoint you stop at on the way to Doi Suthep is a well needed resting point for bikers and runners to take in the magnificent view and accomplishment of their journey up the mountain. The observatory deck’s open area is perfect for taking in and capturing the incredible natural environment over Chiang Mai. There is even a friendly local artist who will sketch you and offer to try his handcrafted foot massager along with some ice-cold water. Once you get to Doi Suthep temple, the 2nd viewpoint is around the backside of the temple. This viewpoint gives you another impressive angle of the enormous city below. The area’s space allows you room to find the perfect spot for that memorable photo. If you are open to an early morning both these viewpoints are spectacular for sunrise.

This village is located at the top of Doi Suthep. It is home to the Hmong hill tribe, which is one of the six hill tribes in Thailand. The village has a beautiful flower garden and a small bamboo forest you can explore. The tribal people of this village are trying to maintain their culture, and they wear their tribal clothes, including the children. You can even watch the school kids play a traditional game with a spinning ball and hand out snacks to them.

Wat Phra Lat was constructed in 1355 after King Kuena’s white elephant died at the site of Wat Doi Suthep, and he ordered the construction of the temples where it perished and where it took breaks to rest. People call it the magical secret temple of Chiang Mai. The reason behind this is because it's been lost in the lush jungle surrounding it. The temple was originally used as a resting place for people on their journey up the mountain to worship at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Later on, the location became a meditation retreat and a residence for monks. Wat Phra Lat has a uniqueness that other temples do not provide due to the jungle overtaking it, it's a must see temple.

You will experience two different highlights. First, we will stop by a local market and purchase the essential items that monks need, and then we will stop by the roadside and wait for the monks. I will explain and then show you how to give your offering to a monk properly. The tradition of alms gathering dates back to the 14th century – locals wake early to prepare food for the monks and wait quietly by the roadside to give their gifts.