Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
This very touristic spot, situated at the top of a 1601 meter mountain, is part of the Doi Suthep-Doi Pui national park. Doi Suthep temple is one of Northern Thailand most revered Buddhist sanctuaries. The thick forests around it are refuges of several bird species. A road leads from Chiang Mai to the top of the cliff, an area with restaurants, souvenir shops and jade factories and shops. From there the visitor can choose to climb 300 steps stairways or take an elevator. A few kilometers from the wat (temple), you can visit a Hmong village, water falls, and the English gardens of the Phuping Palace.
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The view on Chiang Mai From a terrace on the temple complex, the visitor has a panoramic view of the Doi Suthep-Doi Pui national park forests and the city of Chiang Mai (South-East) |
The central chedi The original reliquary got this Lan Na style extension in the XVIth century. The pilgrims receive merits by putting golden leaves on its four parasols. |
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The principal wihan Buddha The XVIth century wihan encases the sanctuary most veneered pictures of the "enlightened" |
The nagas stairway The wat 300 steps nagas stairway dragon head snakes is framed by banisters. Visitors can also take a funicular. |
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The belts The belts, which original purpose was to call the monks and devots, bring luck to the ones who sing them. |