WAT PHRA DOI SUTHEP, CHIANG MAI
NORTH THAILANDS MOST IMPORTANT TEMPLE
Legend has it that a part of Buddha’s shoulder bones was fixed on the back of a white elephant at the behest of the king of the long-pasted kingdom of Lan Na. This elephant walked up to the mountain nowadays called Doi Southep, where he unfortunately died. At the site of his collapse the temple was built in oder to honor him, and also because his walk was regarded as an omen.
309 steps up and you can reach the temple – or you can easily take the rack railway. Up there you do not only have a great view. While the walls revive Buddha’s story through drawings, the imitation of the famous Emerald Buddha in Bangkok and the marble Buddha on the other side of the Chedis are also a feast for the eyes.




