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Wat Phra Thart Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai's most famous temple!

Wat Phra Thart Doi Suthep History

Originally built in 1386 by King Keuna the Great, the temple site was chosen because a white elephant........which only a king can own........ was let free. Once he reached this spot he stopped and circled three times, trumpeted three times and died on the spot. ...........taken as a sign that this was where the temple should be built. It was named after the hermit Suthep Reusi, who had lived there 1,300 years ago.







Once up are in the temple grounds you see many Thai people who clearly come here on a pilgrimage, praying, lighting their joss sticks, and participating in the Buddhist rituals and ceremonies.





The buildings are impressive. The gorgeous stupa pagoda or golden chedi is covered with engraved gold plate and is 79 feet high and 39 feet across at its base.

There is an impressive row of huge bells, on the edge of a large tiled area.

We stopped at a Hill village with beautiful handcrafts in the shops lining the hilly streets. This made a half day tour that was well worth while.

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