Doi Suthep Temple, the Most Famous Chiang Mai Attraction

First time visitors to Chiang Mai are sure to take notice of the mountain which borders the western edge of the city. Northern Thailand is known for its many mountain ranges and Doi Pui is the eighth highest peak in Thailand. Chiang Mai's famous Doi Suthep temple sits on the eastern side of this mountain and looks out over the city. The official name is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and it has kept its eye on Chiang Mai for hundreds of years. On a clear day, the temple can be seen from locations throughout the Ping valley.

 Legend has it that the present day site was chosen by divine intervention. A relic of the Lord Buddha was placed on the back of an elephant. The elephant then headed toward the mountain and after three days of wandering it died at the current location of Doi Suthep temple. The relic is believed to be buried under the chedi in the courtyard of Chiang Mai's famous temple.

Doi Suthep is a must see Chiang Mai attraction for first time visitors to Chiang Mai. Temples are an important part of life in Thailand and the temple on Doi Suthep is almost as famous as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. One of the unique features of this Chiang Mai attraction is the over 300 step staircase which is bordered by mythical naga snakes. The climb to the top of the stairs is not an easy endeavor, but the view at the top is well worth it.

  If you wish to enter the inner temple area, adherence to a dress code is required. Don't worry; there is clothing to borrow for those who may not be prepared for the strict dress code. The large chedi in the sacred temple area is the center of many photos which represent the city of Chiang Mai. This inner area is often busy with Thai nationals making merit at several designated altars.

The outer courtyard has much activity as well. Tourists and Thai pilgrims alike often take pictures of the many Buddha images and the view of the city below. One of my favorite attractions in this outer courtyard is the row of bells and gongs on the outside sanctuary wall. It is okay to ring the bells for good luck. Doi Suthep temple is a popular Chiang Mai attraction for locals and foreigners.

   

Every tourist site, whether for foreign or local tourists, offers any array of small restaurants and shops selling souvenirs. The area around Doi Suthep temple is no different from other tourist areas. There is no need to pack a lunch or even to bring drink along on your trip to the mountain. Anything you need for basic survival can be purchased on the spot. Unlike western countries, prices for food and drink are rarely inflated in the tourist areas.

Getting to the temple is very easy. Every taxi and songthaew driver in Chiang Mai will be able to find their way up the winding road to the base of the temple. Many taxis sit at the base of the mountain near the entrance to Chiang Mai zoo waiting for passengers to whisk up the road for a morning at Doi Suthep temple.

Entrance to the temple is free for Thai nationals, but foreign tourists are asked to 

make a 30 baht donation. This is a small price to pay for an opportunity to visit the most famous Chiang Mai attraction.

  
By D. L. Zimmerman

Phucheefah Forest Park

The stunning viewpoint of Phu Chee Fah has been long popular with Thai tourists, but remains little known amongst western travellers. On a clear morning, the views out and over a vast stretch of mist swathed Laos, are absolutely breathtaking.

Set in a remote part of the Thai-Lao border in eastern Chiang Rai province, the view from the summit of 1,628m stretches over a vast stretch of Sainyabuli province in Laos. The view is best at dawn on a clear day, when the valley below fills with mist -- November to February is considered the best time of the year to visit.

There are a bunch of guesthouses and camping is also available, but the difficult part is getting here -- you really need your own transport -- either motorbike or car -- to reach Phu Chee Fah.

Phu Chee Fah can be approached from Wiang Kaen in the north or Thoeng in the south, with the latter being the more popular route taken.

If you choose to approach from Wiang Kaen, expect some stunning mountain scenery and some moderately challenging road conditions. Also, if you choose this route, the more northern viewpoint of Doi Patang is also worth visiting.

If travelling by motorcycle, you're best to do this route with others as if you have a problem with your bike you could be stranded for a long time -- very little traffic uses this road -- though it is about 95% sealed.

There are three areas around Phu Chee Fah with guesthouses, one about 2km north of the final turnoff to the summit a second solitary guesthouse about 1.5km north of the turnoff and the other about 500m south of the final turnoff.

On weekends most places are open, but midweek, many are closed and food opportunities may be limited. From the turn-off it is another km to the parking area, then a 700m hike to the summit.

You can reach Phu Chee Fah by motorbike from either Chiang Rai or Chiang Khong, with both trips taking around 3-4 hours. For those with their own transport, an overnight visit to Phu Chee Fah is highly recommended.