Doi Suthep is the most famous mountain in northern Thailand and a sacred Buddhist site. From the foot of the mountain to the summit, you will pass three unique temples, where you can experience the distinctive charm of Buddhist culture along the way.
- Passing Through the Deep Tunnel and Arriving at Umong Temple at the Foot of Doi Suthep
Umong Temple, with a history of over 700 years, takes its name from the Thai word for tunnel or cave. True to its name, the temple is built inside a tunnel, with several interconnected chambers. Unlike other gleaming golden temples, Umong Temple is surrounded by forests and lakes, creating a serene atmosphere where time has left its marks on the ancient structures.
Legend has it that when the temple was first built, the tunnel walls were covered with murals depicting Buddhist themes. Today, the paintings have faded and blurred, their colors bleeding into one another, leaving only vague shapes and forms—creating an almost otherworldly sensation, like stepping into a hidden time portal.
Emerging from the tunnel, to the right, amidst the moss-covered trees, lies a ruin overgrown with greenery. Broken Buddha statues lie piled upon one another, as if silently telling the stories of a time long past, their presence a testament to the passage of years in this quiet, forgotten place.
- A Sanctuary for Hikers, Hidden on the Slopes of Doi Suthep—Phra That Doi Suthep Temple
Nestled among the mountain forests, Phra That Doi Suthep Temple blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment of Doi Suthep. Its layout is carefully crafted to follow the natural contours of the land. The temple, courtyards, mountain paths, and streams all intertwine, creating a peaceful harmony where the melodies of birdsong fill the air.
With over 600 years of history, Phra That Doi Suthep is home to numerous ancient relics and buildings for visitors to explore, such as the ancient stupa, a meditation hall perched on the cliff’s edge, the Naga staircase, and the royal Buddha hall of King Kuna. The old temple and its mysterious sculptures, set against the backdrop of lush greenery, evoke the feel of a cinematic scene. Each sculpture’s expression exudes tranquility, and the entire temple radiates a sense of Zen.
Streams and small waterfalls flow through the temple grounds, and strolling in the temple feels like stepping into a distant era. The serene and harmonious atmosphere allows visitors to feel the deep historical and cultural resonance of this sacred place.
From the waterfall area within the temple, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city below. For those who love to visit temples, this ancient and uniquely atmospheric site is not to be missed.
- Climbing the Long Staircase to Overlook Chiang Mai from the Summit of Doi Suthep—Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, built in the 14th century, is a temple filled with legend and history and a significant Buddhist retreat. It was constructed with royal patronage at the site chosen by a white elephant. The temple gets its name, “Twin Dragons Temple”, from the 306 steps leading to its entrance, flanked by two massive dragon sculptures, each over 500 meters long.
Legend has it that King Kuna of the Lanna Kingdom received a relic of the Buddha, a piece of the true body of Shakyamuni, and was unsure where to enshrine it. The king placed the relic on the back of a white elephant, letting it choose the location. The elephant traveled up Doi Suthep, circled a flat meadow three times, and then, with a mighty trumpet, made its presence known throughout the mountains. It then sat down and refused to move any further. Inspired by this, King Kuna decided to build a temple at the spot where the elephant had stopped.
One of the main structures of the temple is the sacred relic stupa, which originally stood 5 meters tall, housing the relic inside. In the 12th century of the Meng Rai Dynasty, King Phaya Mengko raised the stupa to 11 meters and widened its base to 6 meters by 6 meters. Gold leaf, made from 70% gold, was applied to the stupa, turning it into a magnificent golden pagoda. When the sun hits, the golden light dazzles, casting a warm glow over the land, filling it with peace and serenity—this is the majestic, awe-inspiring golden stupa we see today.
The temple also features a viewing platform, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Chiang Mai city below.
