Northern Thailand’s Most Sacred Temple: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep ✨

#songkran2024 #thailandtrip The temple is about 18km from Chiang Mai's city center on Doi Suthep mountain. You can reach it by private transport, shared songthaews, or hike up! ✨ My friend and I chose to hike. The hike trail called Monk’s Trail. The starting point of the trail is 15 minutes by car from the city centre. Wat Phra Doi Suthep situated at 1,073 elevation and it takes around 2-3 hours in total to hike. At the elevation 620m, you will find a serene small temple called Wat Pha Lat and from Wat Pha Lat it’s just another 1 hour hike to Wat Phra Doi Suthep. Upon reaching Doi Suthep, visitors can ascend via 306 stairs or opt for a cable car (50 baht round trip). We climbed the 306 stairs, and it was absolutely worth it. Stepping into the temple, we immediately understood why it's so renowned. The temple's golden glow was truly magical, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight. Arriving at 4:30 pm gave us plenty of time to explore before sunset. Being situated high in the mountains, the temple also provided a stunning view of Chiang Mai city. Watching the captivating shift from daylight to the city's illuminated night was truly magical. After enjoying the sunset, we returned to the temple. As night fell, the LED lights illuminated the temple, transforming it into a mesmerizing sight. The golden glow that was captivating during the day became even more enchanting at night, making the temple appear truly majestic and mesmerizing. Some tips: - Aim to arrive near sunset to experience the temple in both daylight and nighttime. - Remember to dress appropriately, covering your arms and legs as per the rules. - If you're hiking, bring a hat and use effective sun protection to stay comfortable during your journey. Hope you can see it with your own eyes too one day. Happy travelling! ✨