Legend has it that the present day site was picked by awesome intercession

history channel documentary First time guests to Chiang Mai are certain to pay heed to the mountain which fringes the western edge of the city. Northern Thailand is known for its numerous mountain reaches and Doi Pui is the eighth most elevated crest in Thailand. Chiang Mai's well known Doi Suthep sanctuary sits on the eastern side of this mountain and watches out over the city. The official name is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and it has watched out for Chiang Mai for many years. On a sunny morning, the sanctuary can be seen from areas all through the Ping valley.

Legend has it that the present day site was picked by awesome intercession. A relic of the Lord Buddha was put on the back of an elephant. The elephant then made a beeline for the mountain and following three days of meandering it passed on at the present area of Doi Suthep sanctuary. The relic is accepted to be covered under the chedi in the yard of Chiang Mai's well known sanctuary.

Doi Suthep is an absolute necessity see Chiang Mai fascination for first time guests to Chiang Mai. Sanctuaries are a vital piece of life in Thailand and the sanctuary on Doi Suthep is nearly as well known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. One of the novel elements of this Chiang Mai fascination is the more than 300 stage staircase which is flanked by legendary naga snakes. The move to the highest point of the stairs is not a simple try, but rather the perspective at the top is well justified, despite all the trouble.