Wat Doi Suthep Temple & Phu Ping Palace: Chiang Mai Highlights

From your hotel, take a vehicle up 3,500 feet (1,069 m) above sea level to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Visit one of Chiang Mai's most sacred temples on this half day tour to the beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. More commonly referred to as just "Doi Suthep" for the mountain it sits on, the temple is a gorgeous example of Buddhist grandeur and gives insights into Thai culture. From the parking lot, you can reach the temple gates either by climbing 306 steps on foot or by riding a cable car to the top. If you opt to go on foot, begin up the intricately carved Naga Serpent Staircase, which is flanked on either side by enormous, colorful serpent carvings that snake down the mountain.

At the top of the mountain, you're greeted by a stunning golden spire that crowns the center of the temple and can be seen for miles around. The spire is surrounded by walls of historical murals, which you can spend time admiring before moving on. Learn the myth of the temple's foundation as you pass the shrine to the white elephant that is said to have brought a relic of the historical Buddha to the temple.

After visiting the temple's illustrious shrines and pagodas, learning of Doi Suthep's history on the way, continue to visit Phu Ping Palace, the royal winter palace was built in1962 , it has the delightful gardens with tropical and temperate flowers in bloom for all year. After that make the return trip back down the mountain to end your tour.