Thailand: Gilded chedi at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

An important destination, for visitors and residents alike, is Doi Suthep. This forested hill - Doi is a northern Thai word for mountain - looms to the western side of the city, offering easy access to fresh air, forest walks, and a Hmong hill tribe village. Half-way up the mountain stands Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After a drive of about twenty minutes from the city centre, the temple may be reached by a steep flight of steps flanked by naga-snake balustrades, or by a funicular railway. The magnificent gilded chedi, which dates from the 16th century, offers superb views across Chiang Mai Valley to the River Ping.

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia