Shrine of Northern Thailand Wat Phrathat DOI Suthep was founded in 1386 by king KUE na with wonderful circumstances. According to legend, the relics of the Buddha, the most precious relic, were laid in the Chedi (stupa) in Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai. However, mysteriously relic multiplied, and the question arose: where it is located. Since the exact location could not choose, it was decided to place the relic on the back of the white elephant and give him the right to choose the location of the future temple. After long wanderings elephant came to the mountain of DOI Suthep, blew three blasts, turned around three times and died. Wat Phrathat DOI Suthep was built on top of this mountain.

The construction of the temple lasted for several years with great difficulty, all goods had to lift on steep slopes, to a height of 1000 meters through the jungle. The road to the Wool Phrathat DOI Suthep was built only in 1935. Now to get to the temple is not a problem, and preserved around the road nature pleases waterfalls, more than 300 species of birds and many others.

On the way to the temple of pilgrims awaiting trial: a long staircase of 300 steps. (If desired, you can use the cable car nearby.) However, all the work will be rewarded: from the site of Wat Phrathat DOI Suthep offers a magnificent view of the whole Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

On the temple grounds is the famous statue of the white elephant, and a magnificent gold-plated Chedi, created in the likeness of the temple Phrathat Haripunchai in Lamphun (the main Church of the former Kingdom Lamphun). Around the Chedi are 4 gold openwork umbrella, which is a delightful example of art in Lanna style.

In the temple Phrathat DOI Suthep, annually celebrated two most important Buddhist event - Maha Puja (anniversary of Buddha's sermons) and Visakha Puja (Buddha's birthday). Both holidays are celebrated with a solemn procession with candles, starting from the foot of the mountain.