Discover the wonders of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai (Don’t Forget to Feast on Street Food too!)

Bangkok is not the only tourist hotspot in Thailand. Many frequent travellers have been venturing out to Chiang Mai which is located approximately 700-kilometres north of Bangkok. This city, founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, seamlessly merges the past and present. You will notice modern buildings situated right next to sacred temples.

Chiang Mai offers travellers plenty of activities, sightseeing options, and food. My most enjoyable moments were spending an afternoon at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and savouring the variety of street food near Chiang Mai’s North Gate in the evening.

Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a venerable site to many Thai people. Legend has it that a monk named Sumanathera from the Sukhothai Kingdom had a dream. He was told to look for a relic in Pang Cha. Sumanathera followed his dream, ventured to Pang Cha, and found a bone which many claimed was Gautama Buddha’s shoulder bone. The relic displayed magical powers, and Sumanathera brought it to King Dhammaraja who ruled Sukhothai.

Despite making offerings and hosting a ceremony when Sumanathera arrived, the relic did not display its magical characteristics. King Dhammaraja doubted the relic’s authenticity, and instructed Sumanathera to keep the relic. However, King Nu Naone of Lan Na heard about the relic, and bade the monk to bring it to him.

In 1368, with King Dhammaraja’s permission, Sumanathera took the relic to what is now Lamphun, in northern Thailand. Upon his arrival, the relic broke into two pieces – the smaller piece was enshrined at a temple in Suandok, while the other piece was placed by the King on the back of a white elephant which was released into the jungle. The white elephant was said to have climbed up Doi Suthep, stopped and trumpeted three times, before it dropped dead. King Nu Naone interpreted this as an omen, and immediately ordered the construction of a temple at the site. There are a few other variations of the legend of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, but many people believed this version.

Upon arriving at Doi Suthep Hill, you can ascend slightly more than 300 steps of intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase to reach the pagodas. A more convenient way would be taking the tram up for 30Baht per person. You will get to marvel at spectacular views along the way.

Once you are at the top, be blown away by the shimmering golden ‘stupa’ which is the centerpiece in the central enclave area. The exterior is made up of 400,000 pieces of solid gold leaves, and the four carousels surrounding the ‘stupa’ represent royalty. Outside the central enclave area, you will find the shrine to the White Elephant, with the story of how the temple was founded. Finally, head to the large viewing terrace for a panoramic view of Chiang Mai and its surrounding countryside at 3,520 feet above sea level.

I’m pretty sure the little adventure atop Doi Suthep Hill has gotten your tummy rumbling. Time to spend the evening trying as much local street food as you can! I highly recommend the street food vendors who set up their stalls across the street of Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai’s North Gate.

One particular vendor dressed up as a ‘cowgirl’ grabbed the attention of netizens when a traveller uploaded a video of her whipping up plates after plates of pork trotters rice. The stall is named, “风飞飞猪脚饭”. Fans of Chinese singer, Fong Fei Fei, will be familiar with her signature style of wearing a hat while singing. The hat worn by this Thai ‘cowgirl’ resembles the singer’s iconic style.

If you are wondering how her food fares, well … Fantastic! The “Khao Ka Moo” (pork trotters rice) had a good amount of fatty layers and lean meat. The gravy had a tinge of cinnamon and star anise flavours. Don’t forget to add the salted vegetables which are placed in huge containers at each table. Oh, here’s a piece of news which is bound to delight your wallets – each plate of pork trotters rice costs only 30Baht. The stall opens daily from 5pm to 2am.

A pity I didn’t spend enough days to explore Chiang Mai to the fullest, but I promise I will provide more information regarding travelling in Chiang Mai (hopefully) soon!