Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

One more week, from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep discovering new Asian spots. Today we want to take you to Thailand to visit the amazing Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple located 18 kilometres away from the city of Chiang Mai, the most visited city in Northern Thailand. At an altitude of 1,073 metres, it offers spectacular views of the city. This is one of Thailand´s most sacred temples.

When it comes to the origin of the temple, there are several legends about it. It is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first stupa was built.

In order to access the temple, there are two possibilities, visitors can either climb 309 steps to reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or take a tram. The steps are without a doubt one of the most picturesque areas of the temple.

The 20 metres original golden stupa is the most holy area of the temple surroundings. Within the grounds are bells, shrines and statues, including a statue of the white elephant that carried the Buddha relic to its current resting place. According to the legend, the place where the elephant passed away was the one picked to build Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Besides this symbolic statue, there is a replica of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh.

The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. On the occasion of Visakha Bucha, which takes place between June and July every year, locals walk from the zoo to the temple, making a pilgrimage to the top of the hill.

Plan a getaway on Halloween to our Asian paradise in the Mediterranean Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and enjoy one of the most special holidays of the year in a unique environment. We have designed a very entertaining programme so that kids can enjoy unforgettable days while adults experience a relaxing getaway in our Thai Paradise. Are you joining us?