Shuanglong Temple

#September2025 🏯 Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in northern Thailand. Perched 1,061 meters above sea level on Doi Suthep Mountain, it was founded in 1383. Legend has it that a sacred relic split, and one of the fragments was carried to the summit by a white elephant as a miracle, leading to the construction of the temple. The temple's centerpiece is a majestic 24-meter-tall golden stupa, clad in gold and copper, which houses the Buddha's relic. Access is via a 309-step Naga-serpent-guarded staircase, or a cable car. The temple boasts exquisite Lanna-style architecture, Buddha statues, and murals, and an observation deck offering panoramic views of Chiang Mai. This temple is both a center of faith and a cultural landmark, hosting grand celebrations during major festivals such as the annual Songkran Festival, blending spirituality with the beauty of nature.