You haven't been to Chiang Mai until...

... you've visited Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Or so the saying goes. Well it only took me about 2 years and 4 months to get there, but I finally made it. At least I can say that I've been to Chiang Mai before I leave.

Wat Phrathat sits on Doi Suthep (doi means mountain in Thai), overlooking the city. Doi Suthep is one of the mountains in the mountain ridge that runs west of the city. Next to Doi Suthep is Doi Pui, Chiang Mai city's tallest mountain. The wat is a common sight of pilgramage for travellers to Chiang Mai and a symbollic spot for locals.

The temple is believed to first have been built in 1383 according to local legend. It has of course been expanded and restored on numerous occasions over the years. The first road up to the temple was built in 1935. Nowadays it's easy to drive up in a car or on a motorbike or catch a songtaew (red truck). Once you drive up the mountain, there is a 309 step naga staircase to climb (or you can take the little funicular if you're lazy or out of shape :) until you reach the temple. If you're not Thai you have to pay 30 baht to enter. It's worth the view and the general atmosphere up there is quite unique.  On a clear day you can get an excellent view of the whole valley Chiang Mai sits in and the surrounding mountains. Lots of great photo opportunities!