Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep, the spiritual heart of Chiang Mai, houses a collection of 1,200-year-old sacred artefacts. As a result, its lush, evergreen forests draw both visitors and devotees alike. Located close to the Thai-Burmese border at between 350 and 1,685 metres, this serene national park bridges Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Doi Buak Hah. The evergreen forests on these separate peaks are strikingly different from those at the foot of the mountain, and present a veritable school of nature, with rare mountain flowers such as krathon leusi, kanoon din, and phraya mai. The area is also home to some 326 species of birds, 700 species of butterflies, and a variety of wildlife.

How to get there
From town, follow Huay Kaew Road past Chiang Mai University and Chiang Mai Zoo for approximately 5 kilometres to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Doi Suthep Temple). From there, take the road to the right and follow the wellmarked route to the park entrance.

Where to visit - When to visit
Take in the scenic Huay Kaew Waterfall before stopping off for a picnic lunch on either Nguen li orWang Bua Ban Cliff. Nearby, the statue of Kru Ba Sri Vichai pays tribute to the man who initiated the construction of Doi Suthep's first road linking the area to the rest of the country. At Wat Phra Borom That Doi Suthep, visitors can pay respects to Phra Borom That, Chiang Mai's most sacred artefacts. The winter palace of Phra Tamnak Phu Phing Rajcha Niveth is another beautiful attraction, open only on Fridays, weekends and holidays. A traditional and simple way of life can be witnessed first-hand in one of the area's many Hmong hilltribe villages.