Doy Supet ; Sacred Temple Chiang May

An image of the golden stupas of this magnificent temple on the background of a bright blue sky can be seen in almost all advertising booklets of Northern Thailand. It is the Doy Suthet that is one of the symbols of Thailand and, perhaps, the most important and significant of all its temples.

Doy Suthep (Doi Suthep) is located near Chiang May, the northern capital of Thailand, on top of the mountain with a beautiful view of Chiang May and the most amazing sunset (albeit if you are lucky with the weather).

A bit of history

The temple was built on the top of the mountain of the same name more than 700 years ago. With his appearance, a beautiful, but sad legend about a white elephant. She says: Once, one old monk saw a dream in which he was having a place where the sacred bones of the shoulder of the Buddha are stored. The monk went there and found the shrine that had healing properties to all. Rumor about Nakhodka reached the king of the Kingdom of Lanna. At that time, the kingdom occupied the territory of the modern province of Chiang May. Monk summoned to the king in order to show the relic. But in the way the power was divided into two parts. Lower part placed in the temple of Suan Dok (Wat Suan Dok) in Chiang May. Greater half put on the back of the White Elephant, who was released in the jungle along with a precious nichery. Elephant climbed to the top of Mount Maud Suttekov, protrude three times and died. People it was perceived as a sign that the place is special. Therefore, on the last relief of the elephant and the temple was built.

For the centuries of its existence, Doy Sutepete broke and turned into a large, beautiful complex. And the White Elephant, which indicated to people mountain, is remembered here and read – it can be seen in many places of the temple.

Doy Supet is one of the most visited temples of Northern Thailand, there are always a lot of pilgrims and simple travelers here, but despite this, the amazing atmosphere of peace and tranquility reigns on the territory of the complex.

The road to the temple and local customs

Hundreds of years ago, it was possible to get to the temple making through the jungle on the slopes of the mountain. Nowadays, it is much easier to do. On foot long, color staircase in the shape of a snake dragon ; one of the characters of Buddhism. Overcoming 309 steps fall into a big yard. Here is the Holy Chedi (type variety) surrounded with huge gilded umbrellas, pagodas, statues, various sodes,. As well as charming flower beds and chic species on Chiang May. During the service, bypassing around the perimeter of the burial site of the relics of the Buddha. Bypass it three times, while carrying flowers and candles in the hands. On a specially designated wall, you can leave a coin on happiness. In the courtyard of the complex rushes a huge number of bells and bells of different shapes and sizes.

Buddhists bring small bells here and, together with their innermost desires, leave them in the temple. From the wind garlands of bells begins to ring. It is believed that these sounds hears the Buddha, and with the chime and the desire of visitors of the temple. Everyone can sign something and hit in small bells, the territory of the temple placed here specifically for these purposes. In Doy Sutepe, you can participate in the ritual of the blessing, which is carried out by monks and get a dressing on the wrist – Buddhist mascot, who carries the world to the one who wears him ..

Practical information

Doy Sutepete is 15 kilometers from Chiang May. You can get to it from the old part of the city on Tuk Tuka or Songthev (a small pickup with passenger places, located on the sides). A trip to both ends will cost about 150 baht per person. Entrance to the territory of the temple complex for tourists is 30 baht. If you are afraid of 309 stairs steps, you can use the funicular (20 baht).

Respect the customs of the country ; Remove shoes when entering the temple, and also cover your shoulders and knees.
# Chiang May, # North Thailand, # Thailand