There are thousands of interesting Buddhist temples in Thailand, and yes some hundreds in Chiangmai!
There are historically significant and contain beautiful artwork, some are popular with local Buddhists and some offer foreigners a chance to learn about architecture.
Here are TWO worth a visit, Phrathat Doi Suthep and the Great Buddha’s footprint temple!
Before we talk about these two temples, I can’t miss an opportunity to mention Kruba Sriwichai, the monk who is revered by many as the Buddhist saint of northern Thailand.
Kruba’s work was not confined to the rebuilding of temples but under his guidance: schools, bridges, government buildings, and roads, he also constructed the road from Chiang Mai to Phrathat Doi Suthep, and renovated The Four Buddha’s’ Footprints temple…
Let’s start with…Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple – The Must Visit…
Doi Suthep, is a wellknown mountain in Chiangmai (Doi is Thai Northern language and means “mountain”). This mountain is 1,676 meters tall…It’s not the highest peak in Thailand but on top of this mountain is Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai and the Chedi is beautiful with all gold.
Especially good if you were born in year of Goat! If you’re born in one of the years listed below,…we believe that you have to have one visit to Phrathat Doi Suthep for a blessing…
The way to go to this temple is kind of thrilling as it’s on top of the mountain – do not drive if you are a new driver!
In the past, it took five hours to climb up the densely wooded mountainside to visit.
But in 1934, Kruba started to construct the road to Doi Suthep which took only 5 months and 22 days to complete, 11.5 Kilometers!!!
It’s very amazing that they didn’t have any machine to work on the road but they did have between 3000-4000 laborers who believed in Kruba and came to help build the road with their spades and picks everyday for no salary! See? that’s why I mentioned about Kruba at the begining…
So it’s easier to visit the temple now but once you get there, from the car park at the temple base visitors can climb 309 steps to reach the pagodas or there is a tram (about 30-50 baht for round-trip ride).
i think it’s a good idea to ride a tram up and walk steps down…
I would recommend you to visit Phrathat Doi Suthep, not for just blessing but it’s one of the best views of Chiangmai on a clear day. The Entrance fee is 30 Baht (for foreigners), please dress politely.
Note: At the half way point to the temple – you can stop at a nice water fall “Monthatharn” (น้ำตกมณฑาธาร), it’s kind of cute and a nice stop! The admission fee is about 20-30 baht.
Next temple….The Legend of The Four Buddhas’ Footprints (TH: วัดพระพุทธบาทสี่รอย)
Though it’s a highly prestigious and popular temple among Thais, very few foreigners make it out here.
But Anyone, who loves nature, will not be disappointed. Your destination is now the Temple of Four Buddhas’ Footprints (Pra Buddhabaat Sii Roy).
The 4 Foot Prints Temple is located 2-3 km. from Mae Rim District (you will drive past the sign for the Mae Sa Elephant camp), then you will see the sign to turn left. After you turn left, it’s about 15 km up to the temple.
Past of the believed, at the top of mountain, there are three previous Buddhas visited here. It was obvious that the footprints of three Buddhas from different times had accumulated altogether on the boulder. Then 4th Buddha decided to add his own footprint which is visible at the present time, known as “Four Buddhas’ Footprints“.
2000 years later, the angel transformed physically into eagles that flew down to the village and took chickens from the local farmers. The eagles flew back to the mountain top and the angry farmers followed the eagles to the top of mountain. There they discovered the four footprints. When the farmers came down to the village to tell people what he found…
The story spread around and some how reached King Mengrai of Chiang Mai who made the trip along with his queen and aides. Then the tradition began that every king who ruled Chiang Mai must visit and pay respect to the Four Buddhas’ Footprints.
Until 1928, Princess Dara Rasmee, the consort of King Chulalongkorn, made the visit and built a wiharn (Chapel) over the footprint.
In the following years, again that Kruba sivichai renovated the place so that it would be in appropriate respectful condition…
Pilgrims like to get holywater at the 4 Buddhas’ footprints to take home or spray over the body for good luck.
And yes, we all need good luck, so I did too!!!
Also, The other side of The Four Buddhas’ Footprints chapel is a new temple. All gold and very nice northern art works and style.
Although a little far from the city it is worth it. The scenery on the way up the mountain is beautiful.
Don’t miss these two temples…It’s an amazing trip!
See more trips in Chiangmai:
 ***YOU ARE HERE***Must See – Chiangmai Temples… Here are TWO worth a visit. Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, And The Legend of The Four Buddhas’ Footprints |
 Chiangmai Elephant Camps – Must Do!Mae Sa and Mae Taeng – don’t miss a visit to at least one of the Elephant camps, this is a MUST do tour in Chiang Mai. |
 Ideas for Day trips in Chiangmai – Must Go! Doi Inthananon, the highest point in Thailand!, ‘Karen long neck’ village, The Orchid and Butterfly farm, Chiangmai Zoo, The monkey School and The snake show!!! |
 Chiangmai at Night – Must Try!3 things to do in Chiangmai at night like the Night safari, Khantoke dinner and Night Market (especially Sunday night market!) |
