Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Doi Suthep for short) is 15 kilometers outside of Chiang Mai, sitting on a mountain at 1,700 meters (5,575 feet). It’s considered a “must see” in Chiang Mai, so we must see it before we leave. There are a few ways to get there and back: rent a motorcycle (not gonna happen for us), take a songthew (red taxi trucks with benches in the back) or hire a real taxi. We opt for the real taxi, especially since the ride takes 45-50 minutes and is very winding. For 1,000 bhat ($32 US) Mr. Nan drives us to the Wat, remains there one and one-half hours while we explore and them drives us back. It is a bit of a luxury considering that the songthew’s charge 500 bhat, but watching the people in the songthew’s holding onto overhead rails to avoid sliding off the benches as they take the numerous curves we are certain we have chosen wisely.
Mr. Nan drops us off and I pay the 50 bhat per person for the ticket to the Wat and the round-trip cable car ride. I am pleased to report that this is the updated cable car, not the one that had many accidents a few years ago. 🥴
Mr. Nan drops us off and I pay the 50 bhat per person for the ticket to the Wat and the round-trip cable car ride. I am pleased to report that this is the updated cable car, not the one that had many accidents a few years ago. 🥴
We first explore the platform and viewing areas outside of the cloister.. All of Chiang Mai should be able to be seen, but between today’s haze and pollution it is difficult to make out much of the city.
We must have our legs and shoulders covered to enter the temple area of the Wat, so William puts on his recently acquired elephant pants over his shorts. What a fashionista!
We must have our legs and shoulders covered to enter the temple area of the Wat, so William puts on his recently acquired elephant pants over his shorts. What a fashionista!
The Golden Chedi is the center of attention, with many people walking around it in a pilgrimage. On each corner of the platform is an ornamental umbrella adorned with filigree decorations. The walls of the cloister are painted with the life of Buddha. It is an impressive Wat, and we understand why it is considered a “must see”.
On returning to Chiang Mai we ask Mr. Nan to drop us off near one of the corners of the Old City. From there we walk to a restaurant he recommends for lunch. I try Khao Soi, the famous soup of Chiang Mai. It is made with curry paste, coconut milk, chicken stock, chicken and noodles all topped with crispy noodles, and it is delicious. William chooses the pork belly, which has a deep sauce and is also delicious. Usually we would take a tuk-tuk back from the Old City, but the temperature is pleasant and we both feel a walk will help digestion after our large meals.
In the evening we want just a little bite to eat, so we head over to the nearby night market. William chooses some chicken wings, but the nearby seafood stall is calling to me. I pick out a small squid and the husband-wife duo running the stall promptly grill it up for me. I may have started something, because soon other people are placing orders and the small grill is filled with seafood.
In the evening we want just a little bite to eat, so we head over to the nearby night market. William chooses some chicken wings, but the nearby seafood stall is calling to me. I pick out a small squid and the husband-wife duo running the stall promptly grill it up for me. I may have started something, because soon other people are placing orders and the small grill is filled with seafood.
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