Arriving at Doi Sethup Temple you are first greeted with a daunting 306 steps which were built in 1557 and are guarded by giant snakes or nagas. These huge snakes run the entire length of the steps and are truly one of the highlights of the the visit. Legend has it that the King of Nagas once protected Buddha from a terrible storm by using his cobra hood to shield Buddha and ever since the cobra has been an icon of protection. If you can’t do the steps there is a nearby funicular that can shuttle you to the top for 20 Baht.