Doi Suthep
Panoramic view of Doi Suthep as seen from Chiang MaiDoi Suthep is located 15 km away from Chiang Mai city centre. Most of the bedrock of the mountain is granite. The vegetation below c. 1,000 m is mostly deciduous forest and evergreen above this height.
View of Chiang Mai from Doi SuthepThe Doi Suthep - Doi Pui hill is part of the Thanon Thong Chai Range, the southernmost subrange of the Shan Highland system. Other high peaks of the same range are Doi Luang Chiang Dao (2,175 m), Doi Pui (1,685 m), and Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand, reaching 2,565 m.
Road in Doi Suthep - Doi Pui National ParkThe Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple is on top of the hill. This Buddhist place of worship dates back to the year 1383 when the first chedi was built.[3] It is an important pilgrimage spot for the devout and a legend featuring a white elephant is connecteed to this revered site. There are spectacular views of Chiang Mai city and its surroundings from the top of this mountain.
This mountain is part of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The park was established in 1981 and has an area of 261 km2 that includes the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple as well as Bhubing palace, placed among flower gardens.