Doi Sutep

The Doi Sutep Mountain is probably the first feature any first-time visitor to Chiang Mai would notice. It is part of the ring of mountains that surround Chiang Mai City. Doi Sutep is 3,051 feet high and standing proud at the peak of the mountain is the guardian temple of the city, the Wat Prathat Doi Sutep (holy temple of Doi Sutep). This gleaming pagoda could be seen from virtually any point in Chiang Mai City. This pagoda is the holiest of all Chiang Mai's temples. To reach it, you would have to drive through 17 kilometers of the beautiful mountainous national park. It is, without a doubt, the most visited temple and tourist spot in the north.
Upon arrival at the temple, visitors will get to see many street vendors trading their ware from sweet corn to Buddha replicas. Two awesome Naga (serpents) fiercely guards the temple's entrance. To reach it, you would have to walk up the 300 steps. It is a rather tough climb for the elderly, but rest assured that your patience and effort will be well rewarded when you reached the temple. Built in the 16th century, not much of the temple's original architecture remains today. However, the view you get from the temple is spectacular. And the view of the gleaming pagoda in its entire glorious splendor is even more awesome up close.