Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is a short distance away from Chiang Mai, our first destination for the half day tour was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most important temple in Chiang Mai, upon reaching the foot of the temple ground, we observed a lot of people, cars and tourist buses. While it might look like another touristy destination to some, once we arrived up at this holy temple, I can see why it is of great significance and importance to Chiang Mai.

There are two ways to get up to Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, you can walk up using the seven-headed serpent stairs or take an electric tram which is available from 6:00am to 6:00pm. The fee for the electric tram is 20 Thai Baht for Thais and 50 Thai Baht for overseas visitors.

We took the electric tram up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the experience was pretty interesting,  that’s lots of people queuing to take the electric tram! Upon reaching the top, we spotted many people, both locals and international visitors alike, coming up to visit and paying pilgrimage to the most important temple in Chiang Mai.

Bird’s eye view of Chiang Mai City

The weather was great, clear blue sky and beautiful sunshine when we were at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Our Chiang Mai Local Tours guides led us around the temple ground, sharing with us the history and stories of this temple. We then came to an open viewing deck, crowded with people, looking at a bird’s eye view of Chiang Mai City! Oh yes, you can spot the Chiang Mai International Airport runway from this location too!

Exploring the holy temple ground

Continuing our journey inside the temple ground, exploring and learning a lot more about the history, myths and legends of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, thanks to our guides! There were a lot of visitors at this temple, some of them were tourists, taking photos, while some of them were making a pilgrimage, paying respects and seeking blessings.

Tiffany, Peps and myself decided to pay our homage to this important and holy Phra That Doi Suthep, walking around the stupa (three times) before lighting a candle and offering the flowers. Personally, this is for me to pay my respect to the temple, seeking blessings for the year ahead.

Once we finished our pilgrimage, we left and started walking down the famed seven-headed serpent stairs to the foot of the temple ground.

Visiting the local market bazaar

While we were waiting for our mini bus to arrive and pick us up, there was a bit of time and we decided to explore the local market bazaar at the foot of the temple ground. The food and drinks were calling out to us and we ended up with local Thai snacks and beverages!

A hidden temple and waterfall

Once our mini bus arrived, we departed from Phra That Doi Suthep. On the way down, our guides brought us to another temple hidden away in a small valley. It was a short ride away, soon we alighted and started trek downhill into the hidden temple compound.

A small temple compound without the crowds, there’s something very special about this destination, the perfect and tranquil location to relax and meditate. Exploring the surroundings, we found the waterfall area, sat down on the rocks, relaxed and enjoy the peace and tranquility, listening to the flow of the waterfall. This is a perfect destination to bring a book, away from the urban city life, sit down, read and meditate.

Our visit to this hidden temple and waterfall is a short trip, we spent about an hour at this location. Nevertheless, we had an enjoyable and restful exploration of this destination.

Local Thai Food Lunch

Our local guides brought us for another round of local Thai food lunch, with the help of our guides who helped us ordered our lunch, we all got to try a few different local Thai dishes. I love their steamed chicken rice and dry noodles!

For you foodies out there, Thai food can be spicy. Our travel guide demonstrated to us how we can put a few spices together (small green and red chili) together with small garlic and chili sauce on top of the chicken meat, mix them all up with some rice, eat and enjoy this combo! If you love spices/chili like me, you would be trying this out next time when you are in Thailand!

Goodbye and a big Thank You to Chiang Mai Local Tours

After our nice and delicious local Thai food lunch, we once again had to say goodbye to our friends from Chiang Mai Local Tours. Once again, we were blessed and happy to know them. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, hospitality and wealth of local knowledge can be seen throughout during the full day and half day tours. These two tours are just part of the many different types of tour packages and travel plans that they provide! Visit their website and explore a local Chiang Mai tour package that suits you! More photographs of our visit to Doi Suthep National Park can be viewed here in this Flickr album!

They are highly recommended, with their wealth of local knowledge and experience, I would choose them to be my travel guides when I return to Chiang Mai for dedicated travel photography (landscape and bird photography) adventure! If the opportunity arises, I would love to work with them in the future!

Update! Visit Team #EpiphanyGoChiangMai fellow traveler Tiffany’s travel coverage article on Chiang Mai Local Tours One Day Tour: 5 Must Visit Attraction Spots!

For more information and contact details of Chiang Mai Local Tours, they are listed below:

Website:http://www.chiangmailocaltours.com

Address: 6 Inthawarorot Road., T. Sripoom, A. Muang

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChiangMaiLocalTours/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chiangmailocaltours/

Email:Cmlocaltours@gmail.com

Line : Odicmlocaltours

Telephone: +66 86 910 1478

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