Although Chiang Mai is a city filled with temples, a trip to northern Thailand wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which overlooks the city from a mountain where the temple gets its name from. It can be reached via a 306 step staircase flanked by nagas. Unfortunately when I reached the top, it was full of scaffoldings. I vowed to come back, however it has been a decade since, and even after a couple more trips to Chiang Mai, I have yet to revisit this temple. Not a big surprise, as staircases and me don’t get along.
To Get Here. Take a red songthaew from Huay Kaew Road. The cost is ฿40 per person per way. You can also charter one for ฿500 roundtrip.