TOP THINGS TO DO Chiangmai - Doi Suthep

[yuyhinn lee]

Doi Suthep - Chiangmai 
article sourced from :  amazingthailand.com

          Gleaming like a northern star from the heights of Doi Suthep (the regal mountain overlooking the city from the northwest) is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand and is an impressive embodiment of the Lanna culture, with its origins dating back almost 700 years. As such, large numbers of Thais and foreigners come to experience the special magic of this holy place.

          Doi Suthep is a constant part of life in Chiang Mai. A Thai saying goes, “If you haven’t tasted Khao Soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven’t been to Chiang Mai.” This regal mountain overlooks the city from the northwest, providing commanding views from its summit. Aside from its dominating presence on the horizon, Doi Suthep is the home of some of the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom.
          In 1981 Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Doi Buakha, along with the 161 square kilometres (62 square miles) of forest in which they are located, became Thailand’s 24th national park. A year later a 100 square kilometre (38 square mile) annex was added, bringing the park’s total area up to 261 square kilometres (100 square miles). Dense forests hang from the mountain’s shoulders like a cloak; deciduous at lower elevations and evergreen near the peaks of the mountains.

          The highest peak in the park is Doi Pui which tops off at 1,685 meters (5,528 feet), making it the eighth largest mountain in Thailand. Flowing from these heights are some of the most highly enjoyable and accessible waterfalls in the Kingdom’s northern reaches. Mae Sa Falls, Huay Kaew Falls and Monthathan Falls are among the most popular sights of the park and are easily reached from the main road. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including many small mammals and birds as well as the rare Crocodile Salamander, which is only found in four places in Thailand. The park’s high elevation keeps the temperature pleasantly cool, even during the blistering heat of June.
          Doi Suthep National Park also incorporates the Mae Sa Valley, a veritable buffet of activities and sights. Farther north, in the park’s 100 square kilometre (38 square mile) annex you will find the delightful and often overlooked Mok Fa area which boasts a wonderful waterfall, a cave and a nature trail.

          Despite all of this stunning natural beauty, the main reason many visitors come to Doi Suthep National Park is to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a venerable and venerated temple that is one of the most holy Buddhist sites in Thailand. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a major pilgrimage destination, especially during the Buddhist holidays of Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha (February 13 and May 11, respectively). This awe-inspiring temple is crowned by an elaborate Chedi (Monument), 24 meters (79 feet) tall and gold plated from top to bottom. On a clear day the Chedi’s golden exterior catches the sun and blazes like a beacon over the city. The temple dates back to the 14th century and the tale of its founding is a quintessential Thai myth, full of magic and mystery. Those moved by the serenity and spirituality of the temple may wish to take a meditation course at the International Buddhism Center located on the temple grounds. Adding to the importance and prestige of Doi Suthep is the palatial Bhubing Palace, a vacation home of the Royal Family. When not serving as the Royal Residence, the Bhubing Palace serves as a guest house for foreign dignitaries. Built in 1961, the Palace’s first guests were the King and Queen of Denmark. Visitors to the park can also pay a visit to the small hilltribe villages on the park grounds, which offer a glimpse into a way of life that has changed very little in hundreds of years.

Shops and Restaurants in Doi Suthep
          There are a large number of shops and small restaurants scattered around throughout the park, especially near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and there are a few options for those who wish to stay overnight. Most of the accommodation consists of small huts and rudimentary bungalows, however, and most of the park’s highlights can be easily seen in a day.

Doi Suthep Topography and Climate
          While not as lofty and rugged as Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep still offers plenty of natural beauty. The road to the top meanders through verdant forests, runs along clear streams and flirts with mighty waterfalls, passing by a number of attractions along the way. The landscape of Doi Suthep is marked by rolling hills covered in thick tropical forest, which gives way to evergreens as you climb higher and higher. The highest peak in the park is Doi Pui, which reaches a height of 1,685 meters (5,528 feet), while Doi Suthep itself reaches an altitude of 1,676 meters (5,498 feet) and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep stands on the flank of the mountain at an elevation of 1,056 meters (3464 feet).

Waterfalls and Park  
          Doi Suthep National Park boasts a number of highly enjoyable and easily accessible waterfalls-cascades of foaming water plunging from a series of cliffs and forming glistening pools along the way. The most popular of these waterfalls is Huay Kaew falls, which can be found just off the road near the entrance of the park. This lovely waterfall is an excellent place for a picnic before or after climbing the mountain to see the sights above. A little farther up the road, towards the temple, lies the Monthathan waterfall, which flows down over nine tiers and is another popular picnic spot, well worth the 300 baht admission. With a good deal of the park 1,000 meters or more above sea level, Doi Suthep National Park enjoys a climate that is distinctly cooler than the basin of Chiang Mai.
          During the hot season (April to June) average temperatures run around 20˚C to 23˚C (68˚F to 73˚F), while during the cool season (mid-December to late March) the mercury can drop as low as 6˚C (49˚F). Rainfall is pretty much a given during the rainy season (July to mid-November) and the view from the top is usually obscured. During the hot months (March to June) the shade of the trees and the coolness of the waterfalls are blissful oases from the sweltering city heat.

Doi Suthep Flora and Fauna
          Doi Suthep is a flourishing forest ecosystem, consisting of mixed deciduous forests (trees that lose their leaves in the dry season) at lower elevations and tropical evergreen forests above 1000 meters. Mixed in among the trees are countless flowers that scent the air and delight the eye with their brilliant colours. Inhabiting this bountiful biosphere are a number of animal species, mostly birds and small mammals. Macaques are the most common primates but other species of small monkey can be glimpsed cavorting among the treetops. Wild boar tramp game trails in the park’s deep interior and dozens of varieties of bats fill the skies at dawn and dusk. The park is also one of four places in Thailand that are called home by the rare Crocodile Salamander. Like the nearby Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep is a wonderful place for bird watching and the park is home to over three hundred species. Dawn is the best time to lie in wait with your binoculars and camera and play Audubon Society.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
          Gleaming like a northern star from the heights of Doi Suthep is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The mountain’s temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand and, as such, large numbers of Thais and foreigners alike come to experience the special magic of this holy place. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an impressive embodiment of the Lanna (northern Thai) culture and is a symbol deeply cherished by the people of Chiang Mai. The temple’s origins date back almost seven hundred years, to 1382 and the legend surrounding the founding of the temple is one of those mysteries of Asia that draw so many visitors to this enchanted land. All legends and mysticism aside, the temple is a great example of the grandeur and power of the Lanna Kingdom and a visit to the spot is an absolute must for any visitor to Chiang Mai. Over three hundred steps lead from the parking area to the temple grounds, a staircase bordered by the longest naga (water serpent) balustrade in Thailand. Nagas are sacred water serpents which bring good luck as well as bridging the earth and sky. After three hundred-odd steps, you may well feel like you’ve climbed to the vault of heaven, but don’t despair – there are a few food stalls set up at the top to replenish your energy. If the climb sounds like no fun, then simply ride to the top in one of the newly rebuilt cable cars (admission: 50 baht).

          Once you’ve reached the top there’s plenty to see at the temple. Of course, the golden Chedi dominates the area with its gilded, 24 meter (79 foot) tall bulk. Ceremonial parasols were added at the four corners of the Chedi in the 16th century and pilgrims make merit by sticking gold leaf to the parasol shafts. At the rear of the temple a long promenade provides a spectacular view; the city spreads out below, bisected by the ribbon of the Ping River. Make sure to take your camera to capture this unforgettable vista. Scattered around the temple are various statues depicting everything from the legendary white elephant upon whose grave the temple was erected to the assorted gods and Buddhas of the Thai religion. You will find a particularly interesting rendering of the Buddha beneath the spreading limbs of a Bodhi tree, known as the Tree of Enlightenment, on your right hand side, just as you enter the temple grounds. Another highlight of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the set of rakhang (temple bells) which are touched by devout Buddhists to bring good luck. While at the temple, walk around and examine the numerous impressive murals which decorate many of the temple walls. As in most wats (temples) the murals depict events from the life and teachings of the Buddha. If you find yourself curious about the meanings and practices of Buddhism then pay a visit to the International Buddhism Center. Here you will find monks and lay practitioners who will be happy to answer any questions you might have. For those interested in truly exploring the teachings and practice of Buddhism there are meditation and study courses offered by the centre.

Other Doi Suthep Attractions
          Today Doi Suthep is easily accessible to visitors, but it wasn’t always so. The road to the top wasn’t built until 1935 and the man responsible for its construction was a highly respected figure named Khruba Srivichai, also known as The Engineer Monk. Prior to his intervention it was a gruelling five hour climb to reach the temple. In order to make it easier for pilgrims to reach the temple and make merit, Khruba Srivichai decided to build a road to the top. His call for workers was answered by hordes of volunteers from all over the north. Finding himself with a wealth of labourers, he ordered that each village’s workers should only construct 10 feet of road. Fuelled by devotion, the workers completed the road in record time. A monument to Khruba Srivichai stands at the foot of the mountains. Before you head to the temple, stop and give thanks that you don’t have to walk. Although the temple is the main destination for most people who visit Doi Suthep, it’s not the only reason to visit the park. A little ways beyond the temple you will find the Bhubing Palace, a favourite vacation home for the Thai Royal Family. The Palace is open to the public most of the year, except when the Royal Family is in residence (usually mid-December to early February). When the Palace is open, visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and admire the exquisite gardens where the blooming flowers create explosions of colour. The flowers aren’t the only colourful things on Doi Suthep; the park is home to a number of small hilltribe villages that continue to live very much in the same way as they have done for a thousand years. The largest of these villages is located a short distance beyond the Bhubing Palace. Although this village is somewhat commercialized it is still worth a look, especially if you are pressed for time and can’t make it to the more authentic (and remote) villages.

How to Get to Doi Suthep – Travel Information
          Many people find it a very rewarding experience to explore the mountain on their own. A 100 or 125 cc motorbike is more than sufficient for the ascent, which is a pleasantly meandering journey through lush rainforests and along clear streams. To get to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai take route 1004 northwest. The entrance to the National Park is located about 15 km (9 miles) from the city centre and the drive to the top of the mountain from the entrance takes about 20 minutes. If you don’t want to take a motorbike then song thaews (red taxis) are your best option. Song thaews regularly run from Chang Puak market and the journey from there should cost about 150 baht. A cheaper alternative is to make your way along Huay Kaew Road to the entrance of Chiang Mai University. Song thaews from here will ferry you to the temple for only 30 baht (one way) but the taxi won’t leave until there are six or more people. The temple is open from 06:00 to 20:00 every day, but weekends and holidays are usually very crowded. Admission is 50 baht, which includes a two way ticket on the tram. Hearty souls who chose to walk up the staircase are rewarded for their fortitude by only paying 30 baht. Remember that Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a sacred place and you should dress respectfully when visiting it. That means no shorts or skirts and no tank tops. If you find yourself at the gate wearing cut offs, don’t worry – fisherman’s pants can be rented for a minimal fee. Most of the other attractions at the park are free, but there is a 300 baht fee for the Monthathan waterfall. There are some bungalows and rudimentary guest houses in Doi Suthep National Park but there’s really no need to stay overnight; it’s not like Doi Suthep is a long way from the city. There are plenty of rustic restaurants scattered all over the park but the prices are about ten baht higher than in the city. Shoppers will find a few stalls offering souvenirs and knick knacks and the hilltribe villages offer traditional clothing and handicrafts.

Information
Opening Hours :  06:00 – 18:00
Location :  Th Huay Kaew, Doi Suthep

素帖寺 (Doi Suthep) 位於素帖山 (從西北俯瞰這座城市的雄偉山峰) 的山頂上，像北極星一樣閃閃發光。它是泰國最具歷史和精神意義的地方之一，是蘭納文化的令人印象深刻的體現，其起源可以追溯到近 700 年前。因此，大批泰國人和外國人來到這裡體驗這個聖地的特殊魔力。

素貼山是清邁生活中不可或缺的一部分。泰國有句俗話說：「如果你沒有嚐過清邁面 (Khao Soi) 或沒有欣賞過素帖山的風景，那你就不算到過清邁。」這座雄偉的山峰從西北方向俯瞰這座城市，山頂可以俯瞰整個城市。素貼山除了在地平線上佔據主導地位之外，也是沙烏地王國一些最受喜愛的象徵的所在地。

1981 年，素貼山、普依山和布阿卡山連同所在的 161 平方公里（62 平方英里）的森林成為泰國第 24 個國家公園。一年後，又增加了一個 100 平方公里（38 平方英里）的附屬建築，使公園的總面積達到 261 平方公里（100 平方英里）。茂密的森林像斗篷一樣垂在山肩上；低海拔地區為落葉樹，峰頂附近為常綠樹。

公園的最高峰是 Doi Pui 峰，海拔 1,685 公尺（5,528 英尺），是泰國第八大山。從這些高處流下的瀑布是沙烏地王國北部最令人賞心悅目、最容易到達的瀑布之一。湄沙瀑布、Huay Kaew 瀑布和 Monthathan 瀑布是公園內最受歡迎的景點，從主要道路可以輕鬆到達。這片森林也是各種野生動物的家園，包括許多小型哺乳動物和鳥類，以及僅在泰國四個地方發現的稀有的鱷蠑螈。即使在酷暑難耐的六月，公園的高海拔也使氣溫保持涼爽
宜人。
素貼山國家公園還包括湄薩山谷，這裡是名副其實的豐富多彩的活動和景點。再往北，在公園 100 平方公里（38 平方英里）的附屬區域，您會發現令人愉悅且經常被忽視的 Mok Fa 區域，那裡擁有美麗的瀑布、洞穴和自然小徑。

儘管擁有如此令人驚嘆的自然美景，但許多遊客來到素帖山國家公園的主要原因是參觀素帖寺，這是一座古老而受人尊敬的寺廟，也是泰國最神聖的佛教聖地之一。素貼寺是主要的朝聖目的地，尤其是在佛教節日萬佛節和毗沙迦節（分別為 2 月 13 日和 5 月 11 日）期間。這座令人驚嘆的寺廟頂部有一座精緻的佛塔（紀念碑），高 24 公尺（79 英尺），從上到下鍍金。在晴朗的日子裡，佛塔的金色外觀在陽光的照射下熠熠生輝，猶如城市上空的燈塔。這座寺廟的歷史可以追溯到 14 世紀，其建立的故事是一個典型的泰國神話，充滿了魔力和神秘感。那些被寺廟的寧靜和靈性所感動的人可能希望在寺廟內的國際佛教中心參加冥想課程。富麗堂皇的蒲屏宮是皇室的度假居所，更增添了素貼山的重要性與聲望。當蒲屏宮不作為皇家住所時，它作為外國政要的賓館。宮殿建於 1961 年，第一批客人是丹麥國王和王后。遊客還可以參觀公園內的山地部落小村莊，了解數百年來幾乎沒有改變的生活方式。

素貼山的商店和餐廳
          公園各處分佈著大量商店和小餐館，尤其是在素帖寺附近，對於想要過夜的人來說，這裡也有一些選擇。不過，大多數住宿都是小屋和簡陋的平房，公園的大部分亮點都可以在一天內輕鬆遊覽。

素貼山的地形和氣候
          素貼山雖然不如茵他儂山那麼高聳崎嶇，但仍擁有豐富的自然美景。通往山頂的道路蜿蜒穿過翠綠的森林，沿著清澈的溪流，與雄偉的瀑布交相輝映，沿途經過許多景點。素貼山的景觀以起伏的山丘為特色，山丘上覆蓋著茂密的熱帶森林，隨著您越爬越高，山上就會出現常青樹。公園內的最高峰是 Doi Pui，海拔 1,685 公尺（5,528 英尺），而 Doi Suthep 本身海拔 1,676 公尺（5,498 英尺），Wat Phra That Doi Suthep 位於山腰，海拔 1,056 公尺（3464 英尺）。

瀑布和公園
          素貼山國家公園擁有多處景色優美且交通便利的瀑布，瀑布從懸崖峭壁上傾瀉而下，沿途形成波光粼粼的水池。其中最受歡迎的瀑布是 Huay Kaew 瀑布，位於公園入口附近的路邊。這個美麗的瀑布是爬山觀賞風景之前或之後野餐的絕佳地點。沿著路往前走一點，朝著寺廟的方向，有一座 Monthathan 瀑布，瀑布有九層之多，也是另一個受歡迎的野餐地點，門票 300 泰銖非常值得。素貼山國家公園的大部分地區海拔 1,000 公尺或以上，氣候明顯比清邁盆地涼爽。
          在炎熱季節（四月至六月），平均氣溫約為 20˚C 至 23˚C（68˚F 至 73˚F），而在涼爽季節（十二月中旬至三月下旬），氣溫可降至 6˚C（49˚F）。雨季（七月至十一月中旬）降雨量很大，山頂的景色通常被遮擋。在炎熱的月份（三月至六月），樹蔭和瀑布的涼爽是人們逃離城市酷暑的幸福綠洲。

素貼山的動植物
          素貼山是一個繁茂的森林生態系統，由低海拔的混合落葉林（在旱季落葉的樹木）和海拔 1000 公尺以上的熱帶常綠森林組成。樹木之間散佈著無數的鮮花，它們散發著芬芳，色彩絢麗，令人賞心悅目。這個豐富的生物圈中棲息著許多動物物種，其中大部分是鳥類和小型哺乳動物。獼猴是最常見的靈長類動物，但也可以看見其他種類的小猴子在樹梢間嬉戲。野豬在公園深處的小徑上漫步，數十種蝙蝠在黎明和黃昏時分飛滿天空。公園也是泰國四個珍稀鱷魚蠑螈的棲息地之一。與附近的茵他儂國家公園一樣，素貼山也是觀鳥的好地方，公園裡棲息著三百多種鳥類。黎明時分，帶著雙筒望遠鏡和相機等待並遊玩奧杜邦協會的最佳時機。

素帖寺
          素帖寺 (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) 猶如北極星般在素帖山高處閃耀。這座山上的寺廟是泰國最具歷史和精神意義的地方之一，因此，大量的泰國人和外國人都來這裡體驗這個聖地的特殊魔力。素貼寺是蘭納（泰國北部）文化的傑出體現，也是清邁人民深愛的象徵。這座寺廟的起源可以追溯到近七百年前，即 1382 年，有關該寺廟建立的傳說是亞洲的謎團之一，吸引了許多遊客來到這片迷人的土地。拋開所有的傳說和神秘主義，這座寺廟是蘭納王國宏偉和權力的典範，任何到訪清邁的遊客都絕對應該參觀這裡。從停車場到寺廟有三百多級台階，階梯兩側是泰國最長的那迦（水蛇）欄桿。納迦是神聖的水蛇，它能帶來好運，並連結天地。爬上三百多級台階後，您可能會感覺自己已經爬到了天堂的穹頂，但不要絕望——山頂上有幾個小吃攤可以補充您的能量。如果爬山聽起來沒什麼樂趣，那就搭乘新重建的纜車到達山頂（門票：50 泰銖）。

一旦到達山頂，寺廟裡就有很多值得觀賞的地方。當然，金塔以其 24 公尺（79 英尺）高的鍍金體積成為該地區的焦點。 16 世紀，佛塔的四個角落增加了禮儀用陽傘，朝聖者透過將金箔貼在陽傘桿上來積德行善。寺廟後方有一條長長的長廊，可以欣賞到壯觀的景色；城市在下方延伸，被平河一分為二。請務必帶上相機捕捉這令人難忘的景色。寺廟周圍散佈著各種雕像，描繪了從傳說中的白象（寺廟建在其墳墓上）到泰國宗教的各種神
佛的各種形象 剛進入寺廟，您就會在右手邊的一棵菩提樹（又稱覺悟樹）的枝幹下看到一尊特別有趣的佛像。素帖寺的另一個亮點是一組拉康（寺廟鐘），虔誠的佛教徒觸摸這些鐘可以帶來好運。在寺廟中，您可以四處走走，欣賞寺廟牆壁上裝飾的眾多令人印象深刻的壁畫。與大多數寺廟一樣，壁畫描繪了佛陀的生活和教義。如果您對佛教的含義和實踐感到好奇，那麼請參觀國際佛教中心。在這裡，您會遇到僧侶和俗人，他們會很樂意回答您的任何問題。對於那些真正有興趣探索佛教教義和實踐的人，該中心提供冥想和學習
課程。

素貼山其他景點
          如今，遊客可以輕鬆抵達素貼山，但情況並非一直如此。通往山頂的道路直到 1935 年才建造完成，負責建造這條道路的是一位備受尊敬的人物，名叫 Khruba Srivichai，也被稱為“工程師僧侶”。在他介入之前，人們需要經過五個小時的艱苦攀登才能到達寺廟。為了讓朝聖者更容易到達寺廟並積德行善，Khruba Srivichai 決定建造一條通往山頂的道路。他號召工人，來自北方各地的大量志工響應了這項號召。發現自己擁有大量勞動力後，他下令每個村莊的工人只能建造 10 英尺長的路。工人們滿懷奉獻精神，以創紀錄的時間完成了這條路的修建。山腳下矗立著一座 Khruba Srivichai 的紀念碑。在前往寺廟之前，請停下來並感謝您不必步行。雖然寺廟是大多數參觀素貼山的遊客的主要目的地，但這並不是參觀公園的唯一原因。走出寺廟不遠，您會看到蒲屏宮，這是泰國皇室最喜歡的度假勝地。除皇室居住期間（通常是 12 月中旬至 2 月初）外，宮殿全年大部分時間都向公眾開放。宮殿開放時，歡迎遊客漫步庭院，欣賞盛開的花朵營造出絢麗色彩的精緻花園。素貼山上色彩繽紛的不僅是鮮花；公園內有許多山地部落小村落，這些村落的生活方式與一千年前大致相同。其中最大的村莊距離蒲屏宮不遠。雖然這個村莊有些商業化，但仍然值得一看，特別是如果你時間緊迫，無法前往更真實（和偏遠）的村莊。

如何前往素貼山 – 旅遊訊息
          許多人發現獨自探索這座山是一次非常有益的經驗。一輛 100 或 125 cc 的摩托車足以完成這次攀登，這是一次穿過茂密的雨林和清澈的溪流的愉快蜿蜒旅程。從清邁前往素貼山，沿著 1004 號公路向西北行駛。國家公園的入口距離市中心約 15 公里（9 英里），從入口開車到山頂大約需要 20 分鐘。如果您不想騎摩托車，那麼雙條車（紅色計程車）是您的最佳選擇。雙條車定期從 Chang Puak 市場出發，行程費用約為 150 泰銖。更便宜的選擇是沿著 Huay Kaew 路走到清邁大學的入
口。從這裡搭乘雙條車前往寺廟只需 30 泰銖（單程），但計程車必須等到載滿六人或以上才會出發。寺廟每天開放時間為 06:00 至 20:00，但週末和假日通常非常擁擠。門票是 50 泰銖，其中包括電車來回票。選擇走樓梯的勇敢者只需支付 30 泰銖即可獲得獎勵。請記住，素帖寺是一處神聖的地方，參觀時應穿著得體。這意味著不准穿短褲、裙子和背心。如果您發現自己在門口穿著短褲，請不要擔心——只需支付少量費用即可租用漁夫褲。園區內其他大部分的景點都是免費的，但參觀 Monthathan 瀑布需支付 300 泰銖的費用。素帖山國家公園內有一些平房和簡陋的賓館，但真的沒有必要過夜；素貼山離市區不遠。公園各處分佈著許多鄉村餐廳，但價格比市區高出約 10 泰銖。購物者會發現一些出售紀念品和小擺設的攤位，山地部落村莊則出售傳統服飾和手工藝品。