Close by  is Wat Prahat Doi Suthep. The temple contains a highly venerated relic of Lord Buddha, which was brought to Chiang Mai and presented to King Kuenna, in the fourteenth century. The story goes that the King sent out an elephant with the relics on its back, and it climbed the mountain steadily. Then, quite suddenly, it died of a heart attack, so that spot was chosen for the temple.
The temple is located about 16 kilometers from the city and can be reached by road. The final ascent to the temple is via a highly decorative Naga staircase. In the outer courtyard anyone can wander and there is splendid collection the bronze bells. From that level there is a beautiful view down onto the city way below.
Among the buildings on the plaza is a small museum displaying old pieces of temple wares as well as some of the more ancient or unique monetary donations to the temple. Note that before entering the courtyard containing the chedi, you must remove your shoes. You must also be dressed appropriately, although the temple can provide some clothing on loan to cover up your naughty knees and slinky shoulders. There are paintings of historical and mythical scenes all round the inner courtyard between the 4 chapels that surround the central golden stupa. The chedi sits in a rather small courtyard at the very peak of the mountain. The courtyard building sits on a larger plaza containing several buildings as well as a lookout point from which you can see, weather permitting, all of Chiang Mai and the surrounding plain.

This temple is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. Now for the bad news: The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290 steps. For the faint of heart, there's also a funicular cable-car to the top which has just been re-built after several fatal crashes. The fare for the new improved funicular is 20 Baht. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383.  The temple's golden Chedi contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. The temple compound offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside.

At the base of stairs, where cars and motorcycles park, there is a large market of food stalls, jade factories and endless relentless souvenir sellers.