Doi Suthep is a mountain 15 kms west of Chiang Mai, it stands at 5,499 feet (1,676m). High up on the mountain is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan at 3,478 feet, and dating from 1383. The wat's relic is said to be part of Buddha's shoulder bone, making it a sacred site visited by hundreds of thousands each year. The temple grounds look down on Chiang Mai airport; you can watch planes take off to the north before circling east. Be careful with the steep drive up, or just take a baht bus. Motorbikes are a no-no for the inexperienced, and cyclists often grind their way up for the thrill of the descent.
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