As in so many chapters of Thai history, an elephant is closely involved in the legend surrounding the foundation of Wat Phra That, Northern Thailand’s most revered temple and one of only a few enjoying royal patronage. The elephant was dispatched from Chiang Mai carrying religious relics from Wat Suan Dok. Instead of ambling off into the open countryside, it stubbornly climbed up Doi Suthep. When the elephant came to rest at the 3,542-foot summit, the decision was made to establish a temple to contain the relics at that site. Over the centuries the temple compound grew into the glittering assembly of chedis, bots, viharns, and frescoed cloisters you see today (taken directly from my Fodor’s guidebook).
Stairs leading up to the temple. Lined with mythical snake-like rice-field-canal-protectors.
Outside the entrance to the main temple compound
Outside the entrance to the main temple compound
Inside one of the main rooms (photography is allowed as long as you're sitting).
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