Doi Supthep (pronounced doy soop-TEPP) is one of the holiest Wats overlooking the city of Chiang Mai. Driving out of the city you go past Chiang Mai University, then a winding road takes you to nearly the top of the mountain to the Temple. (Continuing past the temple for another 10 minutes brings you to BhuBhing Palace, the summer residence of the beloved royal family.)
Doi Supthep is, in a word, breathtaking. The temple is about 5 acres in size. Golden spires surround you and every corner is blessed with a plethora of gold leaved Buddhas. It's like walking into a golden wonderland. In one of the side temples is a copy of the most famous Buddha in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha of Wat Mahatat in Bangkok. (the emerald Buddha, only about 3 feet tall, is actually carved from a single piece of green jade.) Everyone visiting Doi Supthep treats the temple with utmost reverence, removes shoes upon entering, and offers incense and flowers to many of the enclosed temples within the compound. A very magical place.
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