Wat Doi Suthep - Exploring with the "Beattie" Clan





My first guests at the house arrived today, as friends stopped by to visit for a few days. "The Beattie Clan" on their around the world "trek" took the night train from Bangkok to explore Northern Thailand. We left the house and our cab driver drove us to the top of the mountain and Wat (temple) Doi Suthep!!

According to legend, the temple site was chosen by an elephant carrying a holy relic. Originally the relic was to be enshrined at Wat Suan Dok in 1371, but it split in two. The second piece was placed on the back of an elephant which proceeded to climb Doi Suthep, stopping twice.

After three days the elephant finally reached a level piece of ground, circled three times, knelt down and then died. A hole was dug at the site for the relic, which was then covered with a chedi over seven meters in height.

I thought I was about to turn around 3 times lay down and die after climbing the steps to the top of the Wat!!

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