Chiang Mai  -  panoramic view from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep viewpoint looking out over to the Airport and town of Chiang Mai

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep: the most famous temple in the area, standing on Doi Suthep, a hill to the north-west of the city. This temple dates from 1383. Its builders allegedly chose its site by placing a relic of the Lord Buddha on an elephant's back and letting it roam until it came across a place where it trumpeted and circled before it lay down and died. The onlookers took this as marking an auspicious place for building the temple. The temple's location also affords superb views over the city on a clear day as can be seen above.