Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark in the city. Suthep is the name of hermit Suthep Reusi, who lived here 1,300 years ago. This temple is 15 kilometres from town, 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290 steps.

King Keuna built the Great the Temple in 1386. Phra Muang KetKhlao rebuilt the temple in 1525. At that time, King Kaena invited Phra Maha Sumuna. He brought Buddha's relic from Ceylon. One part of it was donated to Wat Phratart Haripunchai in Lamphune. The rest he divided in 2 pieces. One half was placed under a new pagoda in Wat Suan Dok in Chiangmai. The other was attached on the back of a white elephant. The animal walked up the mountain and stopped where the Temple was situated now.