The famous Golden Chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Rajvoravihara, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 79 feet high and 39 feet across at its base, is covered with engraved gold plates…

On the platform around the Golden Chedi are four ornamental Umbrellas , brightly gilded and adorned with beautiful filigree decorations, while the walls of the surrounding cloister are painted with murals from the life of Buddha.

According to legend, Holy Relics discovered during the reign of King Kuena (1355-1385) were placed in a howdah on the back of a white elephant, which carried them to Wat Suan Dok. The elephant arrived at the site of Wat Phra That (Doi Suthep), and then dropped dead due to fatigue from the long journey.

The present complex dates from the 16th century and was expanded or restored several times later. A flight of 306 steps, bordered by a NAGA balustrade, leads up from the road to the temple, which has beautifully decorated buildings and a Lanna-style Chedi covered with engraved gold plates, flaked by four ornamental Umbrellas.