One of the most sacred temples in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered among all Thais. The temple is said to have been founded in 1383. When the first chedi was built.

According to legend, a Ceylonese monk named Sumanathera had a dream; He dreamt that the supreme being appeared before him and urged him to unearth the Buddha's relic at the site of the pagoda's ruins. He took the relic to the king of Srisajjanalai who was delighted, and ordered that a special mansion be erected for the relic's safekeeping. Sumana was then invited to show the relic to the king of Sukothai, but when no miracle followed the king doubted the authenticity of the relic and told Sumanathera to keep it.

However, King Nu Naone of the Lanna Kingdom heard of the relic and offered the monk to take it to him instead. In 1368 with Dharmmaraja's permission, Sumanathera took the relic to what is now Lamphun, in northern Thailand. The relic apparently split in two, one piece was the same size, the other was smaller than the original. The smaller piece of the relic was enshrined at a temple in Suandok. The other piece was placed by the King on the back of a white elephant which was released in the jungle. The white elephant is said to have climbed up Doi Suthep, at the time called Doi Aoy Chang (Sugar Elephant Mountain), trumpeted three times before dying at the site. It was interpreted as a sign and King Nu Naone ordered the construction of a temple at the site.

In the reign of King Phra Muang Ketklao in 1552, the structure was modified to its present state.

Kru Ba Sri Vichai Sirvichaiyo, He was the spiritual leader of over 5,000 true believers and disciples, inspiring them to build an 11 km road up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The road, now known as Kru Ba Srivichai road, he was completed in 5 months and 25 days.

Wat Phradhatu Doi Suthep Ratchaworavihara is a Royal Monastery, home of the Vice-Monastic Chief of the Chiang Mai Province.
The Meditation Center was founded in 2004, and is run under the guidance of Phra Rajapromajahn (Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo), founder of Wat Rampoeng Tapotaram and current Monastic Chief of Wat Phradhatu Sri Chom Tong.

Website: www.fivethousandyears.org