A view of the uppermost level of the temple

At the foot of the stairway that leads to the temple grounds, Doi Suthep's naga, snakelike creatures of Hindu origin, are an updated version of the traditional temple guardians that, as emblems of the rainbow, also symbolize a link between the earthly and heavenly realms.

The undulating bodies of the naga form balustrades that run all the way to the top of the steps.

An entry pavilion greets visitors at the top of the climb.

The small entry pavilion displays a profusion of naga and cho fa, birdlike finials, atop its roof.

A stylized lion is another of the temple's guardian figures.

Among other decorative symbols on this gable is the multi-headed elephant Erawan.

On the rare clear day (which I have yet to encounter), a terrace on the temple's lower level can provide sweeping views of Chiang Mai and the Ping Valley.

The complex itself is relatively small, its area limited by the somewhat compact mountainside site. Colorful plantings help to enhance the natural wooded setting.

A small bell tower sits to the rear of one of the temple's buildings on the lower level

Standing Buddhas in niches at the rear of one of the temple structures, with a bas relief of the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh, or Ganesha, in the foreground

On the upper level are the temple's inner cloister, including two viharn or assembly halls—one of which is seen in the background at left here—small chapels, and, in the center, the chedi or stupa, around which the faithful may circumambulate in meditation.

Clad entirely in gilded copper sheeting, Wat Doi Suthep's glorious chedi is among the most magnificent in Thailand. The deep redention of its high base is echoed above by the plinths, relic chamber, and upper structure, all octagonal in plan. The chedi is said to contain a sacred relic that the monk Sumana brought from Sukhothai in 1371.

Detail of the chedi

Merit-making flowers, candles, and incense are left by visitors at several small chapels that surround the inner cloister on the temple's upper level.

The seated Buddha is a replica of the famed Emerald Buddha, which is housed at Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

The Buddha in various mudra as well as some of his followers are displayed at small chapels surrounding the temple's cloister.

Another detail of the chedi, with a gilded lotus plant in the foreground