Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok was built in 1370 on what had been a royal flower garden, to house a relic brought by a monk from Sukhothai. The story goes that the relic split in two: one part was enshrined in the chedi here, and the other was placed on a white elephant that was allowed to wander until it stopped, which it did on Doi Suthep, where the mountain temple was then built. The other feature is the cemetery: a cluster of whitewashed chedis of varying sizes holding the ashes of the Lanna royal family, moved here in 1909 from scattered sites around the city by a princess of Chiang Mai. They stand together in an open field, white against the sky with Doi Suthep behind, and late afternoon is when photographers come. There is also a large open-sided viharn with a bronze Buddha. The temple runs a Monk Chat programme where visitors can talk with student monks.

What you actually see

• The white mausoleums - Lanna royal chedis gathered in one field since 1909.
• The golden chedi - holding half of the relic that founded Doi Suthep.
• The open viharn - the large hall with its bronze Buddha.
• Monk Chat - scheduled conversation with student monks.

When to go

November to February; late afternoon for the light on the white chedis with the mountain behind. Monk Chat runs on set days and hours - check the board.

Honest expectations

Small charge for the viharn, though the cemetery is free. The mausoleum field is compact and photographed from a few angles. It is on a busy road with traffic noise. Temple dress code applies.

Nearby

Wat Umong is west; Chiang Mai old city is a short walk east.