We visited Wat Phra Doi Suthep on our very first trip to Chiang Mai many years ago and knew it was time to return, this time with a private guide. We found “AP Good@Travel” (http://www.apgoodattravel.com) through Viator.com, a tour consolidator. Our guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating. The private tour company provides a driver as well. The first thing you see when you arrive at the temple are 306 daunting steps bordered by a majestic Naga on each side.

A child from a nearby Hmong ethnic tribe stands on the steps.

Marla and our guide talk about the temple history while climbing the steps. We decided to take the funicular back down.

The beautiful architecture of the temple is apparent as you finish the last of the steps to the entrance.

Our guide really helped us understand the sacred nature of the temple.

Visitors sometimes apply gold leaf to Buddha images for merit.

The temple contains a number of prayer rooms.

Logan takes a photo.

Golden images.

Many visitors light candles and incense while praying.

A beautiful bronze elephant on the temple terrace.

We loved our tour of the Doi Suthep temple. New areas had been added although many remained the same. We highly recommend a visit on your trip to wonderful Chiang Mai. We took the funicular to go back down to our van and on to the next temple.

Down the mountain from Wat Doi Suthep and deep in a verdant jungle, is a secret temple few tourists visit. Wat Palad is a magical place and a Buddhist meditation retreat. I hope its seclusion will continue. The entrance is guarded by two gigantic Burmese statues.

A number of statues on the temple grounds are decorated by visitors.

A white Buddha statue in the jungle.

The Boys enjoyed the quiet jungle setting and the views of Chiang Mai below.

The view of a Burmese style Chedi is almost blocked by a gorgeous “Angel’s Trumpet” plant.

The Decker Brothers talk about their favorite Thailand cities while waiting for a flight to Singapore and then to Bali.

Marla and I thoroughly enjoyed showing Paxton and Logan Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Thailand is truly an amazing destination with a fascinating culture, wonderful people, and beautiful architecture!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.