iReport: The many faces of Chiang Mai's Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai's most famous tourist attractions. Not only is it an impressive temple, but it's also perched high on the side of a mountain -- Doi Suthep -- so it offers great views of the city of Chiang Mai below. 

With origins dating back to 1386, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a sacred site for many Thai Buddhists and is filled with ancient murals and sculptures. Some of these religious icons are captured in iReporter Marie Sager's photos, featured in the gallery above.

"The winding road to the wat made the trip adventuresome and the pay-off was the view from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep to the city of Chiang Mai below," said Los Angeles resident Marie, who visited Chiang Mai earlier this year.

"I look forward to returning to Chiang Mai some day as there are many temples to explore."  

Getting there: Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Songthaews (small pickup trucks with seats in the back) leave regularly from the small market just outside Chang Phuak Gate to make the journey up the mountain. Most hotels offer transportation to the popular temple as well, for a fee. 

Other sites on Doi Suthep mountain include Doi Pui -- a local hill-tribe village -- waterfalls, the summer palace and a few smaller temples.  

This photo gallery was submitted by iReporter Marie Sager as part of a CNNGo iReport assignment asking readers to share their favorite Chiang Mai travel moments. Interested in sharing your own travel stories? Visit our iReport page.