The temple is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the city of Chiang Mai and situated at an elevation of 1,073 meters.

King Nu Naone of Lan Na heard of the relic and bade the monk to bring it to him.

From the car park at the temple's base visitors can climb 309 steps to reach the pagodas or take a tram.

[2] The tiered and angular shape of the chedi is found all around Thailand is an aspect of Buddhist architecture.

[2] The tiers represent the level of heavens that one must ascend in order to achieve Nirvana as well as the hierarchy associated with a monarchy.

The redented look, near parabolic slope, and golden cover of the chedi creates a feeling of weightlessness of the structure.

[6] The white stucco and incredibly ornate pediment greatly assist with this lightweight feel and separation, but the roof provides the most dynamic movement of the building due to its size and composure.

The pediments are typically the most decorated parts of the building that express the grandeur and status of the temple.

The murals are typically the story of Buddha's life and travels but also include Hindu aspects as well.

[6] The inside is of the building is typically quite dark because the main lighting comes from the narrow vertical windows and the fact that the murals and all of the indoor decoration are darker materials.

The interiors at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep contains myriads of Buddha statues that come in all different styles and materials just like the outside courtyard.

The layout of the complex shows bi axial symmetry around the chedi with the main and small wihans slightly off the east–west cardinal plane.

The cardinal directions are important to Buddhism and it is said that if there isn't a body of water around, like in this case, then the main wihan should face the rising sun.

The viewing spot to see Chiang Mai is a propped cantilever with around a 15-foot drop over the edge.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Thailand due to its relic as well as the influence from Chiang Mai being the center of the Lanna Kingdom back in the 14th century.

In fact the wat can get 120,000 visitors per month, with the numbers being higher during holidays like Songkhan and more especially Visakha Bucha Day when local people climb the mountain and sleep on the esplanade of the temple to commemorate the birth of the Buddha.

Most of these visitors are from Thailand, Singapore, China, and India and they consider themselves "pilgrim-tourist" because they pay homage to the site but also indulge on the surrounding attractions.