Categories > Guides and Tips
Ultimate Guide to Doi Suthep Temple
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Doi Suthep Temple
- Things to Do at Doi Suthep Temple
- Enjoy the sights of Doi Pui
- Marvel at the beauty that is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Be inspired by the Phuping Palace
- Traverse the Monks Trail or the Pilgrims Path
- Take in the magnificence of the park’s waterfalls
- Where to Stay in Mueang Chiang Mai
- Shangri La Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Hill Hotel
- Centara Riverside Hotel
- Furama Chiang Mai
- Eastin Tan Hotel
- Where to Eat in Mueang Chiang Mai
- Alice’s Restaurant
- Dash
- The HOUSE by Ginger
- Italics Restaurant
- Blackitch Artisan Kitchen
When in Thailand, you absolutely must go temple-hopping as it’s one of the country’s most prominent tourist sites. However, there are some temples here that truly stand out among the rest – one such temple is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (or Doi Suthep Temple).
But what makes Doi Suthep Temple special? Well, aside from its stunning beauty, it’s surrounded by other fantastic sites and activities that you need to check out when in Chiang Mai. This guide of ours lists them all for you, so read on!
Things to Know
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai
Calling Code: +66
Address: Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand (Located inside the Doi Suthep- Pui National Park)
Contact Number: N/A
Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fees:
- Around 100 THB for adults as the entrance fee to the Doi Suthep- Pui National Park
- Around 50 THB for children three (3) to four (4) years old as admission fee as the entrance fee to the Doi Suthep- Pui National Park
Tips:
- You should experience visiting the site at night as the temple itself lights up for all guests to see and appreciate.
- Wear comfortable shoes when you visit the area as you have to do some hiking while enjoying the sights here.
- Bring an extra set of clothes as you may get wet while wading in the streams and walking through the waterfalls of the park.
How to Get to Doi Suthep Temple
Hiking: If you’re in the mood to do some walking, then you can choose to hike all the way up to the Doi Suthep Temple. You need to start out past Chiang Mai University along Suthep Road.
Look for a sign that says “Nature Hike” and once you do, you need to turn right into the narrow road and walk for around 100 metres before turning left (it’s the only left turn so you won’t miss it). Once here, just walk up the road until you reach the trail up ahead.
Once you reach the temple’s base, you can choose between two (2) options to get to the temple itself. If you’re up for it, you can choose to walk 306 steps to the temple or you can also take a cable car which costs around 50 THB for foreigners.
Songthaew: Your second option to get to Doi Suthep Temple is by taking a red Songthaew from Chiang Mai. If you go for this choice, look for the Chiang Mai Zoo, proceed to Huay Kaew Road nearby, and wait for a red Songthaew here.
Songthaew drivers will usually wait for around eight (8) to ten (10) passengers before heading to their destination. If you go this route, you’ll have to pay around 40 THB one way per passenger.
Songthaews can also be chartered from Chiang Mai City to Doi Suthep Temple. If you want the driver to take you to the temple and wait for you to drive you back to the city, then you’ll have to shell out around 500 THB (for as many passengers as you can fit).
Rented Car or Motorbike: The most convenient option and the one we’d recommend is for you to rent and drive your own car or motorbike. We suggest you take this route if you want to get to your destination fast, then this is the way to go.
Renting a car from Chiang Mai will cost around 1,000 THB per day while a motorbike will cost around 150 THB per day (depending on the engine size). Both these options will take around 30 to 40 minutes from Chiang Mai to the temple.
Of course, we only recommend taking a motorbike if it’s just you and a companion going up the temple. If you plan to bring your family or loved ones, then driving a rented car is the way to go.
Things to Do at Doi Suthep Temple
Enjoy the sights of Doi Pui
Doi Sui Mountain is the park’s highest point at 5,528 feet. You can access some of the park’s waterfalls from this site plus it can offer you fantastic views of the surrounding area such as greenery and the clear blue sky of Thailand.
Some of the popular waterfalls you need to check out once you reach Doi Pui include Monthahan Falls, Mae Sa Falls, and Huay Kaew Falls. You’ll also get the chance to see some wildlife here thanks to the lush forest and vegetation surrounding this area.
Due to its elevation, this area of the park is relatively cooler all year round which makes it the preferred relaxation site for most guests and travellers. If you plan to visit Doi Pui during the cold season, we recommend that you bring a sweater as it can be quite cold.
If you happen to travel to Doi Pui at the end of January, then you can take photos or selfies with the Sakura blossoms here. Your pictures will then make it seem like you’re in Japan but you can just post and tell your friends that you’re chilling in Thailand!
Marvel at the beauty that is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Address: Suthep, Chiang Mai Province
Phone: +66 5329 5003
It is true that the mountain and the scenery around the park draw people to this area as well but most tourists (most probably including yourself) will probably visit Doi Suthep- Pui National Park for its most popular and beautiful temple- Doi Suthep Temple.
Officially called Wat Phra Thai Doi Suthep, this temple is the star of the national park and is famous for its stunning appearance. Aside from its looks, this temple is considered to be one of the holiest Buddhist sites and is quite popular with pilgrims.
As such, you should expect this venue to be quite crowded, especially during Buddhist holidays such as Makha Bucha and Visakha. The temple dates back to the 14th century and through the years, has become the centre of spirituality for Thai Buddhists.
Look for the serpent statues lining the 306 steps going up the temple and take photos or selfies with these structures as they are truly one of a kind. Also, don’t forget to take in the spectacular view of Chiang Mai once you reach the top of the temple.
Lastly, have your picture taken beside the temple’s golden chedi. This monument is impressive at 79 feet and if you have your picture taken here in the morning, the chedi will be sparkling gold thanks to the sun’s reflection.
Be inspired by the Phuping Palace
Address: 1223 Sriwichai Alley, Tambon Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +6653294599
The royal family’s vacation home, the Phuping Palace, is one of the most exciting sites you can visit in this national park. This is also where the royal family receives their VIP guests such as foreign ambassadors and emissaries.
You can walk around the palace itself and stroll in the gardens surrounding the structure. Once you have your picture or selfie taken here, we’re sure your photos will come out elegant and luxurious thanks to the elaborate decor adorning the palace!
Traverse the Monks Trail or the Pilgrims Path
You can visit Doi Suthep on foot if you go by what’s called by the locals as the Monks Trail or Pilgrims Path. As its names suggest, it is still being used by monks and pilgrims when they go to the temple for pilgrimages (so you might spot some of them here as well!)
It’s a 5-kilometre steep climb but it also offers a restful stop halfway through. Here, you can also check out the hidden temple (also called Wat Pha Lat) and enjoy some refreshments being sold here ( we recommend bringing your own drinks as well).
Take in the magnificence of the park’s waterfalls
If you’re the type of person who enjoys taking in the beauty of nature, then Doi Suthep and its waterfalls are going to be right up your alley. Here, you can swim in the park’s refreshing pools and marvel at the beauty of its foaming waters and imposing cliffs.
The most accessible one is Huay Kaew Waterfall located at the base of the mountain. Once you climb up the temple, there’s another waterfall you can visit called the Monthathan Waterfall where you can also take a dip if you want to cool down.
We recommend visiting one of the most beautiful falls in the area, Mae Sa Waterfall. It’s breathtaking to see as it has many tiers and levels where you and your family can hike and have picnics.
Note that some of the falls tend to completely dry up during the hot season or from January to May. So, you should schedule your visit from June to December.
Where to Stay in Mueang Chiang Mai
Shangri La Chiang Mai
Address: 89/8 Chang Klan Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Phone: +6653253888
Pricing: $$$
Shangri La Chiang Mai is one of the finest hotels in the area if you want luxurious accommodations and if you have the funds to spare. It also has one of the best locations for tourists since it’s located near various shops and markets.
The hotel has some of the best facilities in Chiang Mai, with rooms that are immaculately maintained and swimming pools for both you and your kids to have fun in. We also highly recommend that you try their seafood buffet out as it is simply heavenly!
Chiang Mai Hill Hotel
Address: 211 Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Suthep, เมือง Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +6653218961
Pricing: $
If you want a hotel at a prime location but still want to stay within your budget, then check out Chiang Mai Hill Hotel. It’s located near tourist attractions such as Doi Suthep Temple and Wat Chedi Luang– ideal if you want to go on a “temple run” of the area.
The hotel is quite large and can offer you and your family clean and spacious (albeit traditional-looking) rooms.
You should also try this hotel’s savoury buffet breakfast where you can get unlimited fruits, salads, meats, and drinks– good value for money if you ask us.
Centara Riverside Hotel
Address: 318, ตําบล, 1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Phone: +6653275300
Pricing: $
How about staying at a traditional hotel with all the modern services available within its four (4) walls? Well, you’re in luck since Centara Riverside Hotel is exactly the kind of hotel we just described.
It has a traditional look and feel, from its facade to its interiors but it is well maintained. For us though, the best part is that it features a fitness room, a steam room, swimming pools, and massage services, making it an all-in-one hotel for you to enjoy and relax in.
Furama Chiang Mai
Address: 54 Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Phone: +66 53 415 222
Pricing: $
Are you travelling with family and in want of a hotel that can give you some peace and quiet at night? Then Furama Chiang Mai might be the establishment you (or your group) are looking for!
It isn’t near any loud bars or party venues so you should expect calmer and relaxing evenings here. Plus, you can get large enough rooms to accommodate your entire family.
The rooms of this hotel often come with a small kitchen where you can cook for your family (if that’s what they prefer). However, we strongly advise that you try their breakfast buffet where you can enjoy unlimited food items before you set out for the day.
Eastin Tan Hotel
Address: 171 Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +6652001999
Pricing: $$
With the Eastin Tan Hotel, you don’t even have to go on tour to get a great view of the mountains. Here, you and your family can get a room with a spectacular view of Chiang Mai along with the surrounding mountains of the province.
The hotel is also quite modern and well-maintained with top-of-the-line amenities that you and your kids will surely enjoy. These include a gym, swimming pool, and a number of restaurants that offer delicious food items.
Where to Eat in Mueang Chiang Mai
Alice’s Restaurant
Address: 74, 1 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Phone: +66 53 279 487
Pricing: $$
After touring Doi Suthep Temple, you may be craving some local cuisine, especially after experiencing some of the impressive cultural and historical aspects of the site. Alice’s Restaurant is here to satisfy your cravings.
Some of the most delicious menu items we liked included Khao soi and green curry. You should also ask the wait staff here if you want to drink a few alcoholic beverages as they offer premium and local liquor brands.
Dash
Address: 38, 2 MoonMuang Rd Lane 2, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +6653279230
Pricing: $$
Dash serves up some of the best fusion Thai and Western cuisines this side of Mueang Chiang Mai. The other diners we spoke with claim that their food isn’t spicy enough to compete with the local Thai flavour they are expecting or are used to.
However, we think this approach is genius as you can choose how spicy or how “standard” tasting you want your food to be. So if you’re bringing young kids with you, then finding the right food item for them as an establishment shouldn’t be a problem.
Kids can have some pasta and burgers but we recommend that you try some of their local offerings such as their Tom kha kai, Raad Na, and Gai Rue Gung. Ask the wait staff to add some chilli for you if you feel like it, of course.
The HOUSE by Ginger
Address: 199 Moonmuang Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +6653287681
Pricing: $$
The HOUSE by Ginger is a unique combination of style and flavours that you will surely enjoy. Quite literally, this restaurant uses a traditional Thai- style “house” as its base of operations while complimenting its interiors with beautiful and comfortable furniture.
You’ll surely love their selection of Thai cuisine especially when it comes to the presentation of the food and the authentic taste of each item. We can’t get enough of their crispy pork belly and pork in tamarind sauce– you should order them as well!
Italics Restaurant
Phone: +6653216219
Pricing: $$
Craving for some Italian cuisine while in Chiang Mai? Italics Restaurant has got you covered then with its chic and luxurious interiors and mouth-watering Italian fare you won’t find anywhere else in the province.
Of course, we recommend that you order their meat pizza (you can choose if you want chicken or pork). However, don’t forget to try their truffle toast and bruschetta- moist, juicy, and flavoured just right!
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen
Address: 27/1 Nimmanhaemin Soi 7, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66936956464
Pricing: $$
Looking for something more upscale in Chiang Mai? Head on down to Blackitch Artisan Kitchen where you can get excellent food and beverages at Michelin-star quality levels!
Here, you can order set menus based on your preference. For example, you can go for their Warm Summer Menu to try out their cashew cut miso with fish of the day
and Kuzu tofu.
The subtle play of all these ingredients is enough to make you want to go back here to try a different menu set despite being a little bit pricey!
