Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Chiang Mai
A sacred mountainside temple with a gleaming golden stupa, offering breathtaking city views and rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Chiang Mai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred mountainside temple with a gleaming golden stupa, offering breathtaking city views and rich cultural heritage.
"The view of the whole Chiang Mai from the top is mesmerizing. Definitely worth the visit!"
Funicular for Ease
Skip the 306 steps! The funicular offers a convenient ride up to the temple. :ticket:
Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this sacred Buddhist temple. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Golden Stupa
Main temple complex
The radiant, iconic golden chedi is the spiritual heart of the temple, shining brightly.
Panoramic City Views
Temple grounds
Breathtaking, mesmerizing views of Chiang Mai city spread out below.
Naga Staircase
Entrance to the temple
Ascend the 306 intricately carved steps guarded by mythical Naga serpents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Getting There & Back
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Funicular for Ease
Skip the 306 steps! The funicular offers a convenient ride up to the temple. :ticket:
Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this sacred Buddhist temple. :pray:
Red Songthaew Savvy
Grab a red songthaew from the city or zoo entrance for an affordable ride up. :red_car:
Sunrise/Sunset Magic
Experience stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere during these golden hours. :sunriseovermountains:
Tips
from all over the internet
Funicular for Ease
Skip the 306 steps! The funicular offers a convenient ride up to the temple. :ticket:
Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this sacred Buddhist temple. :pray:
Red Songthaew Savvy
Grab a red songthaew from the city or zoo entrance for an affordable ride up. :red_car:
Sunrise/Sunset Magic
Experience stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere during these golden hours. :sunriseovermountains:
Cash for Small Purchases
Bring cash for market stalls, souvenirs, and the funicular. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the temple's stunning golden stupa. The peaceful atmosphere, especially outside peak hours, and the rich cultural significance are highly valued. However, some find it to be an overcrowded tourist trap with inflated prices at the market and feel monks openly soliciting money detracts from the experience.
"Summary: Beautiful, peaceful, well maintained, easily accessible from the city
It wasn’t too busy when I visited. It is low tourist season now (June).
Must wear temple appropriate clothing (cover knees and shoulders) you must take off your shoes before entering the main part of the temple. You can take pictures inside, no problem.
Temple/ Wat: Stunning architecture, painting and attention to detail. It felt very peaceful within the temple, lots of people were praying or meditating and paying respects.
The Park/Grounds: The grounds surrounding were well maintained.
Good clean facilities.
Lots of view points to take photos.
Many souvenir shops and some restaurants/ food stalls at the entrance.
Steps: There are a set of steps that take about 5 minutes to ascend (steep but slow walking) to the start of the temple, if you are not able to do, you can take a cable car/ lift.
Transport: I booked a grab from the city centre and he messaged us to ask if we wanted him to wait for us and drive us back. So it’s easy to negotiate a full trip price, most grab/ bolt drivers are happy to do that.
There were many Tuk Tuk and Song Thaews available once you’re up there to take you back too. Some people drive motorbikes up which has a great view but I would only recommend if you were experienced as the road is very windy and quite steep. It’s also rainy season and rained whilst we were there so could make the road slippery."
Rebecca Curley
"This place was so amazing. Quite the journey up and down the mountain - we took a grab but people were walking it as well. There are tons of Buddhas, temples and statues to look upon + there are souvenir shops as well. There is an incredible view at the top as well. There is a cable car that you can take up to the temple for 50 baht (30 for cable car and 20 for temple)"
Christine Aaron
"Absolutely incredible! So worth the visit! Very very busy, but worth visiting for sure.
For accessibility, please keep in mind that the entire venue is up a couple of hundred stairs.
Bring some extra cash, on the way up. You might want to buy a few things in order to make merit at the temple. Additionally, there are many market stalls and they sell some very cute souvenirs."
Alycia Mann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common ways are by red songthaew (shared taxi) which can be found at various points like the Chiang Mai Zoo or North Gate, or by Grab. For a more adventurous route, consider the Monk's Trail hike. +1
It can be challenging. Many Grab drivers may not be equipped for the mountain roads or may prefer round trips. Red songthaews are usually readily available for the descent. +1
The Monk's Trail is a hiking path that leads to the temple, offering a more natural and less crowded ascent. It's considered moderately challenging.
Yes, you can arrange for Grab or Bolt, but it's advisable to book in advance or consider sunrise tours. 'inDrive' is another app option that might be cheaper.
The drive typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the temple itself is free to enter, there's a small fee for foreigners (around 30 Baht) and for the funicular (around 50 Baht). Parking is generally free.
The temple is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. However, access to the mountain road might be restricted after 8:00 PM.
No, tickets for entry and the funicular can usually be purchased on-site. It's recommended to have cash for these purchases.
The funicular is a convenient option to avoid the stairs, and it typically operates during the temple's opening hours.
The Naga Staircase itself is part of the temple complex and does not have a separate admission fee beyond the general temple entry.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The main temple grounds offer stunning panoramic views of Chiang Mai city and the surrounding landscape.
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas, but it's respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photos, especially inside sacred spaces.
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow on the temple and city.
Using drones is generally not permitted at religious sites like Doi Suthep to maintain peace and respect. Always check local regulations.
Expect to capture the gleaming golden stupa, intricate architectural details, the Naga staircase, and sweeping city vistas.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the temple complex, enjoy the views, and perhaps climb the stairs.
Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as it is a sacred Buddhist temple. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Yes, you'll find restrooms (some may have a small fee), as well as numerous food stalls and souvenir shops around the temple complex.
The temple offers opportunities for meditation and experiencing Buddhist rituals. It's a place for spiritual connection.
Ringing the temple bells is a tradition believed to bring good luck.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
🧘 Spiritual Seekers & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Transportation to Doi Suthep
An alternative for the adventurous is the Monk's Trail, a hiking path that offers a more immersive experience through nature. While rewarding, it can be physically demanding, especially in the heat. For those who wish to avoid the 306 steps, a funicular is available, providing an easier ascent to the temple grounds.
When planning your return, red songthaews are generally more reliable than Grab. Some travelers suggest taking a Grab to the temple and a red songthaew back down. For early morning or late evening visits, consider booking tours that include transportation or using ride-sharing apps like 'inDrive' which might offer better rates.
Experiencing the Sacred Atmosphere
Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect. The Naga Staircase, with its 306 serpent-like figures, is a striking ascent to the main temple area. For those seeking a less strenuous climb, a funicular is available. Once at the top, you can explore the grounds, ring the temple bells for good luck, and even participate in meditation or observe Buddhist rituals.
The atmosphere can be incredibly peaceful, especially during the early morning or late evening, away from the midday crowds. Many visitors find the experience to be spiritual and enriching. The legend of the temple's location, chosen by a white elephant, adds to its mystique.
Capturing Doi Suthep's Beauty
Beyond the cityscape, the temple itself is a photographer's dream. The gleaming golden stupa is an iconic subject, as are the intricate details of the architecture, the vibrant mosaics, and the imposing Naga Staircase. The surrounding jungle also provides a lush backdrop.
+1When visiting, remember to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. While photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas, avoid intrusive shots of worshippers. Early morning visits can offer fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed photo opportunities.
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