Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
4.5
About
Located high in the hills above Chiang Mai, this magnificent temple was commissioned by King Kuena, ruler of the region from 1367-1388.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Leo NLittle India, Singapore5 contributionsRating: 5 out of 5 stars (a must-visit in Chiang Mai!)Afternoon's the golden hour at Doi Suthep. Soak in the panoramic city view from the platform, watch the temple glow as the sun dips low, and choose your climb: conquer the 306 steps for a sense of achievement or take the funicular for a leisurely ascent. Inside, be dazzled by gold, intricate carvings, and serene courtyards. Breathe in the peace of chanting monks and discover hidden nooks for quiet reflection. Sunset paints the city in twinkling lights, casting a magical spell on the golden facade. Doi Suthep's more than a temple; it's a breathtaking afternoon adventure woven with golden light, city views, and a touch of serenity.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 December 2023
- mlmdaisyOdessa, Florida19,653 contributionsLots of stepsI personally only saw some of this temple as the stairs were too much for me. I found out later that there was a lift? The number of vendors on the property was a bit distracting, although in retrospect I probably should have done some shopping. My partner did climb the steps and reported back that the temple was quite impressive.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 December 2023
- Gary C1,399 contributionsGreat View and Good WorkoutWe took a private van from the hotel here. It dropped us off at the base of the steps. We ascended the steps and toured around the outer perimeter of the Wat and descended. It took 40 minutes. 30 baht per foreigner to enter. Good view of Chiang Mai. Lots of vendors at the bottom.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 1 January 2024
- panda_rougeSingapore, Singapore52 contributionsA scenic beauty with deep cultural significance tooThe mountain-top where the pagoda is located offers panoramic views of the entire city. Temple grounds are serene, the sculptures and structures resplendent. Very interesting to hear the history associated with Doi Suthep and get a chance to witness the monks chanting in the evening. Consider taking the cable car up and going down the naga staircase as climbing 306 steps upwards might be a challenge for some.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 January 2024
- Ben W23 contributionsAmazing viewpointThe hike is stunning. We did the monks trail on the way to this hike and all together it was around 9-10k to the top. There is an option to get a taxi straight there though but we recommend doing the monks trail and hike to fully appreciate its beauty.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 January 2024
- RIchard035Northwood, United Kingdom1,342 contributionsImpressive temple and viewsThere is a lengthy drive up a hill until you get to the point where you can either walk or take a funicular up to Doi Suthep. At the top there is an ornate temple and impressive views towards Chiang Mai. You are encouraged to put a donation in an envelope and give it to one of the monks inside the temple in exchange for receiving a blessing. Our tour guide took a gift of a package of medicines and other items to give to the monk. This felt to me to be a manufactured and false event put on for the tourists to raise funds. While the temple and views are impressive, I'm not sure the experience was worth the lengthy journey to get here.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 January 2024
- Yann RenaudSwitzerland862 contributionsImpressive temple and nice viewThe temple is relatively far away from the centre of Chiang Mai, but it is worth paying it a visit, as it is really impressive and moreover offers a great view over the city. To access it you will have to take a grab (around 400-500 bahts for one way) or a red pickup (600 bahts for a privatised round trip). From there, you can also take a red pickup down, which will be 50-70 bahts per person.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 January 2024
- Chayanee RattanasuwanThailand1 contributionGood experience after going to Wat Phra That Doi SuthepWat Phra That Doi Suthep is an amazing symbol of spiritual devotion and architectural excellence overlooking Chiang Mai, Thailand. Located atop Doi Suthep mountain, this sacred temple complex provides tourists with a stunning blend of cultural history, magnificent views, and calm mood. After going to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, i feel happy because i saw the beautiful temple and learned about Buddhism. I also feel peaceful because of the quiet gardens and the sound of bells ringing. Some people feel inspired to be kinder or more patient after visiting such a sacred place. And looking out from the top of the mountain, some tourists feel amazed by the stunning view of Chiang Mai. Overall, visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep leave me with good memories and a warm heart.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 March 2024
- sophi3jane219 contributionsSunrise viewpoint from temple in the mountains.We arrived to the temple whilst it was still dark, hoping to catch the sunrise from the viewpoint at the top. The steps to the top are long but stunning and enjoyed a peaceful walk around the top with the sounds of the jungle in the background. Would recommend this time if you like to explore without crowds as had the place almost to ourselves, plus the temperate was perfect. Unfortunately burning season had began when we visited in February so didn’t have the best / clearest view but was still worth going up. The temple itself was pretty but not our favourite in Chiang Mai, it is more the setting that makes it stand out.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2024
- ErkiBearLondon, United Kingdom383 contributionsAmazing views from this templeAmazing views from this temple. Came with a guide who used to be a monk so could tell us everything that was going on which was excellent. Had a blessing from a monk and stayed for the evening chanting which was very atmospheric. Recommended, one of the best temples we went to in Thailand.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
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4.5
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745
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49
CKF
CT2,162 contributions
Jan 2020
We had read about Wat Phra That Doi Suthep before coming to Chiang Mai, and knew it was a "must see." We signed up for a half day tour (late afternoon into evening) that included visiting this amazing structure.
Wat Doi Suthep is high up on a hill. You will encounter about 20 minutes of winding uphill roads to ascend. There is a beautiful dragon (naga) staircase leading to the top, but we rode the funicular and walked down (unfortunately, it was dark by then so couldn't appreciate the intricacies of the dragon artwork). Once at the top, the main wat is a sight to behold. We were lucky enough to see and hear children chanting in the temple, followed by the gong being hit loudly. Three monks then chanted outside. Shortly thereafter (around 6 pm), the adult monks and nuns began their evening chants. Such a special experience to sit in the temple and be part of this.
Before you leave, soak in the view from the top. Just wonderful! Take time to explore the many stupas and buddhas around the complex as well. Enjoy!
Wat Doi Suthep is high up on a hill. You will encounter about 20 minutes of winding uphill roads to ascend. There is a beautiful dragon (naga) staircase leading to the top, but we rode the funicular and walked down (unfortunately, it was dark by then so couldn't appreciate the intricacies of the dragon artwork). Once at the top, the main wat is a sight to behold. We were lucky enough to see and hear children chanting in the temple, followed by the gong being hit loudly. Three monks then chanted outside. Shortly thereafter (around 6 pm), the adult monks and nuns began their evening chants. Such a special experience to sit in the temple and be part of this.
Before you leave, soak in the view from the top. Just wonderful! Take time to explore the many stupas and buddhas around the complex as well. Enjoy!
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris F
Wroughton, UK245 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This is a ‘must do’ for any visitor to Chiang Mai and best with a local guide. Set high in the hills above Chiang Mai with a panoramic view over the city it is best visited early in the morning at sunrise, like the Taj Mahal, or in the evening when it is all lit up. The main temple is very large and has many different sections with varied Buddha images and statues. There is an area in which you can get you fortune told by shaking a stick out of a scroll. The temple is covered in a highly reflective type of brass that almost looks like gold. It is quite a climb up to the temple from the car park, but there is a lift available. The guide will tell you much about the history of the temple and Thai Buddhist traditions. Well worth the visit.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Xin Ru T
Singapore, Singapore1,345 contributions
Jan 2020
From Chiang Mai Zoo, it cost 40 baht to go up to Doi Suthep Wat Phrathat via the red song thaew. There were market stalls selling food and souvenirs at the drop-off point. For example, we ate boiled pork noodles and fried chicken rice for 50 baht each. The 309 steps climb up to the wat was very manageable. The entrance fee for the wat was 30 baht per person. The gold plated chedi was rather majestic looking. There were photographers milling around taking photographs for visitors against the chedi backdrop for a fee. There were also viewpoint areas at the side with a beautiful panoramic view of Chiang Mai.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana Maria P
Ghent, Belgium74 contributions
Jan 2020
We arrived here at 6AM, which was perfect since there are very few tourists at that hour and the sun isn't up yet. We enjoyed the nightlights over the city and the peacefullness of the moment. The sunrise is breathtaking and we got to witness the early morning chanting monks. I really recommend visiting the Doi Suthep early in the morning if you like tranquility and space.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iluvhunni
Singapore, Singapore183 contributions
Dec 2019
Chose to climb up the 300+ stairs to view this temple. It looks even more awesome when the morning sun casts on it. The view up here is worth a visit even if you are not into temples.
There is an entrance fee of 30 baht per foreigner. I am not sure why some reviewers said there isn't, maybe they missed the signage.
I visited around 8am before the tour groups arrive; people who went around my time were all very respectful of the temple, spoke softly, dressed appropriately. Weather was quite cool so it made the climb up not so tiring.
Do note that you need to remove your shoe to enter the temple compound.
There is an entrance fee of 30 baht per foreigner. I am not sure why some reviewers said there isn't, maybe they missed the signage.
I visited around 8am before the tour groups arrive; people who went around my time were all very respectful of the temple, spoke softly, dressed appropriately. Weather was quite cool so it made the climb up not so tiring.
Do note that you need to remove your shoe to enter the temple compound.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria K
Berlin, Germany156 contributions
Feb 2019
The temple itself is really pretty and I can imagine that without all the crowd would make the experience more easier and enjoyable. We went a little bit after lunch time so maybe in the early morning would be less crowded. Unfortunately we didn't have time to visit the national park that surrounds this temple.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blog PartiuMundo
Sao Paulo, SP202 contributions
Nov 2019
Planning a trip up the mountain to see the temple is a fairly easy endeavour from Chiang Mai. We rented a scooter and it took us only 45 min from the hotel in Riverside to the temple. For me, it’s the best option because you can get in an adventure and enjoy the way up to the mountain.
Once you get to the temple there’s a stairway with +300 steps with dragons leading the way to the top. I believe you wouldn’t feel comfortable going up in high temperatures so arrive VERY EARLY for endless reasons! Although, if you don’t feel like going up the stairs, you can get a cable car for a small fee. We chose to climb all the steps because we felt it was an important part of the experience.
Don’t wear short pants or skirts, otherwise, you’ll have to rent clothes at the entry of the temples to cover yourself up.
You have to remove your shoes inside the temple. The floor is super hot, so bring socks if you don’t want to burn your feet.
Our goal was to watch the sunrise up there at the temple. So we managed to take pictures with almost no one besides us. Especially at the famous stairs which are very Instagrammable.
Once you get to the temple there’s a stairway with +300 steps with dragons leading the way to the top. I believe you wouldn’t feel comfortable going up in high temperatures so arrive VERY EARLY for endless reasons! Although, if you don’t feel like going up the stairs, you can get a cable car for a small fee. We chose to climb all the steps because we felt it was an important part of the experience.
Don’t wear short pants or skirts, otherwise, you’ll have to rent clothes at the entry of the temples to cover yourself up.
You have to remove your shoes inside the temple. The floor is super hot, so bring socks if you don’t want to burn your feet.
Our goal was to watch the sunrise up there at the temple. So we managed to take pictures with almost no one besides us. Especially at the famous stairs which are very Instagrammable.
Written 19 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane N
London, UK984 contributions
Feb 2020
You can climb up all the steps or take the enclosed cable car. We took the cable car up and walked back down the steps. A 7-headed naga undulates down the balustrade of the 290 step stairway.
According to legend the temple was sited here in the mid-1300's by an elephant that was turned loose with a Buddha relic attached to its back. It climbed and then refused to go any further so the temple was built at the spot where it stopped.
There are lovely views over Chiang Mai at the top and in the grounds is a 80ft high gilded chedi and parasols and many Buddhas.
According to legend the temple was sited here in the mid-1300's by an elephant that was turned loose with a Buddha relic attached to its back. It climbed and then refused to go any further so the temple was built at the spot where it stopped.
There are lovely views over Chiang Mai at the top and in the grounds is a 80ft high gilded chedi and parasols and many Buddhas.
Written 15 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Delaney
Singapore, Singapore225 contributions
Jan 2021
Visited this marvelous temple on the first day of 2021 - a gracious beginning to the year up on one of Chiang Mai's infamous peak. The temple itself was truly and incredible sight to see - truly worth the walk through the numerous steps. The infrastructure is very well maintained and clean. The viewpoint was just breathtaking; it was a great to catch the sight of Chiang Mai alit at dusk. Lots of beautiful adornments and intricate wood carving are also worth exploring throughout the temple. Other than that, my companion and I were lucky enough to behold and also participate in circulating the main golden stupa, carrying large yellow sheet of exquisite silk along with all the visitors there. The large silk sheets were intended for wrapping around the base of the stupa; although, I don't much on the details behind this intriguing ceremony. Overall, a beautiful temple in great weather and also an incredible experience! Absolutely worth visit when in Chiang Mai!
Written 8 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KioSai
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar37 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
I took a hiking tour and there was me alone and my guide for the day, we tracking from the bottom to the top of the mounting, it’s a nice tracking tour where you can enjoy the forest. On top, there’s crowded with visitors and shops and restaurants. You can have a bird eye view of the city from the top of the mountain, there’s a golden pagoda and temple and the view point. So far, good to visit there.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, we are renting a car. Is there a parking lot / space up there, where do people usually park (I can see lots of red pickups nearby in the videos, but not sure if that's where we should park just on the street normally . THx
Written 19 January 2020
Yes there is plenty of parking at the top.
Written 20 January 2020
Is it risky to go up with a motorbike?
How much does it cost to go up with a tuktuk (per person or per car) or a taxi?
Written 21 June 2019
Based on what I did yesterday. A grab taxi from the Furama hotel was 400baht (2 people = 200 each). Coming back I took one of the red truck taxis, it’s 30baht each if there are ten people in the truck. I negotiated 60baht each because there were only four people. The road up to the temple is steep and winding but in good condition when it is dry so a motorbike would not be too difficult for an experienced rider. For safety check the brakes for the journey down.
Written 20 July 2019
Andrea B
Genoa, Italy
Se volessimo affittare un motorino per andare la, è fattibile o troppo rischioso?
Grazie per le risposte!
Written 21 June 2019
Noi siamo andati in pulmino, diciamo che in motorino è fattibile però le strade non sono il top e poi devi salire abbastanza su non so se il motorino sia l ideale io non ci andrei.
Written 28 June 2019
Hire a grab cab. The red cabs will be nearly the same price and uncomfortable... tuk tuk are almost always a colorful rip off. In any case, leave early in order to be that at 7 am... it is a zoo of people after that
Written 23 January 2020
Do you have to wear long pants and tshirt here?
Written 14 January 2019
Hi yes need to wear long pant and t shirt to respect the temple
Written 15 January 2019
I think so. I would check their website carefully. There is a funicular that you could ride up and down, but still several steps. You might not see a much as others but I’d go anyway as it’s a real treasure.
Written 13 January 2019
What is the best way to get to this location? How much is the transfer? Would this place have a parking? What would be the cost?
Written 7 January 2019
Há estacionamento, mas não alugamos carro. Na Tailândia se dirige na pista da esquerda, como na Inglaterra. Usamos o "red car", as caminhonetes vermelhas. O preço é negociável, em torno de 800 baht, cerca de 24 USD. Estão em toda cidade, levam e trazem você de volta para o mesmo ponto de partida. Esperam você para realizar a visita, cerca de duas horas.
Written 8 January 2019
Hoeveel kost het verblijf als je de echte 10daagse meditation course gaat doen?
Written 28 November 2018
Dat liklt mij een prachtige ervaring. Maar ik kan je geen antwoordt geven op je gestelde vraag.
Groet, Elma
Written 29 November 2018
O horário é das 08h às 18h, o melhor é ir próximo do horário do almoço, quando os grandes grupos da manhã estão saindo.
Written 7 November 2018
นักศึกษาไปเก็บเส้นทางทัวร์ต้องทำเรื่องขอเข้าสถานที่รึเปล่าคะ แล้วเสียค่าเข้าไหม
ขอบคุณค่ะ
Written 6 November 2018
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