Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Chiang Mai's Mountain Temple
How to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's hilltop temple, including the naga staircase, the funicular, dress code and the best time to go.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: A Golden Temple Above the City
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most important temple in Chiang Mai and one of the most sacred in northern Thailand. It sits on the slopes of Doi Suthep mountain, about 15 kilometers northwest of the city center and more than a thousand meters above sea level, and its gleaming gold chedi is visible from the city on clear days. According to tradition, the temple was founded in the late 14th century to house a relic of the Buddha, and the site was chosen by a white elephant that climbed the mountain and refused to go further.
The approach is half the experience. Visitors can climb a staircase of about 300 steps lined with a long, undulating naga, the serpent protector of Buddhist temples, or take a short funicular lift to the top. At the summit, a terrace opens onto the temple courtyard, where the golden chedi, surrounded by smaller shrines, bells, umbrellas and Buddha images, glows in the sun. From the viewing platforms you can see across the city and the Ping valley, which is especially lovely in the early morning.
Visiting Doi Suthep
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning for cool air, clear views and fewer tour groups |
| Cost | A small foreign visitor entrance fee, plus an optional fee for the funicular |
| Getting There | Red songthaew from the Old City or Chiang Mai University, or Grab or a private car, about 30 to 45 minutes |
| Time Needed | 1 to 2 hours |
What Else Is Nearby
Bhubing Palace, the royal winter residence, is a short drive further up the mountain, and its gardens are open to the public when the royal family is not in residence. Huay Kaew Waterfall and the Chiang Mai Zoo are on the road up, and the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park offers hiking trails and viewpoints. Many visitors combine the temple with a stop at one of the mountain's cafés.
Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes come off before you enter the shrine area. Sarongs can be borrowed or rented at the entrance if you arrive in shorts.
