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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

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historical-site
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)

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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Thailand. A sacred Buddhist temple on Doi Suthep mountain, near Chiang Mai. It is a major pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. Founded in 1383. A 309-step staircase flanked by Nagas leads to the temple. Has panoramic views of Chiang Mai. This site holds particular significance in the history of Thailand, from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms to modern Bangkok. Like many notable places in Thailand, it combines regional character with the legacy of the Chao Phraya, the Mekong and Buddhist tradition. Thus, this place contributes to the diverse profile of Thailand, between the Andaman coast, rice paddies and tropical forests.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C192225272625242424232119
Rain mm15523631891411782372221233713

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is open daily, both the mountain temple and interiors are accessible. Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) is mandatory, shoes must be removed before sacred buildings.
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Typical hours
The temple typically opens at 6:00 and closes at 18:00. Entry is paid, but exact prices may change - check on site.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the temple grounds, including views over Chiang Mai. Avoid flash in prayer halls and respect pilgrims.
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Time needed
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the visit, including the funicular or stair climb. The view and sacred stupa deserve ample contemplation.
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Combine with
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is on the mountain above Chiang Mai. Combine with Doi Suthep-Pai National Park or Bhuping Palace.
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Getting there
The temple is reachable by Songthaew (shared taxi) from Chiang Mai old city center. Alternatively, rent a taxi or scooter to drive up the mountain.
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Insider tip
Go early morning to experience sunrise over Chiang Mai and beat the crowds. The funicular runs from 6:00.

Geography

Coordinates
18.80500, 98.92160

Facts

  • A sacred Buddhist temple on Doi Suthep mountain, near Chiang Mai. It is a major pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists.
  • Located within the Kingdom of Thailand.
  • Shaped by the monsoon climate of Southeast Asia.
  • Linked to the heritage of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Doi Suthep-Pui National ParkDoi Suthep-Pui National Park1 km · SExplore →
Chiang MaiChiang Mai7 km · NExplore →
Ping River ValleyPing River Valley9 km · NExplore →
Doi Luang Chiang DaoDoi Luang Chiang Dao10 km · WExplore →
Bo Sang Umbrella VillageBo Sang Umbrella Village17 km · NExplore →
Doi Pha Hom PokDoi Pha Hom Pok33 km · NWExplore →
Mae Ya WaterfallMae Ya Waterfall36 km · SExplore →
Khun Tan RangeKhun Tan Range37 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (15)

wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Racha Worawihan⛪ religious

A sacred mountainside temple reached via a 306-step staircase flanked by Naga serpents.

Chiang Mai Night Safari🎡 recreation

A nocturnal zoo offering tram tours through habitats of African and Asian wildlife.

💶

Wat Umong (Suan Buddha Dhamma)⛪ religious

This 14th-century temple complex is famous for its ancient brick-lined tunnels used for forest meditation.

Wat Ton Kwen⛪ religious

This temple is considered one of the finest and best-preserved examples of traditional wooden Lanna architecture.

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park📍 landmark

This vast botanical garden features the ornate Ho Kham Luang pavilion built in traditional Lanna royal style.

💶

Chiang Mai Zoo🎡 recreation

Situated at the foot of the mountain, this zoo is historically known for its giant panda house and forest setting.

Wattana Art Gallery🏛 museum

This private gallery showcases the works of Wattana Wattanapun, blending contemporary art with Lanna textile motifs.

Singha Kao Statue🏺 historical

This white lion statue serves as the prominent symbol and landmark of Chiang Mai University's political science faculty.

Ku Lua🏺 historical

These ancient forest ruins are linked to the Lua people, the indigenous inhabitants of the valley before the Lanna Kingdom.

Khru Ba Srivijaya Monument🏺 historical

This monument honors the revered monk who led the construction of the road to Doi Suthep in the 1930s.

Rumpueng Loudspeaker🎭 culture

This creative space near Wat Ram Poeng serves as a gallery and hub for sound art and artistic experimentation.

organic famers market🎭 culture

This weekend market is known for its fresh organic produce and handmade goods directly from local farmers.

Farmers market🎭 culture

This lively local market provides a wide variety of seasonal fruits and traditional Northern Thai snacks.

Wat Rue Si Chi Wop📍 landmark

The ruins of this forest temple are named after the Buddha's legendary physician and are hidden within dense greenery.

Wat Phra That Saengchan📍 landmark

These 15th-century forest ruins house a collapsed chedi that has been picturesquely reclaimed by nature.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get to the top?
You can walk up the stairs or use the funicular elevator for a small fee.
What are the opening hours?
The temple is usually open daily from approx. 06:00 to 20:00.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered.
How long does the visit take?
Allocate about 3 to 4 hours including travel from Chiang Mai.
Is there parking available?
There is limited parking for motorcycles and cars at the base of the mountain.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: where is it located?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located in Thailand.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: what is there to see?
Highlights include wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Racha Worawihan, Chiang Mai Night Safari, Wat Umong (Suan Buddha Dhamma).
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Nov.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: why is it worth visiting?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Thailand.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Chiang Mai — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand, known for its walled Old City and hundreds of Buddhist temples.
Mae Hong Son — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is a remote town in the mountains of Northern Thailand, known for its morning mist and strong Shan cultural heritage.
Pai — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Pai
Pai is a laid-back mountain village in Northern Thailand, famous for its bohemian atmosphere, hot springs, and stunning natural scenery.
Tak — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Tak
Tak is a town in western Thailand, bordering Myanmar, serving as an important trading post.
Lampang — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Lampang
Lampang is a city in northern Thailand known for its horse-drawn carriages and traditional Lanna culture.

History & landmarks

Doi Inthanon Summit — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Doi Inthanon Summit
The highest point in Thailand, located in Doi Inthanon National Park.
Hellfire Pass Memorial — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Hellfire Pass Memorial
A railway cutting on the former 'Death Railway' in Kanchanaburi, hand-hewn through solid rock by Allied prisoners of war.

Nature

Khun Tan Range — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Khun Tan Range
A mountain range in northern Thailand, known for having the country's longest railway tunnel passing through it.
Dawna Range — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Dawna Range
A subrange of the Tenasserim Hills, forming the border between Thailand and Kayin State in Myanmar.

More places

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
A mountain sanctuary overlooking the city of Chiang Mai.
Ping River Valley — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Ping River Valley
The valley in which the city of Chiang Mai is located, irrigated by one of the two main headwaters of the Chao Phraya River.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Doi Luang Chiang Dao
A distinctive limestone mountain in northern Thailand, considered the country's third highest and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Doi Chiang Dao — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Doi Chiang Dao
A massive limestone monolith known as 'City of Stars'.
Bo Sang Umbrella Village — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Bo Sang Umbrella Village
A craft village near Chiang Mai famous for producing handmade umbrellas from saa paper and silk, an example of local, tourism-focused ind…
Doi Pha Hom Pok — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Doi Pha Hom Pok
The second highest mountain in Thailand, known for its geothermal hot springs and rich flora, including rare orchids.
Mae Ya Waterfall — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Mae Ya Waterfall
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, cascading down a 260-meter wide rock face.
Doi Inthanon National Park — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thailand)
Doi Inthanon National Park
Known as the 'Roof of Thailand'.