Doi Suthep Temple
Timing is everything here. The gates open at 05:00 and the difference between arriving then and arriving at 11am is the difference between a quiet hilltop and a queue on the staircase. Sunrise over the valley draws a small crowd, but a hushed one. Late morning through early afternoon is when the coaches land.
The temple dates to 1383 and is still very much a working place of worship, with the golden chedi at its centre, shrines and Buddha images around the terrace, and bells that people ring as they walk the circuit. You reach it up 306 steps flanked by naga serpents, or by tram if the climb doesn't appeal. Views over Chiang Mai from the terrace are the other reason people come, and they're best before the haze builds. At the bottom there's a market for food and drinks, and Doi Pui viewpoint further up the mountain is worth adding if you've got a driver waiting.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Doi Suthep Temple, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
am always happy to have the opportunity to pay homage to the Buddha's relics at this sacred place. Every time I visit, I feel energized and peaceful in my life. I intend to visit every year. The atmosphere is especially wonderful during the winter months. I recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid crowds. There is convenient parking nearby, just one street away. The history of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan dates back to 1927 during the reign of King Kue Na of Lanna. The Buddha's relics were brought from Si Satchanalai, and a sacred elephant was used to determine the location for their enshrinement. The elephant stopped at the summit of Doi Suthep, leading to the construction of a Mon-style pagoda to house the relics. Later, renovations and additional structures were built around the pagoda. Kruba Sriwichai also built a road up the mountain, making it easier for people to visit. Currently, it is the sacred pagoda associated with those born in the Year of the Goat.
We went up very early in the morning to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to catch the sunrise, and the view was absolutely stunning. There were quite a number of people there as well, all quietly enjoying the beautiful moment as the sun rose over Chiang Mai. After sunrise, we walked around the temple grounds. The golden pagoda shone brilliantly as the sunlight reflected off it, creating a truly breathtaking sight. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, and just being there made us feel a deep sense of serenity. Highly recommend visiting, especially early in the morning for the sunrise experience.
The journey up to the temple is especially memorable, with the long, iconic staircase lined by beautiful naga (serpent) sculptures on both sides. Climbing the stairs feels rewarding and adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the visit. For those who prefer an easier option, there is also a cable car available, making the temple accessible to everyone. To enter the temple grounds, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, which is reasonable and helps with the maintenance of this historic site. At the top, the golden chedi is stunning, the grounds are peaceful, and the views over Chiang Mai are absolutely breathtaking. This temple perfectly combines culture, spirituality, and natural beauty, and is truly a must-visit landmark.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 12,029 reviews on Google.
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Doi Suthep Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doi Suthep Temple worth visiting?
Doi Suthep Temple holds a 4.7★ rating from 12,029 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Doi Suthep Temple?
Doi Suthep Temple is typically open 05:00-21:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Doi Suthep Temple?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Doi Suthep Temple located?
Doi Suthep Temple is at Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200053 295 003thai.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Doi Suthep Temple
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Wat Pha Lat
A forest temple where the stream, the moss and the walk up matter as much as the shrines.
Bhubing Palace
A royal winter residence where the gardens, not the buildings, are the reason to come.
San Ku
Ancient jungle pagoda near Doi Pui, offering a quiet, atmospheric stop rich in history and nature.
CMU Clock Tower
A modest historical clock tower at Chiang Mai University's back entrance, doubling as a functional roundabout landmark.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Wat Arun
Porcelain-covered spires best seen late afternoon, and yes, the midday heat on those grounds is brutal.
Where to stay near Doi Suthep Temple
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)