About Doi Suthep Temple
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched at 1,073 meters on Doi Suthep mountain, is Northern Thailand's most sacred Buddhist site. Founded in 1383, the temple houses a relic of Buddha's shoulder bone within its stunning golden chedi. Reached by climbing 309 steps flanked by naga (serpent) balustrades or taking a funicular, the temple offers breathtaking views over Chiang Mai city and valley. The legend of a white elephant choosing the location adds mystical significance to this pilgrimage destination. Pair this stop with the Chiang Mai guide and the wider Thailand overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
- Best time: Early morning (6-8 AM) for monk chanting and fewer tourists
- Sunset visits: 4-6 PM for golden light on chedi and city views
- Avoid: Midday (hot, crowded with tour groups)
- Plan: 1-2 hours, add 30 minutes if climbing stairs instead of funicular
💰 Costs
- Temple entrance: ฿30 ($0.85) for foreigners
- Funicular ride: ฿20 ($0.60) each way (or climb 309 steps free)
- Guided group tours: ฿600-1,000 ($17-29) per person with hotel pickup
- Private guide + transport: ฿2,000-3,500 ($57-100) up to 6 people
- Songthaew (shared truck): ฿40-50 ($1.20-1.45) from Old City
- Private songthaew: ฿600-800 ($17-23) round trip
Dress code enforced: Sarongs available for rent if needed. Guides handle transport logistics up winding mountain road.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Temple history: Explain founding legend, white elephant story, architectural significance
- Buddhist rituals: Understand proper way to circle chedi, make offerings, behave respectfully
- Transport: Winding 15km mountain road best navigated with experienced driver
- Photo spots: Know best angles for golden chedi and city panoramas
- Combine visits: Often paired with Bhubing Palace gardens, hill tribe village
- Timing: Avoid tour group rushes, witness monk ceremonies
✨ Don't Miss
- ✨ Golden chedi: Walk clockwise 3 times for good fortune, stunning gold-plated spire
- 🔔 Bells around terrace: Ring bells for blessings (traditional practice)
- 🌅 City viewpoint: Panoramic views of Chiang Mai valley and mountains beyond
- 🐉 Naga staircase: 309-step dragon-flanked staircase (or take funicular)
- 🪷 Morning chanting: 6:30 AM monk prayers create serene atmosphere
- 📸 White elephant shrine: Honors legendary elephant that chose temple site
- 🎨 Murals and statues: Intricate Lanna-style art throughout temple grounds
📝 Practical Tips
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees - strictly enforced, sarongs for rent
- Remove shoes: Required before ascending to main terrace and golden chedi
- Climb vs funicular: Steps are workout but culturally meaningful, funicular easier
- Cooler temperature: Mountain elevation means 5-10°C cooler than city
- Respect monks: Don't touch, women must not hand items directly to monks
- Photography: Allowed but be respectful of worshippers and ceremonies
- Combine with palace: Bhubing Royal Palace gardens 4km further up mountain