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If you only have a short time in Chiang Mai, you will want to see all of the most significant, important, and interesting attractions. Doi Suthep Pui is one of those “must-see attractions” in Chiang Mai.
We have written this article as a dedicated guide for anyone who wants to visit Doi Suthep Pui temple (As known as “Wat Phra That Doi Suthep”). In this article we will share top tips, including how to get there, what to expect when you get there, and how to make the most of your experience. We will also share a few mistakes to avoid if you are visiting for the first time.
GET EQUIPPED – why not get your Doi Suthep Pui Trip trip booked early on GetYourGuide? You can find an epic 4-hour Doi Suthep Pui tour which costs around 1,100 baht (approximately £22 or $25). It includes round-trip transportation and even goes as far as the Hmong Village.
Religious and cultural significance of Doi Suthep Pui
Doi Suthep Pui Temple (also known as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) is a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Chiang Mai. Perched high on Doi Suthep mountain, you can see breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. The temple’s golden stupa, or chedi, is said to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists. The relic is believed to have miraculous origins and was divided into two parts, one of which was carried to the mountaintop by a white elephant—a sacred animal in Thai culture—who then chose the site for the temple by trumpeting three times and dying peacefully.
Culturally, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a symbol of Northern Thai identity and pride. The temple complex, adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and murals, showcases the rich heritage of Lanna architecture and artistry. Visitors are greeted by a grand staircase flanked by serpent-like Naga figures, leading up to the temple entrance. This climb, although steep, is a rite of passage for many, symbolizing the journey towards enlightenment.
Is it worth visiting Doi Suthep Pui?
Yes, in our opinion, it is definitely worth taking a visit to Doi Suthep Pui. It is only likely to take a few hours, and you can do it relatively cheaply.
A visit to this temple is a fantastic way to connect with the unique culture of North Thailand. It is also a great way to get out of the city and enjoy some fantastic views over Chiang Mai. Personally, we have visited Chiang Mai many times over the years; however, for various reasons, we only visited this temple more recently. We loved exploring this temple
How much does it cost to enter the temple?
There is a 30 baht entrance fee (this is approximately £0.60 or $0.80). You can pay the entrance fee at the office when you arrive at the temple (top of the steps and to the right).
What are the main things to see at Doi Suthep Pui?
- Naga Stairs: This dramatic and exhausting staircase is lined with hibiscus trees and leads from the road up to the temple entrance. You need to walk up 206 steps to reach the temple.
- Bell Tower: This is one of the most beautiful spots in the temple.
- Viewpoint: You can see an impressive view over Chiang Mai City if you walk onto the terrace next to the International Buddhism Centre.
- Hermit’s Monument and the Jackfruit Tree: This is situated right next to the main entrance to the pagoda.
- Main Stupa Pagoda: This is the main attraction at the temple. You can see a prominent golden pagoda in the middle of the central courtyard.
What is the best way to get to Doi Suthep Pui?
The best way to get to Doi Suthep Pui is to either book a tour or rent a car and drive yourself. Both of these options are easy and convenient, and they also offer great value for money (compared to other options). If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you can also rent a bike in Chiang Mai and ride to Doi Suthep Pui. Keep reading as we will break this down for you:
1 Book a Tour
If your visit to Chiang Mai is a one-off dream trip, you may want the reassurance and security of booking your tour online in advance. We highly recommend this fantastic tour on GetYourGuide. It only costs 1,100 baht (which is roughly £22 or $25). The price includes transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off, and they even take you as far as the Hmong Village.
The price of this tour is very similar to doing the trip independently by red bus (which is likely to cost around 1,000 baht); however, booking a tour is much more convenient than taking red buses. Taking a tour also gives you the advantage of having a knowledgeable English-speaking guide to show you around, so really, this option is a win-win.
2 Rent a Motorbike
For a solo backpacker or a couple, you may want to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai and ride to Doi Suthep Pui. This is a low-budget and adventurous option; however, we do not recommend this unless you have a reasonable amount of experience riding motorbikes in Thailand. In order to get to Doi Suthep Pui, you need to ride up a long, steep, winding jungle road. This ride is pretty challenging, and you need to be aware of other traffic on the road. Motorbike rental in Chiang Mai typically starts at around 250 – 300 baht per day. All in, you can have a very affordable and fun independent adventure if you rent a bike.
3 Rent a Car
One of the most convenient ways to get to Doi Suthep Pui is to rent a car and drive. This is a particularly good option if you are traveling with kids. Chiang Mai Wheels car rental offers car rental starting at around 1,000 baht per day (approximately £20 or $25). Remember that this cost will be shared across your whole group, so this is actually very good value for money. Not only that, you can also use your car to explore other places in the Chiang Mai area. So if you are able to drive, car rental may well be your best way to get there.
4 Take a Songthaew
As a general rule, buses are the cheapest way to get around; however, this is not the case for Doi Suthep Pui. The only bus option is called a songthaew (or red bus). Buses for Doi Suthep Pui wait by the entrance of the Chiang Mai Zoo. Take a taxi from your hotel to the entrance of the zoo (this is likely to cost around 100 baht each way if you use a taxi app).
From the entrance of the zoo, you can take a red bus to Doi Suthep Pui, which costs 300 baht per person each way (buses depart when full). From Doi Suthep Pui, it costs 60 baht each way to take a red bus to the Hmong Village. All in, this is likely to cost at least 920 baht per person. Remember that you will have to wait around for the red buses. Remember that you can find a tour for just over 1,000 baht, and taking a tour is a much more convenient option because you do not need to keep changing transport.
5 Take a Taxi (Potentially Problematic)
And finally, you can use a taxi to visit Doi Suthep Pui. We recommend using taxi apps. You can find taxis on Bolt or Grab for around 250 baht per car (this is approximately £5 or $6). There are, however, a few disadvantages and potential problems using a taxi. Firstly, many local drivers in Chiang Mai are not willing to accept journeys to the mountains. This means you may need to spend quite a while before you actually get a driver who is willing to go (many drivers will accept quickly and then cancel the journey when they realize where you are trying to go).
If you’re trying to use a taxi app, it is also important to select the correct destination very carefully on the map (remember, Doi Suthep is a big area). And finally, if you try to take a taxi, you may struggle to get a return journey using the taxi app. Most Grab and Bolt drivers hang around Chiang Mai city, and it is rare to find someone up in the mountains. So if you take a taxi up, you may need to get a red bus back down.
LEARN MORE – Everything you need to know about booking a Grab Taxi in Thailand
Can you walk to Doi Suthep Pui?
If you have more time and you fancy a challenge, you can also walk all the way to Doi Suthep Pui. The walk starts by taking the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat temple. From here, you can follow a trail all the way up to Doi Suthep Pui. We recommend that you wear light, loose clothing with good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water with you. You need to allow a full day if you’re planning to trek to Doi Suthep Pui.
