Table of Contents
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the iconic Royal Twin Pagodas (in the Doi Inthanon National Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand). This is one of the most prominent and prestigious landmarks in north Thailand and is well worth a visit in 2026. It is possible to visit the Royal Twin Pagodas as a day trip from Chiang Mai but you will need to plan your trip carefully.
That’s where we can help. In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an independent intrepid trip to the Royal Twin pagodas. We will explain how to get there, what to expect, prices, and much more.
The Royal Twin Pagodas are very beautiful, situated on the top of a panoramic mountain with stunning views over the jungle mountains of north Thailand. If you have enough time in Chiang Mai we highly recommend that you take a visit.
Why visit the Royal Twin Pagodas?
The Royal Twin Pagodas are one of the most prestigious and significant landmarks in Thailand. So if you’re looking for those “must see wonders” in Thailand – we highly recommend a visit to the Royal Twin Pagodas. It is worth knowing that this is a BIG trip and you will need at least a full day if you’re traveling from Chiang mai.
The pagodas are very beautiful surrounded by well kept gardens, viewing terraces, seating areas and water features. They are very beautiful – this is an epic place to see and experience Thai art, architecture and design at its best. Situated on the top of Doi Inthanon at an altitude over 2,500m altitude, this is also an amazing place for stunning views. The altitude provides a beautiful unique damp and cool microclimate which has high levels of biodiversity and epic scenery.
There are also some epic things to do in the area. You can trek in the forests, visit waterfalls and even stay in unique homestays and jungle accommodation. We love Chai Lai elephant hotel which is also located in the jungle hills to the south of Chiang Mai.
What was our experience of Doi Inthanon Royal Twin Pagodas?
We really enjoyed our visit to the Royal Twin Pagodas. Although the scenery is stunning the drive through the National Park can be slow due to the mountain roads. The Royal Twin Pagoda’s site itself is very beautiful. However, it does have a sense of being over-regulated. There are plenty of staff and security around to make sure that people stay in the right areas. This can detract from the lovely peaceful feel of this amazing location. We always recommend that you expect to see plenty of other people on your visit. When we visited it wasn’t too crowded. On balance we do think it is well worth a visit to the Royal Twin Pagoda, especially if you’re planning to see some other epic attractions nearby. 3
Where are the Royal Twin Pagodas located?
The Doi Inthanon Royal Twin Pagodas are located near the summit of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand. The mountain is part of the Doi Inthanon National Park, which is about a 90-minute drive from Chiang Mai.
How much does it cost to visit Royal Twin Pagodas?
The Royal Twin Pagodas are located in the Doi Inthanon National Park near the summit of Doi Inthanon mountain (Thailand’s tallest mountain!) In order to visit the pagodas you first need to pay the National Park fees. There are ticket offices and checkpoints on the roads leading into the National Park. The permit costs 300 baht for adults (around £7 or $10) and 150 baht for children (around £3.50 or $5). There is an additional small road fee of 30 baht for a car and 20 baht for a motorbike.
After you have paid the national park fees you can then travel to the Royal Twin Pagodas. There is a second checkpoint at the entrance and you need to pay a ticket to enter the site. It costs 40 baht per person to enter the site (this is roughly £1 or $1.20). You also need to factor in the cost of transport to work out the total cost of your trip.
How do you get to Doi Inthanon Royal Twin Pagodas?
The journey from Chiang Mai old town to the Royal Twin Pagodas is 106km. The journey is likely to take 2 – 3 hours by road depending on stops, traffic and routes. There are no buses or public transport running to the Royal Twin Pagodas so you will need to arrange your own transport. These are the best transport options:
1 Arrange a private taxi
One of the most convenient ways to get to the Royal Twin Pagodas is to take a private taxi. This is likely to be pretty expensive for a whole day and a long journey. We recommend aiming for around 1,500 baht – 2,000 baht for the full day (£35 – £40 or $40 – $50). The best way to find a driver in Chiang Mai is to ask taxi drivers waiting around town. Make sure you discuss the destinations and timings before you agree on a price. For a long day trip like this, we highly recommend arranging your taxi a day or two in advance.
2 Rent a motorbike
One of the cheapest ways to get to the Royal Twin Pagodas in Chiang Mai is to rent a motorbike and drive. You can generally rent motorbikes in Chiang Mai for around 150 baht – 250 baht (£3.50 – £6.00 or $4 – $8). Always ride carefully – some of the main roads south of Chiang Mai are busy and fast roads. Also be aware that there are some long remote sections in the mountains. Make sure you are well prepared with food, water and plenty of petrol in your bike.
3 Rent a car
One of the most convenient ways to visit the Royal Twin Pagodas is to rent a car and drive. Car rental in north Thailand generally costs around 700 baht – 1,000 baht if you are able to negotiate a deal with a local company in Chiang Mai (roughly £16 – £24 or $30 – $28). Car rental is a great option especially if you plan to stay overnight in Doi Inthanon or do a longer road trip. This also allows you the freedom and flexibility to see some other attractions along the way. We recommend using an international license if you plan to drive in Thailand.
4 Take a tour
A fun and convenient way to see the Doi Inthanon Pagoda is to take a day tour from Chiang Mai. Make sure that your itinerary includes a visit to the twin Pagodas. You can book tours on Klook for great prices. Our TOP PICK Twin Pagoda tour includes Wachiritharn Waterfall, Doi Inthanon Peak, the Angkha Nature Walk and the Royal Agricultural Station. This tour costs around £40 per person (roughly $50). This tour includes transport, lunch and entrance to the Doi Inthanon National Park.
What is the best time to visit Doi Inthanon Royal Twin Pagodas?
Firstly it is worth noting that the Doi Inthanon mountain can experience cloud and rainy weather throughout the year. At this altitude the temperature is cool throughout the year and the peak is often enveloped in damp clouds.
The best time to visit Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand is during the cool and dry season, which runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is mild and comfortable, with clear skies and low humidity. This makes it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, as well as enjoying the stunning views.
In addition, the cool and dry season is also the peak tourist season, so the Royal Pagoda’s may be more busy during this time. During the hot and rainy season, which runs from May to October the rain can also limit visibility and obscure the mountain views, making it less enjoyable for visitors.
What are the Royal Twin Pagodas like?
The pagodas are located near the summit of Doi Inthanon. The pagodas themselves are very impressive, with intricate carvings and beautiful Buddhist artwork. The area is peaceful and beautiful with paths, gardens, ponds and viewing terraces. The atmosphere is pretty peaceful and chilled here – although it can get crowded at times.
The site of the Royal Twin Pagodas has stunning views over the mountains of north Thailand. If the conditions are right you can see an ocean of low clouds swirling in the valleys. The temperature at this altitude is pretty cool throughout the year. It is often around 15-20 degrees celsius.
Cultural significance of Royal Twin Pagodas
The Royal Twin Pagodas (also known as Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Napha Phonphumisiri) were built in honor of the King and Queen’s 60th birthdays in 1987 and 1992. The pagodas were designed by the Department of Fine Arts and built with funding from the Royal Thai Air Force.
The pagodas are a symbol of the unity and strength of the Thai people and the monarchy. They also represent the Thai commitment to Buddhism. The pagodas are built in a traditional Thai architectural style, with intricate carvings and beautiful artwork that reflect the rich culture and history of the region. The pagodas are also located within Doi Inthanon National Park, which is an important site for the Hmong hill tribe people, who have lived in the region for centuries.
Facilities at Doi Inthanon Royal Twin Pagodas
There are some good facilities at the Royal Pagodas. Here is an overview of the facilities to help you plan your trip:
- There are toilets available at the Royal Pagodas
- There is a large free car park at the Royal Pagodas
- There is a small food outlet serving slightly overpriced local food (not a very good range of choices here)
- There are actually escalators leading from the carpark to the pagodas
- Viewing platform with seating areas
Is Doi Inthanon Royal Twin Pagodas family-friendly?
Yes, the Doi Inthanon Royal Twin Pagodas are family-friendly. Although there are a few things that you need to know. Firstly, remember to bring an arsenal of snacks! You may not be able to find sufficient food to fill your kids here. So make sure you visit a Seven Eleven before your trip and stock up on snacks and food that your kids will eat. Also, it is worth being aware that this area is pretty closely regulated. Kids may need supervision to keep them off lawns and flower beds! Be aware that there are also some drops from the viewing platforms. There are safety rails, but we do recommend supervising kids carefully. Finally make sure you have some entertainment for the journey. The drive from Chiang Mai takes quite a few hours so consider ways to keep your kids occupied.
What things do you need to bring to visit the Royal Twin Pagodas?
Here are a few things that we recommend bringing to the Royal Twin Pagodas:
- Comfortable walking shoes: You will be walking around the pagodas and exploring the area, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Sunscreen and hat: The sun can be quite strong in Thailand, so protect your skin and head with sunscreen and a hat.
- A warm layer: It can be cold at this altitude. Bring a warm top and a light rain coat so that you are prepared for the elements.
- Insect repellent: You may encounter mosquitoes and other insects in the area, so it’s a good idea to bring insect repellent to avoid bites.
- Camera: The Royal Twin Pagodas offer stunning views and photo opportunities, so make sure to bring a camera to capture the moment.
- Water: Stay hydrated during your visit by bringing a water bottle with you.
- Snacks: Bring snacks with you. You can buy some simple snacks at the Royal Twin Pagodas – but the options are limited. We recommend bringing some snacks with you.
- Respectful attire: The Royal Twin Pagodas are a religious site, so it’s important to dress respectfully. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing, and cover your shoulders and knees.
Other things to do near the Royal Twin Pagodas
There are plenty of other things to do near the Royal Twin Pagodas. There is plenty of beautiful trekking. Don’t miss the Kew Mae Pan Nature trail, Doi Inthanon Summit forest trails. You may also be interested in the Thai National Observatory. There are are plenty of waterfalls around. Check out Mae Pan waterfall and Siriphum waterfall. You can also visit the Chai Lai elephant hotel in the area.
