Chiang Mai is a city filled with temples. As you explore the Old City, you can’t walk more than a few feet without seeing one, and they are all well worth your time as a traveler. However, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples, which crowns the Doi Suthep mountain on the western outskirts of Chiang Mai, is definitely something that shouldn’t be missed. Planning a trip up the mountain to see the temple is a fairly easy endeavor from Chiang Mai, and various options are available. No matter which method you choose, the views from the temple and the beauty of the surrounding area make for a worthwhile day trip from the city. Read on to find out more about Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, how to get there, and what to expect when you arrive.
History
Suthep itself is a district of western Chiang Mai city, named after the adjacent mountain (doi means mountain in Northern Thai), and the temple on the summit—Wat Phra That Doi Suthep—is found on the mountainside. The mountain, along with neighboring Doi Pui, forms Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. In terms of the impressive temple, construction on Wat Doi Suthep began in 1386. According to popular legend, the temple was built to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder.
One of those bones was mounted on a sacred white elephant (an important symbol in Thailand), who then climbed Doi Suthep mountain and stopped near the peak. After trumpeting three times, the elephant laid down and gently passed away in the jungle. The place where he lay is now the site where Doi Suthep’s temple was founded.
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How to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
There are several ways to reach Doi Suthep to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, including renting a car, a motorbike, or a scooter if you’re an experienced rider, hiking, obtaining a ride in a red songthaew (red trucks that act as shared taxis all over Chiang Mai), hiring a songthaew for your trip, or joining a guided tour.
Driving: If you choose to drive yourself (either by car or motorbike), take the 1004 (also called Huay Kaew Road) towards the Chiang Mai Zoo, passing Maya Mall en route. The route is straight, but the road itself has some curves. Therefore, anyone with minimal motorbike or scooter experience should consider alternate transportation. However, if you have your international driver’s license and feel comfortable riding, this is a viable DIY option up the mountain. Drive until the road widens, and you can see the crowds and flags in the trees.
Taking a songthaew: One of the most popular ways to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is through the many red songthaews that ply the streets of Chiang Mai. If you want to take one to the temple, they leave from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo, costing 40 baht per person each way. Typically, drivers wait for eight to ten passengers before leaving.
You can also charter songthaews from anywhere in the city, which is a good option if you are traveling with a group. This should cost 300 THB for one way (as many people as you can fit) or 500 THB if you want the driver to wait at the top and bring you back down after visiting the temple.
Hiking: Anyone looking for some exercise can opt to hike up to the temple via Suthep Road, past Chiang Mai University to find the start of the hike. When you see a green area, you’ll notice some billboards and a sign reading “Nature Hike.” Turn right onto this narrow road, go straight for about 100 meters, then take the first (and only) left. Follow the road to the trailhead.
Once you arrive at the base of the temple, you have two options for ascending it. You can either walk up the 306 steps if you’re feeling energetic, or you can take the funicular-style cable car, which runs from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. The fee is 20 THB for Thais and 50 THB for foreigners.
Layout
Once you’re up the mountain, regardless of your chosen method of transportation, you’ll find a large cluster of souvenir stands and stalls selling food and drinks before you head up to the temple. Grab a snack if you’re hungry, then it’s time to climb the 306-step staircase (or take the funicular). The staircase is flanked by beautiful jeweled naga (ornate serpents), making it a scenic spot for photos.
The terrace at the top of the steps is where you’ll find a statue of the white elephant that, as legend has it, carried the Buddha relic to its resting place on the temple grounds. This area also features various shrines and monuments to explore. The temple is divided into outer and inner terraces, with steps leading to the inner terrace, where there is a walkway around the golden Chedi (shrine) enshrining the relic. The grounds are lush and peaceful, offering many spots for good photo opportunities or quiet contemplation.
What to Expect
Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the temple and its surrounding area. If you have more time, you can hike various trails and swim in waterfalls in the national park that is home to the temple. Entrance to the temple costs 50 THB per person. As you’re planning your visit, remember that dress should be respectable, meaning modest, with shoulders and knees covered. If you forget, wraps are available if needed, and you’ll need to remove your shoes upon entering the temple.
Additionally, keep in mind that Wat Phra That Doi Suthep can get very busy. Therefore, if possible, try to time your visit as early as possible during the day. A trip to the temple makes for a refreshing and culturally enriching day (or half-day) excursion from Chiang Mai.
Highlights
It’s no secret that Chiang Mai is home to numerous temples, which you may have encountered during your visit to this Northern Thai city. However, even if you think you’ve seen them all, planning a trip to see Wat Doi Suthep is undoubtedly worth your time, if only for the stunning views.
In addition to those magnificent views, the golden, gleaming temple itself is a highlight. However, don’t rush your visit, as there is something beautiful to see at every turn.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple also houses a meditation center, where both locals and visitors can learn and practice meditation.
