Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

As one of Chiang Mai’s most popular attractions, Doi Suthep Temple is typically included in many Chiang Mai tours, along with other area temples and hill tribe villages. Those with an interest in the spiritual life of Thai Buddhists can opt for an early-morning tour to join locals as they give morning alms to the temple monks. Half- and full-day tours with English-speaking guides are available, and most include hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai.

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must-visit for spiritual travelers and first-time visitors to Chiang Mai.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and be prepared to do some climbing.

• The temple is accessible to wheelchair users (including the elevator and cable car to the top), but there are some steep ramps.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is in Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Chiang Mai. If not on an organized tour, jump in a minibus taxi from Chiang Mai. A tram takes you to the summit and the wat, or you can trek along the winding road and climb the 306 steps.

Doi Suthep is a very popular attraction in Chiang Mai. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. Try to visit on a clear day for the best panoramic view from the top.

Initial construction of the temple, which gets its name from the mountain on which it was built, dates back to 1386. According to local legend, an elephant carrying Buddhist relics (including a piece of shoulder bone from the Buddha) was sent out from Chiang Mai, but instead of keeping to the flat countryside, it climbed up the mountain and stopped at the summit. A temple was commissioned on the site to hold the relics.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, situated near Chiang Mai, Thailand, dates back to the 14th century. According to legend, the site was chosen by a white elephant, which carried a relic of the Buddha to the mountaintop before collapsing, signifying its sanctity. Today, it remains a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site.

To reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep by public transport, get a red Songthaew truck taxi from Chang Phuak bus station, which takes around 45 minutes to get to the temple. Alternatively, a taxi is quicker and only takes around 24 minutes from the same location.

Yes, there is a dress code for visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Visitors should dress conservatively and cover their arms and legs—a long-sleeved shirt or blouse is recommended, as well as long pants, a skirt, or a long dress. Also, you must remove your shoes when inside temple buildings.

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. However, it's important to exercise discretion and respect toward those visiting for worship. It's recommended to avoid excessive photography and adhere to any specific guidelines or signs provided within the temple premises regarding photography regulations.

Yes, guided tours are available at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. These tours allow visitors to learn more about local culture, architecture, and the construction of the temple buildings. Some visitors visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at sunset or sunrise for spectacular views of the local landscape.

A big festival is Visakha Bucha Day—a day celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Many visitors come to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on this day to celebrate the festival with delicious food and music. There’s also the Tiaw Khuen Doi Festival, which involves a mass pilgrimage to the temple.