Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This temple was highly recommended by the locals in Chiang Mai. We made our way by taxi to the hilltop temple. There were many stray dogs along the way. When we reached the temple, there were numerous vendors near the entrance. We climbed 309 steps to reach the temple. For a small entrance fee, we made our way in. Shoes can not be worn, and women can not show their shoulders or legs. So dress accordingly. I carried a lightweight gauze type shawl and wore long sun dresses during my visit just so I wouldn't be denied access anywhere. I had never been in a temple prior to this. It was beautiful with the morning sun shining on the gold structures, monks praying, offerings, flowers, incense, water, candles, and bells. We spent hours wandering through the property. It's burning season in January, so the views were hazy.

Absolutely loved my experience here so much to take in & was able to make an offering to one of the Monks at the temple complex. He was at the back of the temple complex while all other visitors were going to the front prayer hall. Access to the temple complex is via an angle elevator & can take @15 people at a time. Made several other offerings whilst there & some very beautiful statues of Buddha. Takes about 45 mins from Chiang Mai to reach Doi Suthep & the road is quite twisty.

Up in the hills overlooking Chiang Mai, this temple complex is a gem. Go by tour or independently by motorbike or car. There is free parking and plenty of food and other stalls.

The temple is reached by climbing some 300 steps or using a funicular. The entrance fee for foreigners at the top of the steps, to enter the temple grounds, is 30 baht. So very cheap and ensures a contribution to its upkeep.

Great views and an interesting collection of Buddhist statues etc. Everything is very well kept and very cleverly, even though the stupa was being renovated, the necessary scaffolding had been sprayed gold to lessen its impact on this lovely place.

We took a taxi from our hotel 200 bhat. Early morning, around 5:30 so we can see the sunrise. Was perfect. Only few people, beautiful sunrise, roam around and then going back around 8 am, people started coming in crowds. Happy we had our quite time there.

Lovely place - entrance is 30 baht per person for anyone who is not Thai. It's lovely to see how others practice their faith. Though I felt like I was encroaching on their spiritual space at times. There's an observation deck on the far side (check satellite view if you get lost like we did) with a gorgeous view of the city including the airport.

It was very beautiful and large temple with a fantastic view of Chiang Mai. I would 100% recommend going at night - it’s more beautiful that way!

We took the cable car up and it was a complete waste of time and money(!) — take the beautiful stairs. Especially at night it’s really easy and not too warm!

The temple itself is very gold… we enjoyed the platform with the view over Chiang Mai and the stairs the most

When you arrive at the base of the temple there are lots of shops selling food, drink and gifts to buy. You reach a staircase with beautiful dragons on each side of a long set of stairs leading up to the temple itself. It cost 30 bhat for foreigners to visit, and the tickets are sold just before you enter the temple complex. There are toilets at the top and what looks like places to buy drinks but they were closed when we visited in the evening. You get some beautiful panoramic views of the city and around 5.30 pm there was a beautiful ceremony and blessing that we were lucky to catch. Would recommend a visit.

We chose this place for two reasons. One, it's away from the city of Chiang Mai and second it's on the hills. There are few waterfalls on the way, which was another attraction.
Usually religious shrines are constructed atop hills or remote areas which are difficult to negotiate by people with disabilities. This one is no exception. But don't feel disheartened, they have lifts. It's an inclined lift installed on the hill slope. It feels nice to travel in these.
As for the shrine, it's very nice. All the domes are heavily decorated with gold (as they said). I saw a lady pasting gold foils on the wall. Upon my query, she emphatically said that those are real gold foils. That explains why the domes of the temples shine so much.
All Buddhist temples in Thailand are big and very well maintained. There's a sense of tranquility around. There are a few small temples with just one or two deities and there are some temples where you find multiple deities.
On one building we spotted the symbols of Chinese months - rooster, mouse, horse, snake etc.
I loved tapping the big gongs and bells. They are at the entrance to the shrine, huge metal castings. The sound produced by simple thumping is so calming, so heavenly.

This is a splendid temple to visit. It's just breath taking when you visit the temple grounds. The areas surrounding the main temple is also worth looking at.
There are many souvenir shops and small food stalls selling food and drinks outside the temple.

A life changing experience! You get treated with a full view of Chiang Mai once you reach the top. Toilets, cable carts, and lots of shops are available along the way.

Wat Doi Suthep: Ascending to Chiang Mai's Crown Jewel

Wat Doi Suthep, Thailand, is more than just a temple; it's an experience. Perched atop Doi Suthep mountain, 1,053 meters above Chiang Mai, it's a visual and spiritual feast that should be savored by any visitor to the Rose of the North.

Enchanting Journey to the Peak:

The ascent to Wat Doi Suthep itself is an adventure. Winding roads snake through lush greenery, offering glimpses of the city sprawling below. You can choose a thrilling motorbike ride, a shared red songthaew (pick-up truck), or a comfortable air-conditioned taxi. But for the truly intrepid, there's the legendary Naga staircase.

Composed of 306 steps adorned with naga statues, these mythical serpent guardians of Buddhist lore, the climb is both physically challenging and symbolically purifying. Every step reveals new vistas, culminating in a breathtaking panorama of Chiang Mai as you reach the temple grounds.

Architectural Splendor:

Wat Doi Suthep is a symphony of Lanna architecture, a unique blend of Thai, Burmese, and Mon influences. Gleaming golden chedis, intricate Lanna-style murals, and ornate carvings tell stories of Buddhist mythology and history. The main highlight is the golden Phra That, a bell-shaped chedi said to enshrine a relic of the Buddha's shoulder bone.

Serene Environs:

Beyond the architectural marvels, Wat Doi Suthep offers a haven of tranquility. Explore the serene gardens adorned with fragrant frangipani trees and vibrant hibiscus. Listen to the soothing chants of monks echoing through the halls, or find a quiet corner to meditate amidst the verdant embrace of the mountain.

Unforgettable Panorama:

But the true magic of Wat Doi Suthep lies in its panoramic views. From the temple grounds, Chiang Mai unfolds like a verdant tapestry, dotted with shimmering temples and the Ping River snaking its way through the heart of the city. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky explodes in a kaleidoscope of colors, painting the cityscape in hues of orange, pink, and purple.

More Than Just a Temple:

Wat Doi Suthep is a tapestry woven with history, spirituality, and breathtaking beauty. It's a place to immerse yourself in the Thai cultural experience, to find inner peace, and to capture memories that will last a lifetime.

Essential Tips:

* Dress modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees.
* Remove your shoes before entering any temple buildings.
* Be respectful of the monks and other visitors.
* Don't touch or climb on any statues or religious objects.
* Bring water and sunscreen, especially if you're planning to climb the Naga staircase.
* Allow plenty of time to explore the temple grounds and enjoy the views.

Final Verdict:

Wat Doi Suthep is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a history buff, or simply an admirer of breathtaking views, this iconic temple has something to offer everyone. So, ascend the mountain, soak in the magic, and let Wat Doi Suthep leave its indelible mark on your soul. 🙏🏻❤

Love this place. Entrance fee is 30 thb and 20 for cable car is very friendly fee. Place itself is amazing, lot of statues and Gold everywhere. Its little crowded, lot of local peple. Incredible view.

Entry costs 30 baht, Thais rightly don't pay.
The environment is very beautiful and pleasant to walk around. It is possible to be blessed by the monk. It's a great experience to try at least once.

One of the more impressive golden temples near Chiang-Mai. It's neat the summit of the mountains West of Chiang-Mai. There is a small town near the temple with many taxis to carry passengers back to Chiang-Mai for about 100Baht, when in small groups or more for a solo passenger.
At the bottom of the temple there are lots of stalls selling bells and souvenirs but you need to bargain as their first price is too high.
To reach the temple you can walk up a long 100+ stair case for free, or take a lift for about 50Baht.
Entry to the temple is 30Baht paid at the top of the stairs.
You can also get a view of the Chiang-Mai Valley below, though the haze obscures the view sometimes.
This temple is worth a visit albeit it's 17 km from Chiang-Mai. Enjoy.

Amazing place with an amazing history. I was fascinated by the 11km trip up the mountain just to get to the temple. We had a great tour guide who was able to reach us so much about the temple. The views that you have of Chiang Mai from the top are unlike anything else.

It's quite beautiful. Plentiful in styles of worship corners. Very busy on Jan 1st but not unpleasant at all. And there is one water fountain dispenser! This was a happy surprise as we hiked up to the wat and badly needed water (we hate to buy bottles and bottles of water which create more plastic waste).
P.S. we arrived by the hiking path and there was no need for tickets.

I came here early Saturday raining morning, so there was no crowd.

For those are unable to climb the stairs, the funicular cost THB 20 round trip.

The temple is very grand. To appreciate it’s history and culture, it is probably better to engage a tour guide.

I saw a giant centipede, and thank goodness didn’t step on it bare footed.

Wow! What an incredible place. I went on a night excursion to this beautiful temple. It's so peaceful up here, and the place seems to radiate a very special energy. A must see in Chiang Mai!

You can choose to walk up the 360 stairs, or pay between 20-40 THB to take a fernicular (elevator) up to the top.

I would probably recommend to go at night, rather in the day, but I imagine it's beautiful either way.

Mesmerising place. Journey to this temple is also amazing. You can take the lift if you dont want to climb stairs. There is an entry fee of 30baht for foreigners and also if you are taking the elevator then you will have to pay around 20baht or so pp for the return journey. Must visit place in Chiang Mai

The 7-day meditation retreat in Chiang Mai was an unforgettable journey into tranquility and self-discovery. Set amidst the serene surroundings of a temple nestled near the national park, the retreat offered a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

As the winter chill enveloped the early morning hours, waking up at 5 am became a ritual of preparation for the day's Dharma talk. Despite the cold, there was a sense of warmth and camaraderie among the participants, united by a common quest for inner peace and enlightenment.

The temple grounds came alive with the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft murmur of monks going about their morning rituals. The crisp air invigorated the senses, awakening a profound sense of mindfulness and presence.

Each day brought new insights and revelations, guided by the wisdom of the Dharma talks and the gentle guidance of the monk . From the serene stillness of sitting meditation to the mindful movements of walking meditation, every moment was an opportunity to deepen our connection to ourselves and the world around us.

As the retreat drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of transformation among the participants. Hearts and minds were lighter, spirits lifted by the profound peace and clarity that permeated the retreat experience.

Leaving the temple behind, we carried the lessons and blessings of the retreat with us, forever changed by the profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual