A mountain that rises west of the city. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on the mountainside, is said to have been founded in 1383. It's Chiang Mai's best-known temple.
According to legend, a Lanna king sent a relic of the Buddha on the back of a white elephant. The elephant climbed this mountain, called out three times and collapsed. The temple was built on that spot.
From the parking area, climb the stairs with naga (serpent deity) railings on both sides to reach the golden chedi. Further up the mountain are Bhubing Palace, a royal garden, and Doi Pui, a Hmong village.
Opening hours from Google Maps as of October 29, 2026. Hours may change, so check before you go.
A mountainside temple known for its golden chedi and naga staircase. If the stairs are too much, take the inclined lift. Foreign visitors pay an admission fee (check the amount on site).
A quiet temple beside the forest and a rocky stream, halfway along the mountain road to Doi Suthep. No national park fee if you arrive by the main road. The Pha Lat nature trail, which you hike up from below, is in the fee area.
The royal palace on the mountain, about 2 km above Doi Suthep temple. You can walk around the gardens. It closes when the royal family is in residence, so check before you go. Strict dress code.
A mountain village further up from Bhubing Palace. Located in the national park fee area.
A waterfall near the start of the mountain road and the closest nature walk to the city. Located in the national park fee area.
The place where the Doi Suthep mountain road begins. On the night before Visakha Bucha, thousands of people walk from here up to the temple, holding candles.
A suggested plan for first-timers.
Start with an easy walk at the bottom of the mountain road.
A forest temple halfway up the road.
Take the stairs or the inclined lift.
Closes at 15:30, so go right after lunch.
Closes at 17:00. Arrange your ride back down in advance.
A few things to keep in mind.
NimmanhaeminA neighborhood west of the Old City, next to Chiang Mai University. Coffee shops and malls sit side by side, and the mountain road to Doi Suthep starts at the end of the street.
Old CityThe old city center, surrounded by a moat and walls. It was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Its temples and markets are all within walking distance.Sources: Place details and opening hours: Google Maps (checked October 29, 2026) · Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Wikipedia) · National park entrance fees (Chiang Mai CityLife, September 22, 2025)
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