There is a Thai saying stating “If you haven’t tried Khao Soi or been to the Wat Doi Suthep Temple, you haven’t visited Chiang Mai.” It’s no wonder why the statement said such a thing, as there are many attractions in Doi Suthep one should not miss.
The region boasts a stunning natural attraction and hosts the famous temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
If you want to step foot on Doi Suthep, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will give you all the information needed so you will know how to get to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai.
How to Get to Doi Suthep – Summary
Before going through all the details to travel to Doi Suthep, here are the best and safest options you have to get to one of the most sacred temples in town:
- CHEAPEST OPTION: Take a Songthaew From Chiang Mai Zoo
- MOST CONVENIENT OPTION: Call a Grab Taxi from Chiang Mai
- BEST OPTION: Join a Day Tour to Doi Suthep
Best Months to Visit Doi Suthep And Chiang Mai
Knowing when to visit the northern part of Thailand is a common dilemma among tourists, as Thailand is filled with events all year long. If you are focusing on Chiang Mai and Doi Suthep, the best months to visit would be around November to February.
November to February is the best time to visit due to the perfect weather it offers. The weather between November to February is cool and isn’t too humid. Moreover, there would be little rain around that time, allowing your plan to remain uninterrupted.
The average temperature for that time would be 25 degrees Celsius in the afternoon and 13 degrees Celsius in the evening.
The peak time to visit Doi Suthep is around December to January. During the vacation season, it would be crowded, and the price of hotels would increase. If you would like to avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit the area in November or February.
Doi Suthep Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
The famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the main attraction that never fails to bring in many visitors, opens from 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM and the entrance fee is 50 THB.
So, you can see the sunrise and sunset from the temple! However, you must be aware of the “struggle” to reach the top, as you need to climb at least 300 stairs to reach the most strategic spot to see the views.
Doi Suthep Dress Code
There are several rules that visitors must abide by when visiting the holy site and the golden Chedi.
Dress Properly
Ladies and men must wear shirts with sleeves. Short pants, hot pants, low waist pants, and miniskirts are not allowed. Everything, including the arm, that’s above the knee must be covered properly. If you arrive there in short pants, you are obligated to wear the cloth they provide to cover the legs.
Wear socks
This is not a rule but a recommendation. When you enter the temple, you will go bare-footed as visitors are not allowed to wear shoes inside it. If you enter the temple without socks, your feet will be exposed to the burning floor if the temperature on that day is hot. To prevent such accidents, it’s best to wear socks.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Doi Suthep?
Believe it or not, you can enjoy the beauty of Doi Suthep without emptying your wallet. It takes only 50 THB/$1.5 to get up the mountain when sharing a red car.
If you’re not willing to wait, you can pay 800THB, or about $25 for a return trip, which is also affordable, being in one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.
Best Tour to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai
Of course, knowing how to get to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai is cool if you want to adventure into the northern Thai mountains by yourself. But, you can also join a tour to make the most of your time – Here’s the best one:
Best-Rated Tour
Doi Suthep and Sticky Waterfalls Tour
- Visit Doi Suthep with a guide
- Discover the Sticky Waterfalls
- Private tour for the perfect day out
Includes
- Hotel transfers
- Lunch and water
- Entrance fees and private guide
More Doi Suthep Tours From Chiang Mai
If the tour above didn’t convince you, here are 2 other tours to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai that visitors and other readers loved.
Want to know more?
Check out this guide about
the best Doi Suthep tours.
4-Hour Doi Suthep & Hill Tribe Village from Chiang Mai
What’s better than going to Doi Suthep and hearing the monks chanting their morning or evening service? Whether you enjoy religious rituals or have never seen one before, you’ll be transported to another world.
The temple becomes extremely peaceful and you can see the sunset outside the temple while relaxing during the Buddhist service.
After visiting Doi Suthep, you’ll go to a Hmong Village, which is another reason why Chiang Mai is so famous, and I couldn’t recommend this tour enough!
Plus, your guide will pick you up from central Chiang Mai and Nimman, which is very convenient.
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep & Inthanon National Park Private Tour
If you only have a few days available in northern Thailand and want to make the most out of it, this is a day tour from Chiang Mai you shouldn’t miss. Start the day going to Doi Suthep during the early morning and wander around the temple grounds while no one’s around.
After that, get back to your car and make your way to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand that offers the best views you could imagine.
Apart from picking you up at your hotel and offering a delicious unlimited lunch, you’ll be taken to see the waterfalls at the National Park as well as the Royal Pagodas.
This is a full-day tour that lasts over 8 hours and it’s the best value for money when staying in Chiang Mai.
6 Ways How to Get To Doi Suthep
There are several ways you can get to Doi Suthep. Here are all your options:
Jump on a Songthaew From Chiang Mai Zoo
A songthaew is a unique public transportation method, and you’ll find plenty around Northern Thailand’s cities. The red car is a pick-up or truck used as a windows-less shared taxi.
You can experience the unique ride of Songthaew while going to Doi Suthep mountain. You can do so by riding the public taxi from Chiang Mai Zoo, right past Chiang Mai University.
It costs 40 THB if the songthaew is shared or 800 THB if you take it alone for your own group.
While you’re here, I recommend checking out Huay Kaew Waterfall (Huay Kaew Falls), which is right around the corner, and I’m sure you’ll love it in the early morning.
Also, note that there’s an international Buddhism center at Doi Suthep, and taking a Songthaew if your best option if you plan to go there.
Get a Grab Taxi
Another option to go to Doi Suthep is to use Grab Taxi. it takes around 450 THB to reach the destination from the popular district of Nimman.
Alternatively, you can download the Bolt application and get much cheaper prices to go to Doi Suthep and around Chiang Mai. Bear in mind that prices are so cheap that drivers sometimes spend more taking you there than they’d spend on gas. For instance, a trip from Nimman to Doi Suthep can cost 100THB on Bolt but that’s obviously not possible for the distance.
I’ve once called a Bolt to get to Doi Suthep and eventually negotiated the price to 500 THB round-trip (which is pretty affordable).
Want more information?
Check out this guide about
the best temples in Chiang Mai.
Join a Tour to Doi Suthep
For a hassle-free trip, you can take any tour for Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai. The tour price varies, ranging from 600 THB to 1000 THB. The temple complex dates back to the 14th century and is located on a hilltop overlooking Chiang Mai, making it the perfect day trip.
Tours of Doi Suthep typically last half a day and include round-trip transportation – Getting to Doi Suthep to Chiang Mai doesn’t get any easier than this!
Also, if you have the chance, I recommend coming in the evening, as the sunset views from Doi Suthep are one of the best things to see in Chiang Mai at night!
Alternatively, joining a trip to the Doi Suthep National park is a great way to learn more about the city and mountain as well as make new friends from all around the world. This is the choice that most tourists make, and the one I made when I first came to Doi Suthep.
Hike To Doi Suthep Through the Monks Trail
If you want to enjoy the scenery while going to Doi Suthep, then you can hike to the temple, you’ll have the time of your life. However, you must ensure that you are well-prepared for the hike.
On the way, you’ll find an off-the-beaten-path with small waterfalls, Wat Pha Lat temple, a hidden temple, and some caves to take photos at.
While everyone with a decent shape can get there, you’ll have to prepare a bottle of water, good shoes, and get ready for at least a couple of hours hike.
Rent a Motorbike
For a free and independent trip, tourists can rent a motorbike and go anywhere using it. The rent costs approximately 150 THB per day or 2,500 THB per month.
I recommend renting your motorbike from Zippy Rentals, which I previously used for an extended period of time and I was always happy. Plus, they speak great English, which is a nice bonus.
Also, if you drive to Doi Suthep mountain, then you’ll be able to see different Chiang Mai viewpoint along the way, and you can also visit Doi Pui, which is home to Hmong Village, and that makes the whole trip even more unique!
Another place to visit is the Bhubing Palace, the winter residence of the Thai Royal Family, and while it’s not part of the tourist attractions in town, it’s worth seeing!
Bike Your Way Up
For those looking for a workout while on holiday in Chiang Mai, biking up to Doi Suthep is a great option. The ride takes about an hour and a half, and the views from the top are stunning. Biking to Doi Suthep provides a great way to get some exercise while taking in the sights.
There are a few things to keep in mind when biking up to Doi Suthep. First, the road is quite steep in places, so be prepared for a workout. Second, the air is thin at altitude, so take breaks as needed to catch your breath. With a little preparation, biking up to Doi Suthep is a great way to see the city from above.
And if you’re not ready to bike up yet, you can book a tour that’ll take you to Doi Suthep and rent a bike to go downhill – how fun!
How Do you Get to Doi Suthep from the Old City?
There is a trick to reach Doi Suthep from the old city. All you need to do is to take a Songthaew (red car) to Chiang Mai Zoo. Once you’ve reached the zoo, take another songthaew to Doi Suthep. It will take only 30 THB to get to the zoo, and with the trip to Doi Suthep, it won’t cost over 200 THB for the cost.
Conclusion
Getting to Doi Suthep is not as hard as some people think. There are plenty of options to do it without emptying the wallet, and I’m confident you’ll have a great time in the Northern Thai city.
Visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep will give you an experience you cannot get in other countries. You will get not only beautiful scenery but also knowledge regarding the country’s culture and main religion. Are you ready for your trip to Doi Suthep? Plan your trip there and add it to your wishlist now!
