Wat Doi Suthep

WAT DOI SUTHEP

Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai : Sacred Mountain Temple with Golden Chedi and City Views

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is often just called Wat Doi Suthep and is one of Chiang Mai’s most important and busiest temples. Its golden chedi is believed to enshrine a sacred Buddhist relic.
 
Outside of very popular tourist destinations in Thailand such as Pattaya and Phuket you will find that dress standards are modest and respectful and this is especially true within the walls of a Buddhist temple and Vihara (monastry). Shoes must be removed before entering this sacred place and standard dress with no sleeveless tops or revealing front or back. Dress or pants should reach past the knees.
 
Set high on Doi Suthep mountain and located west of the old city, this amazing temple combines golden Lanna architecture, mountain views to the city below, and one of Northern Thailand’s most memorable temple approaches.
 
Getting to Wat Doi Suthep is an adventure in itself. You drive up the steep winding roads to the top of the mountain where you eventually reach the ornate temple entry and walk up the stairs and past vendors selling trinkets, food and locally made clothes. From there you walk up the 306 step Naga staircase to the top.
 
As you enter the temple grounds, the atmosphere changes from the roadside and market noise to temple calm. Remove your shoes before entering the sacred inner area and dont forget where you left them amongst the hundreds under the large tree. You can wander around the grounds to see the many interesting temple features including the magnificent mountaintop views, but the large golden chedi becomes the main focus. Around it, you will see worshippers walking clockwise, making offerings, lighting candles, and pausing for prayer.
 
This temple is open 6am until 5pm daily.
 
See below for map and directions to Wat Doi Suthep.

Wat Doi Suthep

  • Wat Doi Suthep temple entrance
  • Wat Doi Suthep Naga stairway
  • Wat Doi Suthep
  • wat-doi-suthep-buddha-image
  • Wat Doi Suthep elepant statue
  • Wat Doi Suthep Jade Buddhas
  • Wat Doi Suthep donation box
  • Wat Doi Suthep ornate golden door
  • Wat Doi Suthep golden jade Buddha image
  • Wat Doi Suthep temple entry
  • Wat Doi Suthep marble Buddha image
  • Wat Doi Suthep monk statue stairway entry
  • Wat Doi Suthep red songthew transport
  • Wat Doi Suthep street market
  • Wat Doi Suthep golden stupa
  • Wat Doi Suthep temple bell
  • Wat Doi Suthep Golden Buddha image
  • Wat Doi Suthep wooden temple wall carving
  • Wat Doi Suthep street food

How To Get To Wat Doi Suthep

To get there, take a tuk-tuk to the intersection of ManeeNopparet and ChangPuak Road. ManeeNopparet road is on the north side of the moat that surrounds old Chiang Mai.

From there you can take a red Songtheaw (taxi truck) up to the mountain. The driver will wait until the songtheaw fills up with about 10 people before departing, else it is not worth their cost. You could pay a premium price for a private trip if you don't want to wait.

Tuk-tuks cannot be used because of the distance and steep incline. A regular small city car will most likely also not make it. Along the way to the top you will probably pass some very enthusiastic bicycle riders. Many locals use their motorbikes to regulary go to the temple.

On the way up you will pass the entrance to Chiang Mai University, Huay Kaew Arboretum and fitness park, and Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium.

There will be many songthaews available to take you back to Chiang Mai after seeing Wat Doi Suthep.

 

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