Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai’s Most Iconic Temple

Doi Suthep is the golden temple you can see from many places in Chiang Mai, sitting way up on the hill. It’s about 15 km from the old town, and the drive usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic and how many photo stops you make along the way.

Most people go up by red songthaew – those shared pickup taxis. You can catch one near the zoo at the bottom of the mountain. If you go alone, the driver might wait until there are a few more people to make the trip worth it, or you can just pay a bit more to go right away. The road is steep and curvy, but it’s in good shape. There’s a nice viewpoint about halfway where many people stop to take photos.

At the top, there’s a large parking area and lots of little stalls selling snacks, souvenirs, and even warm clothes in the cooler months. It can be busy, but it’s easy to find your way.

The Temple History (and the Elephant Story)

The story goes back to the 14th century. A monk found a relic that was believed to be part of the Buddha’s shoulder bone. He brought it to Chiang Mai, where it apparently split in two. One part stayed in the city, and the other was placed on the back of a white elephant. The elephant was set free and wandered until it climbed Doi Suthep, stopped near the top, trumpeted three times, and then died. People took it as a sign and built a temple there in 1383.

That golden chedi you see now was built to hold the relic. Over time, more parts were added to the temple complex, but the chedi is still the centrepiece.

Reaching the Top

To get to the temple, you’ll need to climb a staircase with 306 steps. It’s lined by two naga (mythical serpent) rails and is actually not as hard as it sounds. Most people stop along the way for photos. If steps aren’t your thing, there’s a cable car that goes up for 20 baht.

There’s an entry fee of 30 baht for foreigners, but Thai nationals get in free. Everyone has to take off their shoes before entering the main area, and respectful clothing is expected—cover your shoulders and knees. If needed, you can rent a sarong at the entrance.
What You’ll See

The golden chedi in the centre is very striking. Around it, there are bells, shrines, and statues, and you’ll see both tourists and locals walking slowly around the base with flowers and incense. Monks are often around as well, and people sometimes stop to receive blessings.

The view over Chiang Mai is fantastic. You can see the airport, the shape of the old city, and the mountains beyond. Early morning or late afternoon is best, especially when the sky is clear.

A Few More Things

On the way back, some people stop at the waterfall or Bhubing Palace nearby. You can combine a few stops if you hire a driver or join a small tour. It can get quite busy at the temple, but it’s still a beautiful place, and the story behind it adds something special.

Lined by 2 immense ‘nagas’ (mythical serpents), the staircase consists of 200 steps that are relatively easy to climb. At the top, you will have to buy a 30 baht ticket to enter the temple grounds and admire the famous golden chedi. The view of the city from the top is superb, and you can even watch the planes landing and taking off from above!