Plan your visit
Planning Your Trip
Get the facts on reaching the mountain, paying the 30 THB entry fee, and navigating the 306 steps.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Hmong Village tours
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Tambon Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
GPS 18.8052, 98.9217
Open directionsGetting there
Chiang Mai is roughly 15 kilometers from the temple.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Booked guided half-day tours typically pick up directly from Chiang Mai hotels. | 3-4 hours round trip | 600-1,000 THB | Easiest way to combine the temple, Hmong village, and sometimes the Bhubing Palace in one trip. |
| Bus: Red songthaews (shared trucks) wait at Chiang Mai Zoo or Chiang Mai University. | 30-40 min each way | 50-100 THB per person | Vehicles usually only depart when full, which can take time during off-peak hours. |
| Car: Drive a rental car or scooter up the winding Huai Kaeo Road. | 30-45 min | The mountain road is steep with many sharp, continuous curves; only experienced riders should take scooters. | |
| Walk: Hike the Monk's Trail from the base to Wat Pha Lat, then continue up to Doi Suthep. | 2-3 hours | Free | A strenuous jungle hike requiring good fitness, sturdy footwear, and plenty of water. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM year-round. November to February offers the coolest temperatures. Early mornings feature monk chanting and cooler weather.
What to bring
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Bring a light jacket or sweater for cool mountain mornings.
The elevation at the temple is 1,073 meters.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to structure your visit.
Covers both main sights in one easy loop from Chiang Mai.
- Depart Chiang Mai
Ride up the winding Huai Kaeo Road via tour van or songthaew.
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Climb the 306-step staircase or pay 20 THB for the funicular.
- Head up to Doi Pui
Drive 4 kilometers further to the Hmong Village.
- Hmong Village
Visit the museum, flower gardens, and handicraft market.
Practical rules and packing
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep enforces a strict dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered. You must remove your shoes before entering the inner courtyard around the golden chedi. Slip-on shoes make this easier.
The mountain road is steep and winding. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before departing. Drones are prohibited without prior permission from national park authorities.
Easiest way to do it
Half Day - Small Group - Doi Suthep Temple and Hmong Village Tour
4 h 4.7 (81)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Bottled water
- Admission Fees & Lift (Doi Suthep Temple & Hmong Museum at Doi Pui)
- Travelling Accident Insurance
From$35per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Is it safe to ride a scooter to Doi Suthep?
The mountain road is steep with many sharp, continuous curves. Only experienced riders should take scooters.
How much is a red songthaew to Doi Suthep?
Shared red trucks wait at Chiang Mai Zoo or Chiang Mai University and cost 50-100 THB per person each way. They only depart when full.
Can you hike the Monk's Trail to Doi Suthep?
Yes. The trail goes from the base to Wat Pha Lat, then up to Doi Suthep. It takes 2-3 hours and requires good fitness and sturdy footwear.