In short
- Guided tours offer hotel pickup and cost 600 to 1,000 THB.
- Red songthaews depart from Chiang Mai Zoo for 50 to 100 THB.
- Scooters take 30 to 45 minutes on a steep, winding road.
In this article
Choosing how to travel up the mountain depends on your budget and experience level. The temple sits at an elevation of 1,073 meters (3,520 feet) inside Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The journey requires navigating a steep road or a jungle trail.
What is the best way to get to Doi Suthep?
Guided tours are the easiest option, while red songthaews are the cheapest motorized method.
Tours handle navigation and include hotel transfers. Songthaews are affordable but require waiting for the vehicle to fill up. Hiking is free but requires high fitness levels.
How do you take a red songthaew to Doi Suthep?
You can catch a red songthaew (shared truck) at the Chiang Mai Zoo or Chiang Mai University.
The ride takes 30 to 40 minutes each way. Tickets cost 50 to 100 THB per person. Drivers wait until the truck is completely full before departing. This means you might wait a long time during off-peak hours.
Are guided tours to Doi Suthep worth it?
Tours are the most convenient way to visit, especially if you want to see multiple sites.
Booked guided half-day tours typically pick up directly from Chiang Mai hotels. They cost between 600 and 1,000 THB, though prices change per platform. A tour is the easiest way to combine the temple with the Doi Pui Hmong Village.
Can I drive a scooter to Doi Suthep?
You can drive a rental scooter up Huai Kaeo Road, but only if you are an experienced rider.
The drive takes 30 to 45 minutes from the city. The mountain road is steep with many sharp, continuous curves. Inexperienced riders frequently have accidents here. If you are a passenger sensitive to motion sickness, pack medication before riding.
How do you hike the Monk's Trail?
You can hike from the mountain base to Wat Pha Lat, then continue up to Doi Suthep.
This is a strenuous jungle hike that takes 2 to 3 hours. It requires good fitness and sturdy footwear. Bring plenty of drinking water. The trail is free to use and offers a very active way to reach the summit.
How do I reach the Hmong Village from the temple?
Doi Pui Hmong Village is located about 4 kilometers further up the mountain from the temple.
You can hire a songthaew near the temple entrance for the extra distance. Many half-day tours already include this stop. The road beyond the temple becomes narrower and steeper.
Questions travellers ask
How much is a red songthaew to Doi Suthep?
A shared red songthaew costs between 50 and 100 THB per person each way. You can catch them at Chiang Mai Zoo or Chiang Mai University.
Is it safe to ride a scooter to Doi Suthep?
The Huai Kaeo Road to Doi Suthep is steep and features many sharp, continuous curves. Only experienced riders should take scooters up the mountain.
Can you hike the Monk's Trail to Doi Suthep?
Yes. The hike takes 2 to 3 hours and goes past Wat Pha Lat. It is a strenuous trail requiring good fitness, sturdy shoes, and water.
