Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Location, Timings & Things to Do

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. It is located high above Chiang Mai on the slopes of Doi Suthep mountain. Anyone going to northern Thailand should go there. The temple is an important spiritual centre and is only 15 kilometres from Chiang Mai city. It is also 1,073 meters above sea level, which gives it amazing views of Chiang Mai below.

Thai Buddhists often call this temple “Doi Suthep,” which is the mountain’s name. It is a holy pilgrimage site for them. The golden pagoda, the complicated Lanna architecture, and the long staircase with 306 steps that looks like a snake make it one of the most photographed and memorable places in the area. People in the area often say, “You haven’t really been to Chiang Mai if you haven’t been to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.”

History of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

There are many stories and spiritual beliefs about how Wat Phra That Doi Suthep came to be. Historical records say that King Keu Naone of the Lanna Kingdom built the temple in 1383. The story starts with a holy bone relic that people think is part of Buddha’s shoulder. A monk from Sukhothai who was travelling through the area brought this relic. It mysteriously broke into two pieces when it got to Chiang Mai. Wat Suan Dok kept one piece, and the other was put on the back of a holy white elephant that was set free in the jungle as part of a religious ceremony.

The elephant climbed the steep slopes of Doi Suthep, stopped at the top, trumpeted three times, and then fell over and died. People saw this as a holy sign, and King Keu Naone told them to build a temple where the elephant fell. This is how Wat Phra That Doi Suthep came to be. The temple grew and got more complicated over the years. Later, gold plates were put on top of the original stupa, and many shrines, pavilions, and statues were built around it. In 1935, a road was built up the mountain to make it easier for people to get to the temple. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is still a religious site today, but it is also a symbol of Chiang Mai’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Location, Directions & Timings

The temple is on Doi Suthep mountain in Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai Province. The temple is about 15 kilometres from Chiang Mai and has great views of the city below. It is about 30 to 40 minutes by car or songthaew. The closest places of interest are Huai Kaew Road, Chiang Mai University, and the Chiang Mai Zoo. It is a great place to learn about culture and see nature because it is in Doi Suthep–Pui National Park.

Every day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to go are early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

There are a number of ways to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep:

• By car or motorbike: Drive down the road that goes from Huai Kaew to Chiang Mai University to Chiang Mai Zoo. Look for signs that say Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
• By Songthaew: The choice that most tourists make. Cost: About 40 THB per person each way (shared).
• By hiking: There is a hiking trail called the Monk’s Trail that starts near the Chiang Mai Zoo and is great for people who love adventure. You have to hike uphill through a thick forest for about 2 to 3 hours to get to the temple.
• By tram or cable car: Visitors can either climb the stairs once they reach the base of the temple. There are 306 steps up the stairs, and on either side are statues of seven-headed naga (serpents). The cost of a tram ride is 20 THB for Thais and 50 THB for foreigners.

Things to Do and See in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Going to the temple isn’t just about seeing the sights, it’s also about experiencing Thai culture and spirituality. Don’t miss these things:

1. Go up the Serpent Staircase: Beautiful naga (mythical serpent) statues guard the 306-step staircase that leads to the temple. It’s a famous way to get to the holy ground that builds excitement along the way.

2. Chedi, or Golden Pagoda: A beautiful golden stupa in the middle of the temple complex is thought to hold the Buddha relic. The sun makes the pagoda shine, and there is a terrace around it with shrines, bells, and Buddha statues.

3. Architecture in Lanna: Look at the beautiful Lanna-style buildings with their intricately carved roofs, carvings, and murals that show off the artistic heritage of northern Thailand.

4. A wide view of Chiang Mai: The temple terrace has amazing views of Chiang Mai city, especially at sunset or when the city lights twinkle at night.

5. The Tiaw Khuen Doi Festival: Visakha Bucha, which is usually in May, is when this yearly pilgrimage festival takes place. Thousands of people walk up Doi Suthep Hill to pay their respects to the relics of the Buddha. It’s a lively and spiritual event.

6. Museum of the Temple: The museum in the complex has old artefacts, pictures, and relics that have to do with the temple’s past.

7. Monks and Blessings: You might see monks doing rituals or even get a traditional blessing with holy water and a cotton bracelet (sai sin).

8. Shops that sell souvenirs and food: There are shops near the entrance that sell religious items, snacks, and drinks. These are great places to take a short break after exploring.

Tips before your visit

• Don’t wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or clothes that show too much skin. 
• For climbing stairs, wear shoes that are comfortable. Before entering sacred areas, you must take off your shoes.
• Taking pictures is fine, but be respectful of people who are praying. You can use tripods.
• Don’t talk too loudly or act in a way that bothers others. Keep in mind that this is a religious site.
• If you can’t climb the stairs, the tram is a simple way to get around.

FAQs on Wat Phra That Doi Suthep