Things to do / Nature & viewpoints

Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep · Doi Suthep / Samoeng Rd

About

Doi Suthep is the mountain that sits right behind the city, and the reason everyone heads up it is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the gold-chedi temple that looks down over Chiang Mai. Tradition dates it to the 1380s, when King Kue Na had a Buddha relic carried up the mountain on a white elephant, which is said to have died on this spot. You can climb the 306-step naga staircase or take the rail lift. The mountain is part of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, so carry on to Bhubing Palace, about 4 km further, or walk up the Monk's Trail via Wat Pha Lat.

Good for

First week in town
Views
Temples
Hiking

Know before you go

Foreigners pay 30 baht to enter the temple at the top of the stairs; the stairs are free, and the lift costs 50 baht.
Cover shoulders and knees. The Monk's Trail from near CMU to the temple is about 7.5 km, roughly 3.5 hours.

Facts checked against 4 public sources: Wikipedia and 3 other public listings. Things change, so check before you go.