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Visiting Doi Suthep outside Chiang Mai, Thailand

You are here: Home / Southeast Asia Travel / Visiting Doi Suthep outside Chiang Mai, Thailand

By David Stock on July 20, 2013 • Last updated February 8, 2020 • 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure here

Time to climb! Have you visited Wat Phra That Doi Suthep while in Chiang Mai? The locals will tell you that you have not visited Chiang Mai until you have climbed Doi Suthep!

Doi Suthep
Are you ready to climb the 305 steps to the top?

Doi Suthep is a mountain that rests next to the city of Chiang Mai. Many people refer to the temples and mountain as Doi Suthep as a whole, but the charming temple that rests atop the mountain of Doi Suthep is in fact called Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This temple overlooks the city of Chiang Mai. It’s a sacred site to many Thai people and with that being said you must be appropriately dressed and you must take off your shoes before entering the temples.

It is very much a temple in the sky! Your journey starts with a drive out of the city limits of Chiang Mai and up part of the mountains. From there you will be dropped at the entrance to the temple. It is a steep climb of 305 steps to reach the top. Don’t worry, there are resting platforms every 100 steps. The trek is steep but worth the climb. The views are beautiful.

Doi Suthep
Beautiful views of Chiang Mai

Take in the sights at the top of the mountain. Once you reach the top you are treated to the temple grounds and overlooks. Within the site, you will find traditional Buddha statues and offering areas where you can buy a piece of gold leaf to adhere to them. 

Protect yourself or someone you love from evil spirits by ringing the bells.  According to traditional belief, the sound of a bell ringing can purify the holy place. So it goes without saying that the bells are one of the sacred objects for the Buddhist temples, so please don’t just ring away. You can make an offering and then politely ring the bells.

Doi Suthep
Ring the bells to ward off evil spirits

One of the holiest areas of the temple grounds is the original copper-plated Chedi, built-in 1383. You can’t miss it and it makes a great photo opportunity. You can also take in one of many different Shrines and do not miss the White Elephant. If you have a guide they will explain the legend.

Doi Suthep
Chedi Temple

There will be a lot of people at this sight because it’s a must see for locals and visitors, but don’t let this deter you, take your time and enjoy the views of the city on the other side of the  of the temple.

The grounds are well groomed with shiny floors and a variety of plant and flower displays. It is a little piece of paradise that is only rewarded after a good sweat on the trek up.

Doi Suthep
Lotus Flowers on an offering plate

More on Thailand:

  • 3 Days in Bangkok: Things You Should Not Miss 
  • Where to Stay in Bangkok: A Guide to the Districts
  • Getting A Bamboo Tattoo in Thailand
  • 27 Thailand Photos That Will Amaze
  • RTW Travel Recap: 3 Weeks in Thailand
  • Complete Guide to the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand
  • Free Things to do in Phuket, Thailand
  • Self Guided Kayak Adventure Tour of the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand

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Article by David Stock

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. We’ve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. You can learn more about us here.

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