The mountains that dominate the western horizon of Chiang Mai city are hard to miss, and consist of two peaks - Doi Suthep (1,601 meters) and Doi Pui (1,685 meters).
Designated as a national park covering 261 square kilometers, Doi Suthep is most famous for the iconic Buddhist temple (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) that is perched on the mountainside and accounts for the lion’s share of the park’s visitors. The temple is easily visible from Chiang Mai on a clear day and is the most popular attraction outside of the city.
Apart from the temple, there are several other points of interest on the mountain, including a shrine to Khru Ba Sivichai (who was responsible for building the road to the temple) at the foot of the mountain, Bhubing Palace, a winter retreat for Thai royalty, and San Ku, the remains of a 13th century temple. Just beyond Bhubing Palace is an overtly touristy hilltribe village called Ban Meo that offers little more than desperate vendors selling tacky souvenirs.
While the most popular tourist attractions on the mountain are located beside the main road, anyone seeking nature and seclusion will find all that and more by continuing farther up the mountain to Doi Pui peak, one of the highest in Thailand.
For those who enjoy hiking, the dirt roads near the top of Doi Pui offer some of the best walking in Chiang Mai. Off-road enthusiasts will find the same dirt tracks that crisscross the hills ideal for mountain biking or off-road motorbiking, leading to places very few tourists ever see. Off-road motorbikes and four-wheel drive trucks can be rented in Chiang Mai.
There are also some attractive waterfalls within the park such as the three-tiered Monthathan and Huai Kaeo, both of which are accessed off the main road up the mountain and require an entry fee.
Where to Go
- Bhubing Palace An iconic temple perched on a mountain offering stunning panoramic views of Chiang Mai and its surroundings.
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep A beautiful royal residence with lush gardens, serving as a winter palace for the Thai royal family, located near Doi Suthep.
Getting There
From the city of Chiang Mai (which is home to the nearest international airport), visitors can rent their own motorbike or car to reach the park’s attractions. The city’s myriad tour companies also arrange many kinds of day trips into the park, or you can just go to the western end of Huay Kaew Road where songthaew (red pick-up taxis) wait to take visitors up the mountain.
Need to Know
- What is it? The closest mountain range to Chiang Mai, home to several attractions and outdoor recreation.
- When to go? The dry winter season between November and February is the best time for clear skies and dry conditions.
- Nearest town: Chiang Mai is just at the base of the mountain.
- Don’t miss: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Thailand, and Bhubing Palace has some pretty flower gardens.
- Website: web3.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style2/default.asp
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
- Entrance fee: Adults 500B, children 300B (for some waterfalls; free entry for visitors to the temple and palace).