Beautiful view of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
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Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Beautiful view of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Mist tumbles down from the green peaks, softening sunrise over a mountain blanketed in forest and history. In the crisp air of northern Thailand, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park rises as both a spiritual retreat and a playground for the senses. Monks walk barefoot on stone stairs shaded by mighty trees. Songbirds and cicadas fill the forest with calls. Just beyond Chiang Mai’s old city, Doi Suthep-Pui offers a break from city streets, blending ancient temples, wild terrain, and a gentle Thai welcome.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
200 THB
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Sriwichai Alley, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

The journey to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park starts with timing. The cool, dry months between November and February bring the clearest skies and the softest air, making hikes easy and views spectacular. Most travelers reach the park’s main areas within 30 minutes by car from Chiang Mai. Red songthaew trucks or private taxi rides wind up the mountain roads, while adventurous visitors might rent scooters for extra freedom. Weekends and holidays draw crowds, especially around Wat Phra That Doi Suthep’s golden spires. Weekdays tend to be quieter for those craving solitude with nature or whispered prayers in ancient halls.

  • Best time to visit: November to February for cool weather, or sunrise for soft light and fewer crowds
  • How to get there: Songthaews from Chiang Mai’s old city, private taxis, scooters, or organized tours
  • Accessibility: Main temple accessible by road and elevator; trails and viewpoints vary in difficulty—families and seniors may prefer paved areas
  • Average visit duration: 4–6 hours for highlights, more for hikers or nature lovers

Must see stuff

No trip to Doi Suthep-Pui feels complete without pausing at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The walk up 300-plus naga-flanked steps leads not just to prayer and gold, but to mountain breezes and panoramic city views. Yet this park offers much more: lush trails twist past waterfalls, wild orchids, and even quiet Hmong villages at Doi Pui. The nearby Bhubing Palace dazzles with rose gardens and gentle paths. For the energetic, forest hikes meander toward hidden caves and quiet vistas where only the wind stirs the trees. Cameras fill with images—shimmering chedis, morning mists, rainbow-hued butterflies. Every bend in the trail tells a new story.

  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Ornate hilltop temple, city overlooks, and ritual offerings
  • Doi Pui Hmong Village: Local crafts, coffee shops, and a short walk to a peaceful waterfall
  • Bhubing Palace: Seasonal palace gardens and flowering trees best seen in winter months
  • Mon Tha Than Waterfall: A shady, tree-lined cascade popular for photos and picnics
  • Photo spots: Temple terraces at sunrise, forest viewpoints along signed trails, and seasonal blooms in palace gardens
  • Fascinating facts: The main temple dates to the 14th century and remains a revered pilgrimage site for Thais

Tips for your visit

Though many come for the big temple or a quick look, those with a plan leave with richer memories. Early mornings—especially midweek—offer quieter moments at sacred sites and trails. Sturdy footwear helps on slippery paths, and a refillable bottle keeps hikers hydrated where shops grow scarce. Modest clothing wins smiles at temples and villages; shoulders and knees need covering. Cool air lingers on the highest peaks, so a light jacket helps after sunset. Stray dogs roam some areas but rarely bother travelers. Cash is useful for snacks or crafts in villages, while respectful silence in shrines enhances the experience for everyone.

  • Arrive before 8 am for peaceful photos and soft monastery bells
  • Bring: Walking shoes, light jacket, hat, camera, water, and cash for small purchases
  • Dress respectfully: Cover shoulders and knees for temple visits
  • Stay hydrated and follow marked trails to protect local flora and fauna