Northern Thailand · DOI SUTHEP TEMPLE TOURS
Wat Phra That sits on the ridge above the city, and the difference between the 15 below is when they leave and whether you take the staircase or the funicular. Sunrise trips go in the dark and pair with the forest wat at Pha Lat; the afternoon runs are cheaper and busier.
Visit Wat Umong’s forest tunnels, then climb 309 steps to Doi Suthep for sunset, monk chanting, and Chiang Mai’s lights. A guide such as TomTam, Boon, or Happy adds cultural context, while small groups, glass water bottles, and optional hotel pickup keep the evening easy.
“I really apprieciate buddism history told by the guide”
Start before dawn with a guide such as James, a former monk, or Nuttaya, then climb 309 steps to Doi Suthep for sunrise. Visit the Kruba Srivichai Monument, walk through the forest to Wat Pha Lat, and explore Wat Umong’s tunnels. Expect a small-group setting, temple etiquette, and a possible 5-hour morning.
“James was so amazing!!!! He taught us all the basics of Buddhism which I had never learned and they were patient when my partner and I showed up a few minutes late.”
Spend an evening with an English-speaking guide at Chiang Mai’s forested Wat Pha Lat and sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Expect a comfortable van, 306 steps, sunset city views, Buddhist rituals, and time to explore. Guides such as Tomtam, Mui, Art, and Ponpon are praised for clear explanations and thoughtful photo help.
“Everything was well organised and our guide Yuthana was very friendly and funny! He made the evening unforgettable. Both the Hidden Temple as well as Doi Suthep (and from there the view over Chiangmai) are very much worth to see!”
Leave Chiang Mai around 5 a.m. for sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then visit Wat Pha Lat and Wat Umong. Your guide may be an ex-monk such as Pon, Tu, Tom, James, or PJ, with hotel pickup, breakfast, transport, and temple fees included.
“This was absolutely amazing. Worth rising early for sure. Our guide Tom was knowledgeable with a kind and joyful disposition. I would highly recommend if you are in Chiang Mai.”
Ride a traditional red songthaew from Chiang Mai, walk the forest Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat, then visit golden Doi Suthep. English-speaking guides such as Jane, Margaret, Saman, and Nancy explain Buddhist symbols, arrange photo stops, and adjust the route for rain. Sunrise departures begin at 5:00 a.m.
“This tour was lovely. The drive up to Doi Suthep was brilliant in our Red Van, lots of switchbacks, and views of Chiang Mai, en route. Our guide, Bright, helped to understand the symbolism in the carvings etc. at the Temples, and talked to us about some aspects of Buddhism as well, which was interesting to know. We were part of a group of 6, just right. We had a 2-3 km through the woodlands, past old temples and water falls. Great half day with Bright.”
Travel by air-conditioned minivan from Chiang Mai to Doi Pui Hmong Village and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. An English-speaking guide such as Pae, Pookie, Tui, or Nut explains local culture, Buddhism, and the temple, with the cable car included.
“Great to see the village with authentic population. The guide had an interesting perspective about Buddhism.”
Start before dawn with an experienced ex-monk guide such as James, Non, Tu, or Blue. Watch sunrise at Doi Suthep, join chanting and a short meditation, offer food to monks, eat a local breakfast, then visit jungle-set Wat Pha Lat and tunnel-filled Wat Umong.
“The temple at sunrise is incredible and it was more than worth getting up early for. You get about five minutes to sit with the monks for the meditation and the rest of the time is spent walking around or listening to the guide. Our guide was a monk for 17 years so he told great stories and shared a lot of insight. And he was funny! And happy to take pictures for us. He captured some very beautiful and then also playful and fun moments. The alms giving is very special. And the other two temple visits are somewhat quick but more or less all you need. You could…”
Walk the Monk’s Trail to forested Wat Pha Lat, then visit gold-covered Doi Suthep with an English-speaking guide such as Saman, Jane, or Amy. Expect a 30 to 40-minute hike, more than 300 dragon stairs, open-air songthaew transport, and extra temple fees.
“Khun Saman who led our small group did an excellent job explaining things related to the temple, different Buddhas displayed. He also has a wealth of knowledge about the forest as we were hiking our way down. He is thorough, devoted, responsible. The walking stick he passed to us to use was incredibly useful. Very thoughtful of him.”
Combine Chiang Mai’s forest temples with a hands-on visit to Pon Elephant Thailand. Walk the Monk Trail, see golden Doi Suthep, feed and bathe elephants without riding them, and enjoy a local Thai lunch. Guides such as Sumit, Paul, Ronnie, and Suriya are praised for their stories and care.
“We had a great time from the moment we were picked up. Our guide Paul was with us moment we stepped out of the hotel and guided us throughout the trip. Lunch was provided and the sanctuary was lovely and ethical. The temples were scenic and unique and Paul provided us with loads of insight. We were left alone to explore as well so it was a good balance. The hike at the end was scenic and we were able to get it done even though we didn’t pack the adequate footwear. Would recommend you bring walking shoes. Amazing experience that made our chiang mai visit memorable. Thank you Paul…”
Visit forested Wat Umong and golden Doi Suthep after dark on a 3.5-hour Chiang Mai tour. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned van, climb 306 steps or pay 20 baht for the funicular, and return to your downtown hotel with an English-speaking guide.
“Short drive to the first Wat Umong and interesting tour. Came for the Buddhas but was mesmerized by the bats and chickens. Then long and winding drive to Doi Suthep. Worth it for the city view, gorgeous temple and no crowds. It took about 4 hours and was a good inexpensive tour we booked last minute.”
Ride a local red songthaew from Chiang Mai to Huay Kaew Waterfall, forested Wat Pha Lat, and 14th-century Doi Suthep. Your English-speaking driver, often Mr Dang, handles the winding roads while you explore each stop independently. Small groups and private rides may be available.
“This was so perfect! You are given more than enough time to explore all the locations and take all the pictures you want. The waterfall is beautiful and both temple areas are uncrowded with magnificent views.”
Ride a traditional open-air songthaew from central Chiang Mai, hike 30 to 45 minutes through forest to Wat Pha Lat, then visit golden Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. An English-speaking guide explains Buddhist customs, temple art, and local history. Expect stairs, heat, and extra cash fees.
“Some strenuous walking involved. A magnificent experience with a knowledgeable friendly guide steeped in local Buddhist history and Buddhist precepts. He was a former monk. Recommend wearing a face mask in the red truck to avoid gas fumes. Five in our group.”
Start with Wat Pha Lat, a quiet jungle temple with Thai and Burmese design, then climb 306 steps to golden Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. English-speaking guides such as Phon Phon, TomTam, Austin, and Toon add useful Buddhist and local context. Hotel pickup, transport, entry, and water are included.
“Tom Tam was amazing. He was polite, very well informed and answered all our questions. Best regards Antonio and Elena”
Start with a steep jungle hike beside Mon Da Than Waterfall, pause for food and coffee near Khun Chang Khian, then ride off-road trails toward Huay Tueng Thao. Guides such as Tui, Tony, Jane, and Donai lead small groups of up to eight.
“If you’re looking to get out of the city, hike, bike, and see some beautiful waterfalls and temples you found your tour. Come prepared to exercise!”
Join guides such as A, Nop, or Danai for a demanding 7-hour trek from Wat Doi Suthep through cool jungle to Doi Pui. Expect steep, rocky trails, temple stops, a Hmong village, valley views, lunch, water, hotel pickup, and support from a 4x4 truck.
“This hike has many strenuous steep sections, but we (28M & 31M) found the pacing of the breaks / Wats made the hike easier than anticipated and quite enjoyable. Our guides A and Nop were kind, knowledgeable, and nothing but smiles. Water bottles are provided and the truck will meet you along to way at a few locations so you can hydrate, but I highly recommend bringing a water bladder - I froze my camelback the night before and ended up drinking all 3 liters. It’s a day affair, and lunch is served slightly later (ours was around 2/3PM), so having a small snack isn’t a bad idea. We were…”
Pick a mountain, a market or a kitchen.
