Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan: Chiang Mai's Golden Mountain Temple
A complete guide to visiting the sacred mountaintop sanctuary, transportation options, and essential travel tips
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan is a popular tourist attraction in Chiang Mai.
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Perched majestically near the summit of Doi Suthep mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred and visually stunning temples. Founded in 1383, this deeply revered Buddhist site is famous for its shimmering, 65-foot-tall (20-meter) gold-plated chedi (pagoda) that enshrines a holy relic of the Buddha. While it is a major sightseeing destination for travelers, it remains an active place of worship and a vital pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
Visitors can reach the temple courtyard by climbing a magnificent 306-step staircase flanked by ornate, mosaic-detailed Naga (serpent) banisters, or by taking a convenient cable car (funicular) for a small fee. Once at the top, you are treated to panoramic views of Chiang Mai city and the surrounding lush valley.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan is located at 9 หมู่ที่ 9 Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Opening Hours & Entry Fees
The temple is open daily. The entrance fee for non-Thai citizens is 30 THB (with an optional 20 THB for the funicular tram ride).
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
How to Get There
Getting to Doi Suthep is an adventure in itself. The temple is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Chiang Mai's Old City, up a winding mountain road.
Option 1: Private Ride-Hailing (Grab / Bolt)
If you use Grab or Bolt, it will cost around 400 THB for a one-way trip depending on your departing time and traffic conditions. This is the most comfortable and direct option.
Option 2: Shared Red Minibus (Songthaew)
You can also choose the shared minibus option. These are red trucks called songthaews, which do not have air conditioning but offer a classic local experience. There are two main songthaew stations where you can catch a ride to the mountain:
Station A: Near Chang Phueak Gate (North Gate of the Old City)
Station B: Near the Chiang Mai Zoo entrance (at the base of the mountain)
