Traveler Description
Located high in the hills above Chiang Mai, this magnificent temple was commissioned by King Kuena, ruler of the region from 1367-1388.


Traveler Reviews

Fantastic place to visit
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jun 7, 2008


Amazing experience, and wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. Lots of travel agents in Chiang Mai offer this trip as a half day tour in the morning for about 500B p/person and it?s well worth doing. I suggest catching the cable car up, and walking back down. The cable car is very cheap, I think about 30B (your tour should include the cable car). In one of the temples, you can get blessed by a monk. The monk will tie a piece of string around your wrist, but only for men as they can?t touch women. For women he?ll drop a piece of string into your hand, and you tie it on yourself. This was a great experience.

Go for the blessing
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Mar 18, 2008


The temple is very busy but that doesn?t seem to detract from its appeal. There are a lot of Thai people there as it is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The road up is very steep and winding which was fun for riding a motorbike up, although be warned the last bend is a U-turn which can catch you out! There are around 300 steps to climb but it?s not particularly strenuous. We were really lucky when we left as there were around 300 monks arriving who were climbing the steps in single file - an amazing sight, especially when the leading monk turned and took photos of the line on his mobile phone! One of the highlights for me was being blessed by the ?most revered monk? at the temple. I am not religious but it was quite special in a strange way. Anyone can do it. If you want to give it a go then, once inside the main complex, you need to find a smallish building at the back of the complex ? just walk around the golden chedi and you should find it. Inside is the monk - dressed in white - who will bless you. There should be a queue so hopefully it?ll be obvious. You have to approach him on your hands and knees but he gives a lovely smile and as he ties a piece of string (yes, I know! but this is what monks use to bless houses too) he says a blessing over you. You should wear the string until it falls off ? mine is looking grubby but showing no signs of wear after a month.

Amazing!!!!
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jan 16, 2008


Doi Suthep is perched on a hill alike many temples in the Chiang Mai region. Then again they make the most beautiful ones don't they? Doi Suthep is no exception. As you drive up, you will hit a Hmong tribe village where the car park is. Many tour buses wait around here too. There are two ways to get up the temple, climb up the stairs or take the cable car. We took the car up and walked down. The temple itself is rather touristy but there were lots of locals worshipping there as well. There are commanding views from the top of the temple on a clear day overlooking Chaing Mai. The temple is filled with numerous intricate wooden carvings and buddhas. This temple is a MUST SEE and really should be the No 1 attraction when visiting Chiang Mai.

A Beautiful Experience
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jan 23, 2005


Wat Phra That Doi Suthep located above Chaing Mai was a beautiful and spiritual experience. Why did it take my breath away and make me feel like crying? I don't know but but I received blessings from monks, prayed at the feet of Budda, hung bells in honor of my departed family, and rung the bells. I can't put it into words but I will say I am so much the better for it. It so moved me so much I went back again, alone this time where I had a different experience as it was all Thai people worshiping. I joined the processions and felt at home worshipping and sitting with the Thai pious. Very beautiful and magical temple. A must see if you are going to Chaing Mai.

Tres touristique
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Aug 26, 2008


Nous sommes montees voir le temple Doi Suthep dimanche dernier. Nous avons pris le funiculaire afin d'eviter de monter le 290 marches dans la chaleur. L'endroit est tres touristique ce qui enleve un peu de son charme. Par ailleurs le chedi central etait en renovation. La vue sur Chiang Mai est incroyable.