Practical information
- Location
- Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai · 18.80520, 98.92160
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Founded in the Lanna period, 14th century
Opening hours and entrance fee: no reliable source found, so not listed. Ask on site or check the official website.
About Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai's most famous temple, perched at about 1,073 metres on Doi Suthep mountain, around 15 kilometres from the city. A staircase of more than 300 steps lined with naga serpents leads up to the terrace, or you can take a small cable car. At the centre stands a gleaming golden chedi said to hold a Buddha relic, surrounded by bells, umbrellas and shrines. On clear days the viewpoint looks out over the whole city. It is deeply sacred to Thai people, so expect pilgrims as well as tourists.
Highlights
- Golden chedi A gilded relic stupa at the heart of the temple.
- Naga staircase Over 300 steps flanked by serpents.
- City viewpoint Views over Chiang Mai on clear days.
Tips for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Pha Lat, about 1 km away as the crow flies.
- Expect a climb; go early in the day to avoid the heat and bring water.
More photos of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Visitors walking around the golden chedi, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Photo: กสิณธร ราชโอรส · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Figure in a temple niche, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Photo: Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Where is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is in Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai province, in northern Thailand.
What is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep known for?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai's most famous temple, perched at about 1,073 metres on Doi Suthep mountain, around 15 kilometres from the city. Highlights include Golden chedi, Naga staircase and City viewpoint.
How old is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep?
Founded in the Lanna period, 14th century.