{"id":4854,"date":"2024-07-10T17:39:04","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T08:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/manitabi.com\/?p=4854"},"modified":"2026-07-06T11:58:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T02:58:53","slug":"doi-suthep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/manitabi.com\/en\/2024\/07\/10\/doi-suthep\/","title":{"rendered":"Doi Suthep Temple: Highlights and How to Get There \u2014 A Must for Chiang Mai Travelers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. Overview: Doi Suthep, the symbol of Chiang Mai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Doi
Doi Suthep temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Doi Suthep temple is visited by many of the tourists who come to Chiang Mai. It's an important Buddhist temple symbolizing the culture and history of northern Thailand, located about 15 km west of central Chiang Mai atop Doi Suthep mountain at 1,080 m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doi Suthep's full name is \"Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.\" \"Phra That\" means Buddha relics, \"doi\" means mountain, \"su\" means good, and \"thep\" means angel. As the name suggests, the temple is said to enshrine part of the Buddha's remains, making it a deeply sacred place for Thai Buddhists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The stupa at Doi Suthep<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The temple's history dates back to the 14th century. It was founded in 1383 by King Kuena of the Lanna kingdom, and there's an intriguing legend behind its founding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to legend, the king possessed a relic of the Buddha. To decide where to enshrine it, he placed it on a white elephant and let it walk. The elephant climbed the mountain, and at a certain point it circled three times, trumpeted, then collapsed and died. The king took this as a divine sign and resolved to build the temple at that spot (Doi Suthep).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever since, Wat Doi Suthep has stood as a symbol of Chiang Mai, drawing people's faith to this day through numerous renovations and expansions. Its majestic form and the stunning panoramic view of Chiang Mai continue to captivate many visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Highlights: the appeal of Doi Suthep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 306-step stairway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to greet visitors to Doi Suthep is a steep stairway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The 306-step stairway<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On both sides of the 306-step stairway stand statues of nagas (serpent deities) with scales that shine in seven colors. The naga is said to be a guardian linking the water god and the earth, protecting the journey to this sacred site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Naga
Naga (serpent deity)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Just climbing this stairway lets you feel the temple's mystical atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The golden stupa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the top of the stairs, the golden stupa at the temple's heart comes into view. About 22 m tall, it shines in the sunlight and overwhelms visitors. The Buddha's relics are said to be enshrined within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The stupa at Doi Suthep<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Like many Thai stupas, it has a bell shape, which in Buddhism symbolizes the universe. Its gentle curve toward the top signifies the path to the ultimate goal Buddhists strive for \u2014 nirvana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stupa's surface is covered in gold leaf, and when sunlight hits it, the whole area glows gold. This radiance is thought to symbolize the sanctity of the holy place and the light of Buddhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temple grounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Walking the temple grounds, there are many things to see \u2014 receiving a sermon from a monk, drawing a Thai fortune, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Receiving
Receiving a sermon from a monk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can also draw omikuji fortunes on the grounds. For a Thai omikuji, you tilt a cylinder of sticks slightly and shake it up and down with just the right force until one stick falls out. The stick has a number, so you take the paper with the matching number from the shelf. Doi Suthep's fortunes are written in English too. If the message is bad you return the paper; if it's good, you take it home. The offering amount is up to you. (Reference: Kita-Thai Gohan to Koto Aruki: Chiang Mai e<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Omikuji

Omikuji fortunes and the stupa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On some days you can watch artisans' craftsmanship live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Walls
Walls decorated with gold leaf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The view from Doi Suthep temple is spectacular too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A sweeping view of the city from the terrace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On clear days, you can see all of Chiang Mai's streetscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chiang
Chiang Mai city seen from Doi Suthep<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And the view at dusk is breathtakingly beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When visiting the temple, dress to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. You'll need to remove your shoes to enter the grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Getting there: access to Doi Suthep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several ways to get from central Chiang Mai to Wat Doi Suthep. Choose the method that suits you and head to Doi Suthep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Songthaew (shared taxi)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The \"songthaew,\" a small truck with its bed converted for passengers, is an economical way to travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Songthaew<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Songthaew stops include: \u2460 near Chang Phuak Gate in Chiang Mai's Old Town, and \u2461 near Soi 7 on Nimmanhaemin Road. The fare is about 80 THB per person one way. Note that they don't depart until enough passengers gather, so allow extra time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2460 The stop near Chang Phuak Gate in Chiang Mai's Old Town is here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n