Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That or Doi Suthep Temple

Welcome to the final part “Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That or Doi Suthep Temple” of our Doi Suthep exploration series! In this installment, we bring you the renowned Wat Phra That or Doi Suthep temple, the pinnacle of the Doi Suthep experience. This majestic temple is a symbol of Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage and is a must-see for all visitors. Join us as we uncover the splendor of Wat Phra That and its fascinating history.

Parts one and two of our Doi Suthep exploration series:

• Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai: The Bhubing Palace and Royal Garden
• Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai: Authenticity of Doi Pui Tribal Village

Exploring Wat Phra That or Doi Suthep Temple

As the highlight of our Doi Suthep journey, Wat Phra That or Doi Suthep temple holds great significance. When people mention Doi Suthep, it’s often this temple they are referring to. It served as our final stop before heading back to the city, leaving us with lasting memories.

Upon arrival, our driver parked the van below the temple grounds. From there, we had two options to reach the temple: either by walking up the stairs or taking the convenient funicular. Opting for the funicular ride to ascend and using the stairs for the descent (we admit, we were feeling a little lazy), we marveled at the stunning views that unfolded before us. While I can’t recall the exact cost of the funicular ticket, I can assure you it was reasonably priced. Additionally, the queue to enter the temple moved swiftly, ensuring minimal waiting time.

The temple complex itself is expansive, offering captivating vistas overlooking Chiang Mai city. From this vantage point, you can witness the airport with planes gracefully landing and taking off. Prepare to be enthralled by the ornate statues that adorn the temple grounds. Keep in mind that Wat Phra That tends to be more crowded compared to the Bhubing Palace, Royal Garden, and Doi Pui Tribal Village due to its popularity among tourists.

After indulging in countless photo opportunities and soaking in the panoramic views, it was time to bid farewell to this magnificent temple. Our driver safely chauffeured us back to the starting point where we were initially picked up. Should you desire, you can negotiate with the driver to be taken to another destination for an additional fee, such as Tha Phae Gate, to extend your exploration.

Noteworthy Waterfalls and Quick Stops

During our journey along the Doi Suthep road, we caught glimpses of several enchanting waterfalls. However, our driver did not make any stops. If you wish to capture the beauty of these waterfalls and create lasting memories, I recommend discussing the possibility of a quick stop with your driver. This way, you can take a few photographs and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the surroundings.

Conclusion

Wat Phra That or Doi Suthep temple stands tall as the crowning jewel of the Doi Suthep region in Chiang Mai. Its picturesque beauty, coupled with breathtaking views and rich history, make it an essential part of your Doi Suthep adventure. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this cultural treasure and soak in the magnificence of Chiang Mai from its elevated viewpoint.

As you plan your visit to Doi Suthep, make sure to check out the temple’s foundation and history on the related Wikipedia page for deeper insights into its significance.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Doi Suthep exploration series. Stay tuned for more exciting travel experiences and captivating destinations in Thailand!

Wat Phra That or Doi Suthep temple is located at 9 หมู่ที่ 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200.