When it comes to Chiang Mai temples, the most famous one is Wat Phra That, which is found on Doi Suthep mountain. It is located a few kilometers outside the city on the Western side of the city. Surrounding this Chiang Mai temple there are other things to do and experience. This city is one of the most well known and visited spots in Thailand by both foreign and local tourists.
Chiang Mai Temples of Wat Phra That
This temple is the most famous and iconic landmark in Chiang Mai, and if you want to have an off the beaten path adventure this may not be your first choice of places to go, because it will be filled with visitors. It is, however, worth checking out. The gleaming gold of the temple reflecting in the sunshine is blindingly brilliant and worth the crowds.
Getting to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple
Getting to this temple in Chiang Mai is not difficult. It is located here to the western side of the city. If you are going by car, you will follow the 1004 highway out of the city, past the Chiang Mai Zoo and keep going up. You will not miss it, and there is a parking lot available at the Mai Si Khao Soi market, but there is parking happening along the street also if you can find a spot. Just remember to put on the parking break as it can be steep.
Alternatively, you can take public transportation to this temple. First make your way to the road between the Chiang Mai University and Chiang Mai Zoo. They are about 100 to 200 meters from each other, and from there you will see many jeeps that shuttle people up to the temple and back down. Outside the zoo just look for the red jeeps, called songtaew (two bench) in Thai. As you probably can guess, that means the jeep has two benches in the back end of the truck in which to sit. These jeeps run up to the temple and back and are a good way to get there.
Hours the jeeps run:
5:00am – 5:00pm
Another option to get there is to hike. Hiking Doi Suthep to get to the temple is a good challenge and you can read about it in our post Hiking Doi Suthep: Beyond the Temple of Wat Phra That.
Entering the Temple Grounds
Once you have made your way to the drop off point or parking lot, you will find yourself at the bottom of a rather large set of stairs. You will need to climb these stairs to get to the temple. It is slightly over 300 stairs, so it is not too difficult to climb up the stairs. Plus, the stairs are beautiful, and kids love to race up them! The staircase is lined with a serpent on both sides which is pretty cool. Quite the adventure!
However, if you do not wish to walk, there is an electric trolley that will take you up to the top of the temple. This of course comes with another dual cost, but it is not that much.
Cost of Tram to get up to the Temple
Foreign (non-Thai)
50 Baht
Thai
20 Baht
Cost to enter Wat Phra That Temple
As is normal and you will find all around Thailand for many attractions, the Chiang Mai temples have a dual price system.
Foreign (non-Thai)
30 Baht
On a positive note, if you are on a budget and do not wish to spend the entrance fee, much of the experience will cost you nothing. You can walk up the staircase to the temple at no cost. You can walk around the perimeter of the temple at no cost. There is plenty to see and do from the top that you do not have to pay to see. The view is spectacular and there are lots of bells and statues to look at. Of course, the most impressive gold covered buildings and jade buddhas are inside.
Dress
When visiting Wat Phra That Temple keep in mind that it is being used for worship continually, so visitors will be required to be respectful and adhere to a dress code while there. Women will not be allowed to wear shorts that are too short or sleeveless clothing, and the same goes for men. When in doubt, dress respectfully when you enter temples. On top of that, when you enter the temple complex at the top you will be required to remove your shoes, another sign of respect. If you are walking around the top of the temple complex and not entering inside you will not be held to the dress code.
Of all the Chiang Mai temples; if I had to choose one, I would recommend you spend time at this temple. It is beautiful and worth a visit even though it is often crowded. There are, however, some hikes near the temple that are worth checking out.
Inside the Wat Phra That Temple
Once you have made it inside the temple you can explore the gleaming golden buildings and the wonderful Buddha statues they have. While you explore please remember to be respectful as others will be actively worshipping here. There are many photo spots inside, and there will often be a professional photographer there more than eager to take a picture for you and then sell you the print.
Food and Drinks
There are small stalls at the top where you can buy snacks and drinks, however if you wish to eat a full meal there are no dining options at the top. That can be found at the bottom of the temple complex at the Mae Si Khao Soi market, which is adjacent to the parking lot. At the market you can buy all sorts of food and souvenirs.