Doi Suthep at Sunrise: A Must-Do in Chiang Mai 2024

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Doi Suthep at sunrise is magical, and definitely worth the obnoxiously early alarm clock on your trip to Chiang Mai.

Figuring out transportation to Wat Phra Doi Suthep can be overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling solo like I do.

On my first visit to Doi Suthep, I input the wrong destination in Google Maps and ended up driving 25 minutes past the temple in the dark!

Having lived in Chiang Mai for several months, I’ve experienced the beauty of Doi Suthep firsthand and can assure you that it’s an absolute must-see.

As a full-time solo traveler for over 2 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to more than 50 countries and have explored countless incredible destinations – Doi Suthep at sunrise stands out as one of my favorite experiences in Chiang Mai.

I’m here to help ensure that your visit to Doi Suthep at sunrise is nothing short of unforgettable.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or simply want to witness the breathtaking sunrise, with the sound of monks chanting in the background, Doi Suthep is sure to leave a lasting impression.

🤩 My pick for the best tour of Doi Suthep is this Sunrise Tour led by a former monk. With a near-perfect 5-star review, it’s one of the only tours that lets you participate in the sacred alms-giving ceremony with the monks at Doi Suthep. Plus, it includes a stop at a hidden jungle temple and a delicious Thai breakfast!

Essential Information: How to Visit Doi Suthep at Sunrise

Short on time and want to skip to the highlights?

Here is the essential information for how to visit Doi Suthep at sunrise:

• Sunrise is the best time to visit Doi Suthep, sunset is second-best

• If you’re self-driving to the temple, make sure you input Wat Phra That Doi Suthep into Google Maps, NOT Doi Suthep (I’ve made this mistake before)

• The drive takes about 30-40 minutes from Chiang Mai city center

• Arrive 30-45 minutes before the official sunrise time (you want to actually watch the sun come up, and if you arrive right at the sunrise time you’ll miss it)

• Climb the 315 steps up to the temple

• Locate a good spot for viewing and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings (walk past the temple towards the right)

• Bring a light jacket or shawl, as the early morning air can be chilly at that elevation

• Consider booking a taxi in advance or arranging for a ride-sharing service, as transportation can be limited at this hour

• Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered

• The cost to visit Doi Suthep is 30 baht (less than $1 USD) per person to be paid at the top of the long Naga staircase

👉 Check out this full-day Chiang Dao Kayaking, Caving, and Jungle Tour from Chiang Mai. You’ll get to kayak along the Mae Ping River, surrounded by a tranquil forest and a bamboo jungle, greeted by water buffalo and birds. After a local lunch, you’ll explore the Chiang Dao Cave System with headlamps and flashlights.

What Time Is Doi Suthep Open?

Doi Suthep is open from sunrise to sunset, which changes depending on the time of the year.

Generally speaking, it’s open from around 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get to Doi Suthep at Sunrise

Getting to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai is a relatively easy and affordable journey.

The easiest way is with this Amazing Sunrise Tour of Doi Suthep, led by a former monk who teaches you how to give alms to the monks.

Here are some of the other options for getting to Doi Suthep at sunrise:

Red Songthaew (Public Transport)

A Songthaew is a red truck with two rows of benches in the back for passengers. This is a popular way to get around in Chiang Mai and can be found throughout the city, but the one to Doi Suthep usually leaves from Huay Kaew Road by the Chiang Mai Zoo and will leave once they are near full.

It should cost about 40 baht per person each way.

You can also take a songthaew from the city center to the base of the mountain, then need to switch to another songthaew or a shared taxi to take you up the winding road to Doi Suthep.

Keep in mind Songthaews do not usually start running until around 6 am or so, which may be too late to catch the sunrise.

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

Motorbike / Scooter to Doi Suthep

If you’re comfortable driving a scooter, this is my preferred way to reach Doi Suthep. I love a little scooter adventure!

There are several rental shops throughout Chiang Mai that offer motorbikes for rent at reasonable prices.

Make sure you input Wat Phra That Doi Suthep into Google Maps, NOT Doi Suthep.

I made this mistake during my first visit to Doi Suthep for sunrise, and because it was so dark I rode right past the entrance without realizing it. 25 minutes later when I could barely see the narrow road through a thick fog, I decided to look at the map and realized my mistake…missing the sunrise by just a few minutes.

The drive from Chiang Mai to Doi Suthep is fairly easy, on very smooth paved roads. It is a windy road, and if you’re aiming to be there before sunrise you’ll be driving in the dark. Sometimes it’s foggy in the mornings.

👉 I use SafetyWing, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

Go slow, especially around the turns. Watch out for stray dogs who love to walk across the road or even nap in the middle of it – there were so many when I drove up that I wished I had brought a bag of dog food to distribute.

And if you’re on a scooter, you’re going to want long sleeves or a light jacket because it’s chilly in the mountains on a scooter.

The scooter parking is right in front of some vendors across the street from the stairs, and you’ll see cars parked along the curb across the street.

Grab Taxi or Private Taxi

For those who prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, a private taxi can be arranged through your hotel or a local tour operator. This will cost more than a songthaew or shared taxi but offers more flexibility in terms of pick-up and drop-off times.

You can also order a taxi on Grab, the equivalent of Uber in Southeast Asia.

Keep in mind that there might not be too many taxis available before sunrise, so it may be best to arrange a pick-up in advance.

Doi Suthep Hike

The Monk’s Trail hike to Doi Suthep starts near the Chiang Mai Zoo and winds its way up to the temple. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

You’ll pass the Wat Pha Lat temple in the jungle on the way. Keep in mind that the 7.2 km out-and-back hike can take several hours. The second half is very steep and challenging, so it’s important to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Doi Suthep at sunrise and then hike back down to Chiang Mai, stopping at Wat Pha Lat on your way back.

Bike to Doi Suthep

I saw lots of bikers on the main road to/from Doi Suthep!

It’s a pretty steep incline and climbs up 700m of altitude, so it’s for experienced bikers who are comfortable riding windy mountain roads next to car/scooter traffic.

You’ll need a good bike with gears and brakes and a bit of nerve.

🤩 My pick for the best tour of Doi Suthep is this Sunrise Tour led by a former monk. With a near-perfect 5-star review, it’s one of the only tours that lets you participate in the sacred alms-giving ceremony with the monks at Doi Suthep. Plus, it includes a stop at a hidden jungle temple and a delicious Thai breakfast!

You’ve Arrived: How to Get to the Temple and Sunrise Viewpoint

After being dropped off or parking your vehicle, walk up a short staircase and then a beautiful long staircase with green Naga banisters.

In Buddhism, the Naga is a serpent-like creature that guards sacred temples and sites and symbolizes protection from harm and danger. Then it’s an easy (ha!) 306 steps up this staircase to get to the temple. You’re almost there!

Head to the right of the grand staircase (stop on the way down for some awesome pictures) towards the perimeter of the temple where you’ll see a white balcony and an orange balcony, both great viewpoints. The orange balcony had the best views in my opinion, but I liked that there were benches on the white balcony.

Try them both! From either balcony, you’ll have unobstructed views of the sunrise over the trees and Chiang Mai city below – fingers crossed that you have clear skies!

Doi Suthep Accessibility – Cable Car to the Top

There’s supposedly a cable car running starting at 6 am, but I didn’t see it being used when I was there.

It could just be that nobody was using it, so I didn’t notice it. I need to do a little more research on this (if you’ve used it recently, send me a note on Instagram and I’ll update this post!).

The cost to use the cable car is 50 baht, including the 30 baht foreigner entrance fee.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Doi Suthep?

It’s 30 baht (less than $1 USD) for foreigners to enter the temple. You pay at the ticket office at the top of the Naga staircase.

Nobody was there to collect the fee when I entered before sunrise, but I made a point to stop and pay on the way back down. I thought it was good karma not to try to scam the temple, fingers crossed.

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Doi Suthep at Sunrise or Sunset?

My vote is for sunrise!

When it comes to visiting Doi Suthep temple, the time of day is everything. The temple is very popular and is most crowded during the day, but less crowded at sunrise and sunset.

While both sunrise and sunset offer stunning views and a sense of spiritual awe, there are some benefits and downsides to consider.

Sunset can be more convenient for those who prefer to sleep in or have a busy itinerary during the day. However, crowds tend to be larger during evening hours, which can detract from the peacefulness of the experience.

And you can’t really see the sunset from Doi Suthep as you’ll be facing the wrong direction.

On the other hand, sunrise offers a more serene escape from the city and provides an opportunity to witness the beauty of the temple without the crowds.

While waking up early can be a challenge, the payoff is well worth it, as the sunrise view from Doi Suthep is truly breathtaking. I love exploring the temple grounds while listening to the monks doing their morning chants in the background.

I highly recommend making the effort to visit at sunrise for a truly unforgettable experience.

👉 I took this 5-Star Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project day tour from Chiang Mai during my first visit. Not only did we get to see stunning views and visit the highest point in Thailand, but we also visited a local market where we tasted different fruit liqueurs, stopped by a waterfall, and visited a Karen village. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle and let a tour guide do all the work. Tip: bring a jacket because the park is chilly in the mornings!

What Makes Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at Sunrise Special?

Doi Suthep is a magical place at sunrise.

Perched atop the mountain, you can witness the golden temple shimmering in the early morning light and take in the peacefulness of this sacred site as you explore its grounds.

As the sun rises over Chiang Mai Valley below, it casts a soft glow on everything around you while monks chant their morning prayers in the background.

This is an experience that will stay with you long after your visit to Thailand has come to an end.

Doi Suthep Temple Dress Code

When visiting the sacred Doi Suthep Temple, it is important to dress appropriately.

To show respect for this religious site, visitors should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. I wore some loose-fitting pants and a tank top but had a sarong to cover my shoulders while I was there.

Shoes must also be taken off before entering any of the temples as a sign of reverence. The ground can get hot midday so socks are a good idea.

It’s best to bring some comfortable walking shoes for the 300+ stairs (my sports sandals were fine) or hiking shoes if you’re doing the Monk’s Trail (it can be slippery!).

If you plan on attending an alms-giving ceremony with the monks or engaging in other activities at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, make sure your outfit allows for ease of movement while still adhering to temple etiquette.

Alms-Giving Ceremony with Monks at Doi Suthep

Alms-giving is a traditional practice that has been done for centuries in Thailand and still takes place at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. And you can participate if you want to, or just watch if you prefer.

This sunrise tour to Doi Suthep is led by a former monk who will teach you how to participate in this special alms-giving ceremony.

🤩 My pick for the best tour of Doi Suthep is this Sunrise Tour led by a former monk. With a near-perfect 5-star review, it’s one of the only tours that lets you participate in the sacred alms-giving ceremony with the monks at Doi Suthep. Plus, it includes a stop at a hidden jungle temple and a delicious Thai breakfast!

This ceremony is held early in the morning after sunrise chants are complete (around 6-7 am, depending on what time sunrise is), and visitors are welcome to join the monks who come out from the temple to receive donations of food.

It’s traditional to bring fruits and rice, but sometimes people will also give money.

Alms-giving is an ancient Buddhist tradition that promotes generosity and mindfulness. It’s believed that by giving food to the monks, one can accumulate merit and create good karma for oneself.

The monks are not allowed to buy food, so this practice ensures they have enough to eat.

Participating in this ceremony is an amazing experience that allows visitors to make a connection with the monks and get an inside view of life at Doi Suthep.

If you are photographing this ceremony, be respectful and take pictures from a distance so as not to disrupt it. Don’t touch the monks (especially women) and don’t show the bottom of your feet.

👉 My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Sunrise at Doi Suthep Tips

– The best way to experience Doi Suthep is with a guided tour – this Sunrise Tour of Doi Suthep Led by a Former Monk is my top pick!

– Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before sunrise, as this will give you ample time to climb the 306-step naga staircase and observe the sun come up over Chiang Mai.

– If you’re self-driving to the temple, make sure you input Wat Phra That Doi Suthep into Google Maps, NOT Doi Suthep.

– Consider bringing alms (food) with you so that you can offer them to the monks after their morning prayers are finished.

– Visit the Meditation Center (just follow the signs) for an opportunity to practice meditating in a peaceful environment.

– Look out for vendors selling offerings just outside the entrance to the temple complex – you deserve a smoothie after such an early start!

– Keep in mind that transportation options may be limited during early morning hours, so consider booking a taxi or arranging transportation ahead of time if possible.

– Wear temple-appropriate clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

💧 Thirsty? Always have clean drinking water on hand and save money with this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.

Best Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Tours

These are the top 3 Doi Suthep tours – I’ve reviewed all of the best Doi Suthep tours in another post.

1. Sunrise Doi Suthep Tour with Former Monk Guide

2. Private Tour of Doi Suthep with Fantastic Guide

3. Chiang Mai Private Tour with Tea Plantation, Karen Village, Doi Suthep

Best Time to Visit Doi Suthep and Chiang Mai

Sunrise is the ideal time to visit Doi Suthep, especially if you want to get good pictures, and those seeking a more peaceful experience. At sunrise, you’ll explore the temple without the crowds or heat, and hear the monks chanting in the background.

Weather conditions will make or break your sunrise viewing; if there’s too much cloud cover you won’t get a great view! That’s just the luck of the draw and part of the excitement. I didn’t have clear views during my visit, but it was still great.

Sunset is also a good time to visit. Just avoid the middle of the day if you can – it’s the hottest part of the day and draws the biggest crowds.

Keep in mind that the rainy season is from May to September, so if you plan on visiting during this time of year, you have a higher chance of clouds, but the morning tends to be clear and the crowds are smaller. Smoky season is from February to April and you may have some visibility issues due to the smoke.

The Story of Doi Suthep

The story of Doi Suthep in Buddhism is a sacred one. It starts in 1383 when King Kuena of the Lanna kingdom, was gifted with a relic from the Buddha’s shoulder.

Believing it to have mystical powers, he placed the relic atop a white elephant and set it loose up Doi Suthep Mountain. Once it reached the peak, the elephant marked where the relic should be enshrined before taking its last breath.

The present complex at Doi Suthep dates from the 16th century (just like another temple I love) although there had been previous temples on that same spot prior to this date. The temple complex includes many buildings including a meditation center that offers regular courses such as weekend retreats and 10-day silent retreats led by experienced monks in order for visitors to learn more about Buddhism.

There is also an International Meditation Center which provides access to information about Buddhism and meditation as well as other activities related to the faith.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Budget

My pick for the best hostel in Chiang Mai is Hostel Lullaby. I stayed here multiple times when I was backpacking Thailand. It’s a quiet hostel that attracts more mature backpackers and is in a great location with super comfortable beds that have curtains, and rooms that have A/C. I made so many friends at the complimentary breakfast who I traveled with all over Northern Thailand.

Mid-Range

My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Luxury

My pick for the best 5-star luxury hotel in Chiang Mai is Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai, with a near-perfect 10 rating and a swimming pool. This is the tranquil retreat from the city you need! 

There is camping and a National Park Accommodation Center in Doi Suthep, but it’s not where I’d recommend you stay in Chiang Mai unless you’re spending time studying meditation, or hiking. There are nicer places to stay in town.

How to Go To Doi Suthep FAQs

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

Wrap Up: Visit Doi Suthep at Sunrise

As the sun rises over Chiang Mai, the stunning views from Doi Suthep will leave you in awe and have you feeling grateful for having witnessed such a beautiful moment.

It was worth the early wake-up for me!

Remember, the sunrise time means the sun has already risen, so you’ll need to leave plenty of time to climb the 306 steps to the top and arrive before that time if you want to watch the sun come up.

If you’re interested in learning more about Doi Suthep, be sure to check out my article on hiking the Monk’s Trail, where you’ll find more details about this challenging yet rewarding trek.

I’ve also put together a list of the best Doi Suthep tours, which is perfect if you’re short on time or prefer a guided experience.

After Doi Suthep, head back to one of these Chiang Mai hotels that have rooftop pools!

Another great place to watch the sunrise is Doi Inthanon Park, but you’ll have to wake up early.