9 Best Doi Suthep Tours in Chiang Mai
Cat is Out of the Office contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Have you been looking for the best Doi Suthep tours? I’ve got you covered!
Doi Suthep is one of the most iconic sites in all of Chiang Mai, Thailand – and taking a tour is the perfect way to fully experience this sacred temple, without the stress of trying to figure out how to get there.
Located atop a mountain, up over 300 steep steps, travelers are treated to an amazing view of the city and beyond from the temple grounds.
I recently had the chance to experience Doi Suthep for myself and I must say that it was an absolutely incredible experience, one of my favorite memories during my time living in Chiang Mai.
My journey began early in the morning when I made my way up to the top of the mountain, watching as the sun slowly rose above Chiang Mai’s skyline from atop this ancient temple with the calming chanting of monks in the background.
For those looking for an easy way to explore Doi Suthep – and to learn from an experienced guide about what makes Doi Suthep so special – I highly recommend taking one of these best Doi Suthep tours – you won’t regret it!
My Top 3 Picks: Doi Suthep Tours
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Doi Suthep Sunrise Tour with Former Monk
✅ Amazing guide who. is a former monk
✅ Alms-giving ceremony
✅ Visit hidden temple
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Private Doi Suthep Tour with Tea Plantation & Karen Village
✅ Meet Karen tribe members
✅ Learn about organic tea production
✅ Full-day (see a lot!)
9 Best Doi Suthep Tours
1. Doi Suthep Sunrise Tour with Former Monk Guide
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4-5 hours | ✅ Book it!
The best time to visit Doi Suthep is at sunrise, and with a semi-private tour (no more than 4 guests) you can beat the crowds and the heat.
It can be tricky to get to Doi Suthep in time for sunrise on your own (I accidentally drove 25 minutes past the temple in the dark the first time I tried). But this tour makes it easy.
Not only will you get stunning views of sunrises over Doi Suthep while you listen to the monks chanting, but you’ll also have a knowledgeable guide who is actually a former monk! Everyone who goes on this tour raves about how amazing this guide is.
On top of that, your tour includes transportation, a delicious Thai breakfast, and a stop at a hidden jungle temple that most travelers miss.
Your guide will teach you how to participate in the morning alms ceremony, such a unique experience that the majority of travelers skip because they don’t know how. You’ve never had a temple visit quite like this one – worth the very early start time!
“Watching the way the monks spend their early mornings, chanting and collecting alms was very interesting. Our guide, Non, was excellent and gave us a lot of information to help us understand what was happening and the meaning behind what we were seeing.. Non was the best guide I had for any of the tours I took in Chiang Mai. He is the person to request if you sign up for the tour!” -Judith (Read more reviews)
2. Private Tour of Doi Suthep
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: Flexible | ✅ Book it!
Doi Suthep is a must-see for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. But why settle for the crowded, impersonal tour groups when you can have your very own Private Tour of Doi Suthep?
When you book a private tour, you’ll benefit from having an experienced guide who will tailor the tour to your interests and help bring this captivating place to life.
Your guide will be fantastic! They are knowledgeable in the history of the region and our proud local culture; they’ll make sure you get the best experience possible out of your visit. With their assistance, you’ll soon fall in love with Chiang Mai – it’s hard not to!
You’ll be so enchanted by what you’ve seen on your private tour that you may even want to book additional tours with your guide!
A private tour is great for families and groups who want to go at their own pace or take some extra time exploring particular areas that interest them.
Pro tip: Go early to beat the heat and the crowds!
“We had a great experience with Mr Tee, he was very patient with us and was able to tailor to our needs. He is also a very safe driver and gave us one of the best tour experiences we’ve had. He is also fluent in English, making it easy for us to communicate with him. Apart from that, Mr Tee takes great photos and videos, capturing the moments for us without us even asking! I felt very safe and comfortable under Mr Tee’s care. This trip has been very memorable, I will definitely revisit Chiangmai with Mr Tee again in the future!” -Anonymous (Read more reviews)
3. Chiang Mai Private Tour with Tea Plantation, Karen Village, Doi Suthep
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!
This Chiang Mai Private Tour with Tea Plantation, Karen Village, Doi Suthep offers a unique way to explore the area and learn about organic tea production in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
On this tour, you’ll visit a Karen village and meet members of the tribe to get an insight into their culture. They are renowned for their colorful traditional clothing and intricate weaving techniques and also have a unique set of spiritual beliefs.
Immerse yourself in Thai culture with a local guide who will take you through every step of the journey.
This is a great tour if you want to see a lot in one day with minimal effort, and it’s suitable for families and small groups alike.
“Our tour today was excellent. I highly recommend this tour if you want to see a lot in one day. Puma was an excellent driver and guide. All 3 parts of the tour were very interesting. As an added bonus, the lunch was surprisingly good and the butterfly farm at the restaurant was really fun.” -James (Read more reviews)
4. Chiang Mai Instagram Tour (Includes Doi Suthep)
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-8 hours | ✅ Book it!
On this Instagram Tour of Chiang Mai, you will be taken to the best spots for capturing amazing photos that you can post and show off – and Doi Suthep is just one of many stops!
Even if you don’t plan to post the pictures online, having an experienced photographer capture photos of you at so many different locations is fantastic. As a solo traveler, I love when I can get good pictures of myself (it’s hard with just a small tripod and selfie stick!).
From the golden pagodas of Doi Suthep to other charming temples, scenic waterfalls, and colorful flower markets, you’ll have a chance to capture the beauty of this city in full. Moreover, your guide doubles up as a photographer, ensuring that all your shots are picture-perfect.
Make memories that will last forever when you take part in this private and all-inclusive Instagram Tour of Chiang Mai – let your guide take care of finding the most photogenic spots and show you just how beautiful the city is!
Pull relevant information from the sales page, from reviews on booking platforms, and from your personal experience.
“We had an Amazing tour guide, Boy was very delightful and attentive, he showed us the best tour ever, even taught me how to take good picture.” -Rosy (Read more reviews)
5. Morning Alms to Monks at Doi Suthep + Hidden Temple
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Travelers can experience a unique and stress-free Sunrise Tour of the beautiful Doi Suthep temple while getting the chance to up close to local culture and Thai monks.
When you join this small group tour with a maximum of 12 people, you’ll have the opportunity to give alms to the monks (a revered Buddhist tradition) and visit a hidden temple that most travelers don’t know about.
This intimate tour is also a great way to meet other travelers who share your passion for discovering new places. I love taking small group tours as a solo traveler and almost always make friends this way!
Afterward, you’ll have the whole afternoon free to explore Chiang Mai, since the tour starts and ends early.
“Our guide Tu was formerly a monk so really knowledgeable. His English is excellent and he answered all of our questions. We were the only people on our tour. The tour is the perfect length of time and the giving of the alms was something everyone should experience.” -Stephanie (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
6. Chiang Mai City Tour with Doi Suthep and Viewpoint
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This Chiang Mai City Tour is the perfect way for travelers to explore Chiang Mai and soak up some of its unique culture.
Doi Suthep will be one of the highlights of the tour, but for people short on time in Chiang Mai, you want to see even more of what this amazing city has to offer!
With visits to Chiang Mai’s most important temples, you’ll be able to learn more about Buddhism and Thai history and culture, as well as get a glimpse of traditional Thai life. Plus, the market visit gives you a chance to sample some of the delicious foods that are different from anything you’d find back home.
The small group size this tour offers also allows you to really soak up everything around you in a truly engaging and optimistic atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!
“Our guide, Thaphaphak (Timmy) taught us Thai history and culture. At the Doi Suthep Temple, we learned about Buddhism as well as the history of the temple. My favorite activity was a trip to a large market where Timmy identified a number of foods that are different from the ones in the U.S. She is an all round exceptional guide.” -Brian (Read more reviews)
7. Half-Day Doi Suthep Temple and Palad Temple Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This half-day Doi Suthep Temple and Palad Temple tour is a great way for travelers to explore Chiang Mai at their own pace. b
Doi Suthep is just one of the highlights of this tour! You’ll be able to visit Wat Pha Lat – a beautiful temple in the jungle that many travelers miss out on – and find Buddhist statues hidden in caves.
With private tours of Doi Suthep, you can tailor your schedule as much or as little as you want, with no stress or rush!
Plus, there’s an added bonus: learning more about the region from local guides who make the tour even more engaging. All in all, it’s a great way to see some of Chiang Mai’s best sites without feeling overwhelmed.
“The tour guide was really good. She knew EVERYTHING and explained it very well. I felt she enjoyed the job and sharing all her knowledge about her culture and history. She was very kind and helpful. The driver was good too.” -Jordi (Read more reviews)
8. Chiang Mai Basket Balloon Adventure (Hot Air Balloon Tour)
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-4 hours | ✅ Book it!
Chiang Mai’s hot air balloon tour of Doi Suthep is a must for adventurous travelers who want a truly epic experience.
Soaring above the clouds, you’ll be able to take in the peaceful, magical landscape of Chiang Mai like never before.
The great staff and pilots will make sure your experience is an amazing one; they know how special and unique this tour is and will do their best to ensure you have an unforgettable time.
It’s more expensive than other Doi Suthep tours, but I think it’s worth it!
Seeing Chiang Mai and Doi Suthep Temple from the sky will blow your mind – it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you won’t want to miss!
“This was a wonderful way to begin the day! What was a cloudy hazy day on the ground turned into an amazing experience above the clouds. The sunrise was amazing and the ride was smooth and peaceful. The company was professional in every way.” -Kathy (Read more reviews)
9. Night Tour – Doi Suthep + Wat Umong
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Doi Suthep is one of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai, and to see it lit up at night, with few people around, is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
This tour takes you there at 5 pm after you have had a whole day to explore all the other highlights of the city, so you don’t have to worry about navigating windy roads in the dark.
Plus, it’s more affordable than other tours! While your guide may not be as informative as others, the view of Doi Suthep all lit up is worth it alone.
So come along and enjoy an evening under a star-studded sky with fewer crowds and a cooler temperature than during the day – this night tour of Doi Suthep Temple and Wat Umong is not to be missed!
“Perfect little evening excursion. Had a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. Was nice to see the temples at night, nicely lit up.” -Dorothy (Read more reviews)
Essential Information for Visiting Doi Suthep
Here is the essential information for how to visit Doi Suthep:
- Get the most out of your visit by booking a Doi Suthep tour with a knowledgeable guide.
- Sunrise is my favorite time to visit Doi Suthep, sunset or evening 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 and the roads are windy – be careful.
- Climb the 315 steps up to the temple (make sure you have water after that!)
- 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
Is Doi Suthep Worth Visiting?
Doi Suthep is the most famous mountain landmark in Chiang Mai, and is definitely worth a visit for travelers to Chiang Mai. There are so many amazing Doi Suthep tours to choose from!
The Doi Suthep temple at its peak is a revered religious site for local Buddhists and is often shrouded in clouds, making it an incredibly mystical experience.
The full visit to Doi Suthep takes around 3 hours, including the 30-minute drive each way to and from Chiang Mai, and climbing the 306-step Naga staircase. That should leave you time for pictures too.
From the top of the mountain, you can appreciate panoramic views of Chiang Mai city.
The temple complex at the summit contains more than 300 steps through an ornate golden pagoda and shrines adorned with statues of gods to explore.
If you’re a hiker, consider getting to Doi Suthep on foot via the famous (and fairly challenging) Monk’s Trail hike!
Can You Visit Doi Suthep On Your Own?
It is totally doable to visit Doi Suthep on your own without a guide. As long as you have transportation figured out, it’s easy. I’ve written a full post about how to visit Doi Suthep that you should read.
That being said, going with a guide is an incredible experience. As someone who usually likes to explore without a guide, there are some tours that look amazing! They have former monks as guides who can give you an appreciation for the temple and even help you participate in the alms ceremony. Something to consider!
And if you have limited time, some of the best tours to Doi Suthep include other stops, plus all transportation, making it as easy as possible to see everything.
Best Time to Visit Doi Suthep
Visiting Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai is one of the most magical experiences – the beautiful and captivating views will take your breath away.
Sunrise is arguably the best time to visit, but sunset and evenings can be equally as breathtaking. I love watching the sun come up over Chiang Mai with the sound of monks chanting in the background.
It gets hot and crowded during the daytime, so I wouldn’t recommend going then unless that’s the only time you can go.
You should avoid visiting during the smoky season due to air quality, and you won’t have great views from the top.
FAQs About Doi Suthep Excursions
How long does it take to hike Wat Phra That Doi Suthep?
It takes about 2-3 hours to hike to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The Monk’s Trail is a 7.2 km out-and-back trail that can be completed in 3-5 hours (round-trip), depending on how long you take along the way to rest and enjoy the scenery. Some visitors may prefer to do part of the trail and then take a red songthaew truck the rest of the way.
What is the difference between DOI Suthep Pui National Park and DOI Inthanon?
Doi Suthep Pui National Park is located in the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and is known for its lush rainforest, limestone mountains, and several waterfalls. Doi Inthanon is located further south in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province and has a slightly different landscape. Though it still offers spectacular views from its highest peak – Mount Inthanon (2,565 meters), it is much less visited than Doi Suthep Pui National Park because of its distance to town.
Are there any other attractions near Doi Suthep?
Yes, some popular attractions near Doi Suthep include Wat Pha Lat temple and the Huay Kaew Waterfall.
What is the duration of a Doi Suthep tour?
The typical duration for a guided Doi Suthep tour is approximately 4–5 hours.
How far is Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep?
The distance between Chiang Mai and Doi Suthep is roughly 15 kilometers or about 9 miles. It takes about 30-40 minutes to drive from Chiang Mai’s city center to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple entrance.
Is there an entrance fee for visiting Doi Suthep?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for foreigners of 30 Thai baht per person.
🤩 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!
Final Thoughts: Best Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Tours
I’ll never forget my first time touring Doi Suthep temple – it was at sunrise shortly after I moved to Chiang Mai, and I felt at peace.
Doi Suthep is special in so many ways, and visiting Doi Suthep with a tour group takes all the stress out of figuring out how to get there. Plus, you will have a fuller appreciation for the experience if you have an awesome guide to explain more about Buddhism and Thai culture to you.
Now that you know all about the best Doi Suthep tours in Chiang Mai, take a look at how to visit Doi Suthep at sunrise for a truly magical experience, and my Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Monk’s Trail.
Looking for another unique temple to visit? This one is small, but completely covered in silver!
Read More About Chiang Mai Temples:
- Doi Suthep at Sunrise: A Must-Do in Chiang Mai
- 9 Best Doi Suthep Tours in Chiang Mai
- Ultimate Guide to Monk’s Trail Doi Suthep Hike
- Wat Sri Suphan: Guide to Chiang Mai’s Silver Temple
Read More About Chiang Mai:
- Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide for Solo Travelers
- 3 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary + 15 Bonus Things to Do
- Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? + 19 Pros and Cons
- 16 Best Hotels with Rooftop Pools in Chiang Mai
- Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai (And The Worst Time!)
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: 7 Best Neighborhoods
- Buying a Chiang Mai SIM Card: Everything You Need to Know
- Doi Suthep at Sunrise: A Must-Do in Chiang Mai
- 9 Best Doi Suthep Tours in Chiang Mai
- 11 Best Ways for Getting Around Chiang Mai
- Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai: Ultimate Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Chiang Mai
- How to Get From Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon
- 9 Best Chiang Mai Cooking Classes (By a Local Foodie!)
- Best Chiang Mai Food Tour for Foodies (Beyond Pad Thai!)
- Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai: 15 Must-Try Restaurants
- 3 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Which Is Better to Visit?
- 37 Pros and Cons of Living in Chiang Mai (Expat Guide)
Read More About Chiang Mai:
- Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide for Solo Travelers
- 3 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary + 15 Bonus Things to Do
- Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? + 19 Pros and Cons
- 16 Best Hotels with Rooftop Pools in Chiang Mai
- Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai (And The Worst Time!)
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: 7 Best Neighborhoods
- Buying a Chiang Mai SIM Card: Everything You Need to Know
- Doi Suthep at Sunrise: A Must-Do in Chiang Mai
- 9 Best Doi Suthep Tours in Chiang Mai
- 11 Best Ways for Getting Around Chiang Mai
- Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai: Ultimate Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Chiang Mai
- How to Get From Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon
- 9 Best Chiang Mai Cooking Classes (By a Local Foodie!)
- Best Chiang Mai Food Tour for Foodies (Beyond Pad Thai!)
- Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai: 15 Must-Try Restaurants
- 3 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Which Is Better to Visit?
- 37 Pros and Cons of Living in Chiang Mai (Expat Guide)
📝 Thailand Travel Planning Guide 🇹🇭🌟
Before you embark on your unforgettable journey to Thailand here are the essential tips every traveler should know:
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Thailand?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 Safety Tip for all travelers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend and use SafetyWing – it’s cheap and comprehensive.
💧Can you drink the water in Thailand?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Thailand (but using tap water to brush your teeth is usually fine). I recommend this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Thailand?
Yes — Renting a car in Thailand is one of the best ways to see the countryside! I recommend Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local companies, so you get the best rates.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Thailand accommodations?
My go-to for Thailand hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use HostelWorld. Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to book Thailand flights?
For finding cheap Thailand flights, I recommend CheapOAir.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Thailand?
🙅🏻♀️ Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need visas for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand.
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Thai baht, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate).
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Thailand is a breeze! Grab is safe and cheap in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Bangkok has a modern metro. It’s easy to use local transport such as songthaews, too.
📶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Thailand has reliable internet connectivity. SIM cards are easy to find and cheap.