Chiang Mai Private Driving Tours - Expirence Doi Suthep

Trip Overview

If you are visiting Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep (Wat Phratat Doi Suthep) is a must see temple. Our Experience Doi Suthep tour has been designed, so you don’t miss any of the fantastic highlights that Doi Suthep has to offer. Starting with the amazing Wat Phratat Doi Suthep (The Golden Temple), amazing views from multiple viewpoints, an unforgettable experience with the children of Hmong Tribe, a visit to a royal palace, and explore the Phalat Temple that’s surrounded by jungle.

Doi Suthep is roughly about 15 km from Chiang Mai city. We can start early in the morning, allowing us to take in the sunrise and visit Wat Phratat Doi Suthep before it gets busy.

Highlights

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The holiest shrine in Northern Thailand, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (also spelled Wat Phratat Doi Suthep), first began construction in 1386 under King Kuena and was completed within a few years. The building was an incredible task, with workers having to carry supplies through the thick jungle. The temple is often referred to as Doi Suthep, which is actually the name of the mountain where it’s stands on. It's 15 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai and sits at an elevation of 1,073 meters, with 306 steps to reach the golden temple. The name of the Temple (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) explains what the temple has. Phra entails an honorific Buddha image, and That means a relic. Combining the two tells you there is a relic of Buddhas in the sanctity of the temple, and in this case, it's half of Buddha's shoulder bone. If you ask your guide to tell you about the white elephant legend, he might reveal the location of the relic. This golden temple is known for it’s picturesque sunrise and sunset views over the city and givings of morning monk alms.

Temple Clothing Required: Please bring sarongs if wearing shorts and or sleeveless shirt

Optional Additional Costs: If you choose to take the cable car to the temple, a nominal surcharge of THB 50 for tickets is payable on the day of your activity.

Doi Suthep Viewpoints

The incredible viewpoints of Doi Suthep reveal the abundant jungle surrounding the ever-changing city of Chiang Mai below. The first viewpoint you stop at on the way to Doi Suthep is a well needed resting point for bikers and runners to take in the magnificent view and accomplishment of their journey up the mountain. The observatory deck’s open area is perfect for taking in and capturing the incredible natural environment over Chiang Mai. There is even a friendly local artist who will sketch you and offer to try his handcrafted foot massager along with some ice-cold water. Once you get to Doi Suthep temple, the 2nd viewpoint is around the backside of the temple. This viewpoint gives you another impressive angle of the enormous city below. The area’s space allows you room to find the perfect spot for that memorable photo. If you are open to an early morning both these viewpoints are spectacular for sunrise.

Hmong Village

This village is located at the top of Doi Suthep. It is home to the Hmong hill tribe, which is one of the six hill tribes in Thailand. The village has a beautiful flower garden and a small bamboo forest you can explore. The tribal people of this village are trying to maintain their culture, and they wear their tribal clothes, including the children. You can even watch the school kids play a traditional game with a spinning ball and hand out snacks to them.

Bhubing Palace

The palace is officially named Phra Tamnak Phu Phing, and more commonly goes by Bhubing Palace was built in 1961 to house the royal family during state visits to Chiang Mai. It is located in the mountains overlooking Chiang Mai, to take advantage of the crisp mountain air. The palace grounds are open to the public except when the royal family comes to visit. The serene area around the palace is covered in beautiful vegetation and peaceful paths. One of the main attractions to the palace is the enchanting rose garden named Suan Suwaree. The mountain’s cool climate allows these exotic species to grow. The colors are vibrant, and the smells intoxicating.

Additional Costs (Per Person): Entrance: 100 Baht

Strict Dress Code: Please bring sarongs if wearing shorts and or sleeveless shirt

Phalat Temple

Wat Phra Lat was constructed in 1355 after King Kuena’s white elephant died at the site of Wat Doi Suthep, and he ordered the construction of the temples where it perished and where it took breaks to rest. People call it the magical secret temple of Chiang Mai. The reason behind this is because it's been lost in the lush jungle surrounding it. The temple was originally used as a resting place for people on their journey up the mountain to worship at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Later on, the location became a meditation retreat and a residence for monks. Wat Phra Lat has a uniqueness that other temples do not provide due to the jungle overtaking it, it's a must see temple.

Temple Clothing Required: Please bring sarongs if wearing shorts and or sleeveless shirt

Addional Highlight Not Included in Cost

Morning Monk Alms

You will experience two different highlights. First, we will stop by a local market and purchase the essential items that monks need, and then we will stop by the roadside and wait for the monks. I will explain and then show you how to give your offering to a monk properly. The tradition of alms gathering dates back to the 14th century – locals wake early to prepare food for the monks and wait quietly by the roadside to give their gifts.

Additional Cost: 80-100 Baht per person to purchase offerings to give to monk, plus a total of 500 Baht added to the tour price

Included

Engish Speaking Driver I can help you learn Thai if you wish
Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off Trip starts & end at your hotel
Private Tranportation Comfortable air-con Sedan Car or Van
No Rushing Take your time at the places you love
No Addional Tranportation Fees Fuel & Mileage included in cost
Drinking Water With Thailand's heat, its important to stay hydrated

Not Included

Meals & Sacks Estimate 100-200 Baht Per Person
Guide This private tour includes only transportation and driver.
Entrance Fees Please see: Bhubing Palace
Temple Wear Please bring appropriate clothing for temple entrance

Tour Cost

1800 Baht | 1-4 Persons Comfortable air-con Sedan Car
4800 Baht | 5-8 Persons Comfortable air-con Van

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