Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ Wat Phra That Doi Suthep · Chiang Mai (Doi Suthep), Thailand
Chiang Mai's guardian temple: a long staircase lined with naga balustrades leads up to a golden chedi holding a relic of the Buddha.
Know before you go
- Don't go up in shorts or a vest (wraps can be borrowed or bought at the entrance)
- don't make noise around the chedi
- don't point your feet at Buddha images or monks
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
The mountain chosen by a white elephant
Legend says a monk from Sukhothai, Sumanathera, was guided in a dream to find a relic of the Buddha. The king of Sukhothai doubted the relic was genuine and told him to keep it himself. In 1368 the monk took the relic north to Lanna, where it split in two: the smaller piece was enshrined at Wat Suan Dok, and the king placed the other on the back of a white elephant and released it into the forest. The elephant climbed Doi Suthep, then called 'Sugar-cane Elephant Mountain', stopped, trumpeted three times and fell dead. Taking this as a divine sign, the king immediately ordered a temple built there.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The temple's first chedi is said to have been built in 1383. Legend says a monk from Sukhothai, Sumanathera, brought a relic of the Buddha; in Lanna it split in two, the smaller part being enshrined at Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai. The Lanna king placed the other on the back of a white elephant and let it choose where to rest. The elephant climbed Doi Suthep, trumpeted three times and died, so the king ordered a temple built there. The relic (said to be half of the Buddha's shoulder bone) is enshrined in the golden chedi. From the car park it's 309 steps up to the temple, lined with long naga sculptures — which is why it's often called the 'Twin Dragon Temple' in Chinese.
Local customs
- This is one of the holiest temples for Chiang Mai people: walk clockwise around the chedi to pay respects
- remove your shoes before entering the halls
Religion & beliefs
A Theravada Buddhist temple enshrining a relic of the Buddha.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Drones must be registered in Thailand
- Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
- Bringing in an unregistered drone
Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
- Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices
Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Never insult the Thai royal family
- Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
- Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included
The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't go up in shorts or a vest (wraps can be borrowed or bought at the entrance)
- don't make noise around the chedi
- don't point your feet at Buddha images or monks
Locals appreciate DO
Locals appreciate visitors who dress appropriately and quietly follow worshippers around the chedi.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Early morning or evening |
|---|---|
| Time needed | Half a day (including travel) |
Travel tips
- Take a red songthaew from the old city, about half an hour
- you can also hike up from the foot of the mountain on the 'Monk's Trail'
- if you don't want to climb the steps, take the funicular
- it's cooler up the mountain than in town, so bring a light jacket
- on clear days you can see the whole of Chiang Mai
Sources & verification notes
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