Doi Suthep (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Doi Suthep?
What makes it 86% Couple-Friendly: The sunset terrace, forest viewpoints, and flower gardens give romantic moments, and a cable car saves energy; limited dining and basic toilets slightly reduce comfort, but the site suits most couples.
Positives:
- Romantic Sunset Views: The temple terrace offers panoramic city views ideal for couples at dusk.
- Easy Access: Cable car removes the need to climb 300 steps, making visits smooth and relaxed.
Challenges:
- Steep Stairs: The naga staircase has over 300 steps and can tire visitors who choose to climb.
- Crowds at Peak Times: Sunset hours can get busy; finding a quiet spot may be challenging.
What is Doi Suthep?
- A 5,499-foot mountain rising within Doi Suthep–Pui National Park northwest of Chiang Mai
- Hosts Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a 14th-century Buddhist temple adorned with golden chedis and naga-flanked staircases
- Encompasses evergreen forests threaded by hiking trails and scenic viewpoints over the Chiang Mai valley
What is so special about Doi Suthep for couple trip?
- Watch the sun set over Chiang Mai from the hilltop temple terrace
- Enjoy a forest picnic at the serene Wat Pha Lat ruins
- Stroll through royal rose gardens at Bhubing Palace for seasonal blooms
- Skip stairs with a scenic cable-car ride
- Customize your route with a private songthaew for added privacy
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Time to climb or cable-car up, explore the temple, and enjoy sunset without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Doi Suthep
Golden-Hour Sunset at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep:
Climb or ride the cable car to the terrace one hour before sunset to watch the sun dip behind Chiang Mai’s skyline.
Tip: Buy entry tickets (30 THB each) and cable-car tickets (50 THB one-way) at the base; arrive by 4 pm to secure a good view.
Monk’s Trail Picnic at Wat Pha Lat:
Hike the shaded Monk’s Trail or take a songthaew to reach the 14th-century Wat Pha Lat ruins for a forest picnic.
Tip: Bring a lightweight mat and snacks; pay the 100 THB park fee at the first checkpoint and carry water.
Bhubing Palace Rose Gardens:
Stroll the royal Suan Suwaree rose garden, with seasonal blooms from chrysanthemums to winter roses.
Tip: Open 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; entry 50 THB per foreign adult; wear long sleeves or rent a sarong onsite.
Private Sunset Driver Hire:
Book a private songthaew or red taxi to visit Doi Suthep, Bhubing Palace, and return under the stars.
Tip: Arrange a driver in Chiang Mai city for around 600 THB round-trip; confirm wait time and route in advance.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Doi Suthep
- Arrive Early: Reach the base before 4 PM to avoid ticket queues and secure a terrace spot.
- Combine Nearby Sites: Pair your temple visit with Bhubing Palace Rose Gardens to maximize your trip.
- Book Private Transport: Hire a songthaew in town for a flexible round-trip and avoid waiting for public vehicles.
Reviews of Doi Suthep
Alicia Takhellambam
Definitely touristy but you'll see many locals coming here for praying. Ticket is 50 thb per person. Quite large it took 1 hr to explore the entire place. Take your time and embrace the moment while you sit in the praying area while listening to the sound of small bells.
Charlie
Doi Suthep is breathtakingly beautiful and easy to get to. Just take a song teaw from central Chiang Mai and you can easily get here. The toilets are very clean and the water was very cold and fresh. You can get to the top by using the gondola if you don’t want to take the stairs with a cheap price.
Gregory Bessert
Doi Suthep: Chiang Mai’s Golden Axis Between Earth and Sky High above Chiang Mai, wrapped in jungle mist and legend, rises Doi Suthep—the mountain that spiritually anchors Northern Thailand. Long before it dazzled with gold, the journey began in silence at Wat Pha Lat, a hidden forest temple once used by monks and kings as a place of rest and purification. Here, waterfalls murmur past moss-covere...
Javed Akhtar
I visited Doi Suthep Temple with my family, and it was an unforgettable experience. The temple is absolutely stunning, with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere that makes you feel instantly calm. The view from the top is incredible — you can see the entire Chiang Mai city spread out below, and it’s truly breathtaking. We had an amazing time exploring the temple grounds, enjoying the ...
Martin Hills
This is about a 40 minute drive out of central Chiang Mai and is well worth a visit. The drive up here is an interesting, twisty, road through the trees with some viewpoints. There is a small entrance fee and you can take a short funicular ride up and back rather than the steps if your knees give you problems. The temple complex itself is beautifully preserved and very clean despite the crowds ...
When is the best time to visit Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai, Thailand)?
Visit November–February for clear skies and cooler air. Avoid June–October when rain can make steps slippery and obscure views.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Wat Phra That Doi Suthep entry (2 adults) | THB 60 |
| Cable car ride (2 adults one-way) | THB 100 |
| Songthaew round-trip to Wat Pha Lat | THB 200 |
| Picnic snacks | THB 200 |
| Total Estimated | THB 560 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Doi Suthep
Address: Doi Suthep, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)?
About Doi Suthep
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities