10 Best Doi Suthep Tours: Complete 2024 Guide

Traveling to Chiang Mai and willing to find the best Doi Suthep tours to make the most of it?

Doi Suthep is a stunning mountain standing on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, and is home to the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, a site of deep spiritual significance.

But other its iconic temple, Doi Suthep’s landscapes, waterfalls, and hill tribe villages offer a cultural experience that’s hard to beat when coming to Northern Thailand.

In this guide, we’ll go through all the best Doi Suthep Temple tour options, from those that take place during sunrise, the night tours, and other that include a trip to an elephant park, and more!

Best Doi Suthep Tours – Overview

I understand you may not have the time to go through the whole guide, so here below you’ll find the best-rated tour to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai.

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Is Doi Suthep Temple Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic and sacred sites, and it makes for the perfect trip out of Chiang Mai.

The journey up, whether by hiking or driving, adds to the experience, presenting lush landscapes. The temple’s golden stupa, intricate murals, and serene monks chanting make it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience Thai culture and spirituality.

How Long Does it Take to Visit Doi Suthep?

Visiting the temple complex typically takes about 1 hour. This allows you to explore the temple complex, admire the golden stupa, and soak in the panoramic views of Chiang Mai from the viewpoint, located inside the complex.

Can you Visit Doi Suthep at Night?

Yes, you can visit Doi Suthep at night, and it’s a magical experience. The temple is open until late, allowing you to see the golden stupa and surrounding statues illuminated against the night sky. Night visits offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a nicer time to explore.

Alternatively, you can also join a sunrise tour, which is even less crowded and you’ll see the monks chanting and praying for the day ahead, and there’s just no tour that can compare to that.

10 Tours to Doi Suthep From Chiang Mai

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s discuss the various tours from Warsaw and Krakow to Auschwitz, with different inclusions and I’ll cover both group and private tours.

Let’s start!

1. Wat Umong and Suthep Night Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 800+
🕗 Duration: 5 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Kick off your evening with a visit to Wat Umong, a 700-year-old temple known for its unique underground tunnels, which is one of the most unique places you can see in Thailand.

It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Then, head up to the famous temple, one of Thailand’s most incredible ones.

At night, it’s less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and stunning nighttime views of Chiang Mai city.

This tour is a great opportunity to see these famous sites in a different light, literally and figuratively, making it a memorable part of your trip.

This Doi Suthep night tour includes transportation, an expert guide, all entrance fees, and countless memories to be made at both temples.

2. Pha Lat, Wat Umong, Doi Suthep Sunrise Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 600+
🕗 Duration: 4 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Start your day with an early morning trip to catch the sunrise and explore Doi Suthep. It’s a peaceful time to experience the temple before the crowds arrive.

After that, you’ll get to visit Wat Pha Lat temple, a lesser-known temple in the middle of the jungle, offering serene views and a quiet atmosphere for reflection.

The tour concludes at Wat Umong, where you can explore ancient tunnels and learn about Buddhist practices.

This tour combines natural beauty, historical exploration, and spiritual discovery, all before lunchtime, making it ideal for early risers seeking a fulfilling start to their day.

Also, it includes an official tour guide, the entrance fees, and transportation from Chiang Mai to Doi Suthep Temple.

3. 4-Hour Doi Suthep & Hill Tribe Village Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
✔️ Reviews: 400+
🕗 Duration: 4 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

You might have a tight schedule on your Chiang Mai itinerary for 2 days or even less, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it, and this tour is what you need.

Start with a visit to Doi Suthep Temple, where you’ll learn about its significance and enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Then, explore a nearby hill tribe village, gaining insight into the daily lives and traditions of the Karen people.

This tour is perfect for those looking to understand the cultural diversity of Northern Thailand within a short timeframe. It’s an educational and eye-opening half-day excursion that provides a deeper understanding of the region’s history and cultural fabric.

Of course, it includes transportation, a bottle of water, and it’s a small group tour, which is a great to have an amazing time.

4. Elephant Sanctuary and Doi Suthep Day Trip

⭐ Rating: 4.9/5
✔️ Reviews: 400+
🕗 Duration: Full Day
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Spend half a day at an ethical elephant sanctuary where you can observe and learn about elephant conservation efforts.

You’ll have the chance to feed and interact with these majestic animals in a respectful and safe environment. In the afternoon, the tour heads to the iconic Suthep Temple, an iconic site offering spectacular views of Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

This day trip is a fantastic way to experience the wildlife of Northern Thailand, combined with the spiritual and cultural richness of one of its most famous temples.

What’s more, it includes lunch, food, and treats for the elephants, roundtrip transfers from Chiang Mai, and a place to get changed and have a shower after playing with the elephants, and that, trust me, is a massive bonus.

5. Doi Suthep, Wat Phalat & Wat Umong Sunrise Tour

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 500+
🕗 Duration: 5 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

This tour is designed for those who love to start their day with beauty and tranquility. Witness a breathtaking dawn at Doi Suthep, where you can see the sun rising over Chiang Mai and hear the monks chanting.

After that, you’ll get to visit the serene Wat Phalat, hidden away in the jungle. The final stop is Wat Umong, known for its unique tunnels and serene atmosphere.

This tour offers a mix of natural beauty, quiet meditation, and architectural marvels. It’s perfect for photographers, early birds, and anyone looking to experience Chiang Mai’s spiritual side in the soft light of dawn.

Last but not least, breakfast is included, and that is a nice addition!

6. Doi Suthep Temple and Sticky Waterfall Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 300+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Another awesome Doi Suthep tour is this one, which includes a visit to the Sticky Waterfall, about one hour away from Chiang Mai.

After visiting the revered temple and soaking in its history and views, you’ll head to the Bua Tong or Sticky Waterfalls. These unique waterfalls offer a fun and safe climbing experience, thanks to their grippy limestone surface.

This tour combines cultural immersion with a touch of adventure, ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a day of exploration and an amazing experience in the Chiang Mai countryside.

Other than transportation, the guide includes lunch and water, all the entrance fees, as well as snacks and delicious snacks to enjoy during the day!

7. 6-Hour Doi Pui National Park Summit Hike

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
✔️ Reviews: 100+
🕗 Duration: 6 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike to the summit of Doi Pui in the National Park. This 6-hour trek is for those who love nature and adventure, and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed if that’s your case.

You’ll pass through diverse landscapes, including dense forests and hill tribe villages, learning about the local flora and fauna along the way. The view from the top is spectacular, offering panoramic views of the region.

This Doi Suthep mountain hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Northern Thailand and is suited for those with a good fitness level.

Just like other Doi Suthep Temple tours, it includes lunch, snacks, transportation, and countless memories to be made!

8. Doi Suthep Private Tour with Tea Plantation & Karen Village

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 20+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

Enjoy the exclusivity of a private tour to Doi Suthep, complete with visits to a local tea plantation and a Karen hill tribe village.

This tour offers a blend of cultural, historical, and natural experiences. You’ll learn about the process of tea making, the lifestyle of the Karen people, and the history of Doi Suthep Temple.

It’s a comprehensive day out that provides insight into the local way of life, traditions, and natural beauty of the area, making it perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of Northern Thailand’s culture and landscape.

All in all, if you have 3 or 4 days in Chiang Mai, this is a great day trip that is definitely worth it!

9. Doi Suthep & Inthanon National Park Day Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.9/5
✔️ Reviews: 60+
🕗 Duration: 9 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

This full-day tour combines the spiritual Doi Suthep Temple with the natural wonders of Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak.

You’ll explore stunning waterfalls, visit hill tribe villages, and possibly see some local wildlife.

The tour includes a walk through beautiful nature trails, offering a chance to experience the cooler climate and unique ecosystem of the park. It’s an ideal option for nature lovers and those interested in the cultural and natural diversity of the Chiang Mai region.

It’s slightly more expensive than other tours to Doi Suthep, but it’s a good deal overall as it includes the tour of Doi Inthanon National Park, transportation, and lunch and water.

10. ️ Chiang Mai & Doi Suthep Instagram Tour

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 20+
🕗 Duration: 8 Hours
🚐 Where to Book: Viator

Tailored for the social media lovers, this tour takes you to the most picturesque locations around Chiang Mai and Doi Suthep, and I’m confident you’ll leave with incredible photos to post.

Capture perfect shots at the stunning temples, including Doi Suthep, and scenic spots like the Sticky Waterfall or hidden jungle temples.

This tour not only offers photo ops but also enriches your understanding of the area’s culture and history. It’s designed for those looking to fill their feed with beautiful content while experiencing the best of what Chiang Mai has to offer.

Also, your guide will be a photographer, and that’s a massive asset to have, and he’ll teach you the best angles for photos and other settings you might find useful.

Conclusion: Doi Suthep Temple Tours

Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, Doi Suthep is not just a destination; it’s an experience waiting to unfold, and you just can’t come to Chiang Mai without visiting!

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or spiritual seeker, Doi Suthep offers something unique for everyone, and I can guarantee that you’ll have a fabulous time.

Have you made it to Chiang Mai yet? I hope this guide was helpful to plan your trip!