Chiang Mai Living Guide

Places & culture

Preparing to visit Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon

Distinguish a mountain temple visit from a national park trip, and check walking plans, return transport and access.

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Wachirathan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park, 2012
Wachirathan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park, 2012 · Z3144228 · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebP; display may crop.

Start with these three things

  1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is on the mountain west of the city. Doi Inthanon National Park includes Thailand’s highest peak.
  2. TAT recommends preparing warm clothing because temperatures near Doi Inthanon’s summit can be low.
  3. Trail openings on the day, and reservation and guide requirements remain unverified. Check with park management.

Steps

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  1. Tip Decide whether your main purpose is a temple visit, a waterfall or a walking route.
  2. Tip Give the managing authority the name of the place you want to visit and confirm access, admission arrangements and your return route.
  3. Prepare warm clothing when travelling into the mountains.
  4. Tip If arranging transport, confirm the meeting point, waiting time and return departure time.
  5. Tip Shorten your walk if the weather or ground conditions concern you. Do not feel obliged to complete every planned stop.

What to prepare

  • Warm clothing for Doi Inthanon. TAT’s introduction notes low temperatures near the summit.

Planning tips (not official rules)

  • Choose walking shoes, rainwear and drinking water for your planned route. Ask the relevant route staff about required equipment and whether a guide must accompany you.

Where to ask

Doi Inthanon National Park management / the temple you plan to visit

Listed national park address: Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai 50160.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200.

Park office hours and last entry for individual routes are not yet confirmed. Check with management before visiting.

Search this name on a map

Things to watch for

Planning tips (not official rules)

  • Entry through the park gate does not establish access to your chosen trail. Ask about the waterfall or route by name.
  • Vehicles or paths in a tourist photograph do not establish that access is available today. Follow current closures and staff instructions.

The mountain near the city and the high peak

Doi Suthep temple offers a golden chedi and a viewing terrace. Doi Inthanon’s introduction includes the summit, waterfalls, birdwatching and the Kew Mae Pan trail, allowing you to choose a destination around your interests.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Consider walking time, time waiting in a vehicle and places to rest instead of simply listing attractions. Decide what you want to enjoy before choosing between a summit visit and a trail walk.

Check current access

Seasonal closures and current entry restrictions remain unverified. Check the national park’s latest notice before setting out; an older reopening article is not permission to enter today.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Tell management your date, group size, planned route and whether you have arranged a guide. Besides trail access, ask about reservations, decisions in worsening weather and the return meeting point.

Keep some energy for the return journey

Planning tips (not official rules)

Plan around the slowest walker in your group. Before starting, agree whether you will retrace your route or use another exit, and where you will meet the waiting vehicle.

Stay on designated paths even when you want a closer photograph of plants or rocks. Carry a bag for your rubbish and avoid feeding wildlife.

Sources & dates checked

  1. OfficialTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ワット・プラタート・ドイ・ステープTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) · Checked 2026-10-11
  2. OfficialTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ドイ・インタノン国立公園Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) · Checked 2026-10-11