Doi Suthep Vipassana Meditation Center

The International Buddhist Centre offers short and long residential courses in Vipassana meditation in English. A brand new centre, including accommodation and a vitara (chanting hall), is now open.

Website: fivethousandyears.org (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ
The quintessential image of Chiang Mai with its large gilded chedi, visible from the city on a clear day. Built in 1383 during the Lanna Thai period, legend has it that the temples site was selected by an elephant sent to roam the mountain side, where upon reaching a suitable spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, knelt down and promptly died, which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. The temple offers grand views over the city, but no reward is without effort as you must accent the 200-plus steep steps of the Naga-lined stairs. The climb may be a strain in the high altitude's thin air for the less fit, so you may opt to take the cable car for 20 baht. For the Visaka Bucha holiday around May each year, it is traditional for people to walk from the zoo to the temple and vast numbers make the pilgrimage to the top, which takes around 4–5 hours.
Closed · opens 7 am
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Wat Pha Lat
Some buildings at the road, but turn left to go down to the actual temple. Nice views from the temple. The monk trail passes through the temple grounds.
Do
Monk's Trail
A popular jungle hiking route through the forest to Wat Pha Lat and continuing up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Take a red songthaew to Chiang Mai University or Chiang Mai Zoo. Alternatively, you can also take a red sogthaew to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and begin your hike in the reversed direction. The route to Wat Pha Lat is considered easy to moderate (about 1 hr) and the route from Wat Pha Lat to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep inclines steeper (about 1½ hr). Dress properly or bring a carf to cover shoulders and knees since the route passes through temples. About 280 m before reaching What Pha Lat, there is a three way intersection, where there is a sign of an alternative route to an abandoned temple Wat Anagami. This 500-m route is more challenging but there is ropes helping you to climb. Also prepare yourself to cross one unbridged small stream via walking on the stones. From Wat Anagami you can return through the original route to continue your hike to Wat Pha Lat or try to catch a songthaew passing by and go back to city. Note that because almost no one comes to Wat Anagami so the songthaew usually will not stop there and you need to catch the driver's attention alongside the road. Best time to hike is morning, to avoid heat and increase the chance of encountering monks on the trail. If you want to skip the hefty fee, just walk in the opposite direction, or just use any of the two trails further south (see OSM), which will however probably have less sights on their way.
100 baht
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Huay Kaew Waterfall and Natural Pools
At the foot of Doi Suthep on Huay Kaew Rd. Look for a large Buddhist shrine (Kruba Srivichai Monument) on your left after travelling past the entrance to Chiang Mai Zoo. Turn left into the market at the back of the shrine, and keep walking up the hill. You will come to the waterfalls after about 5 minutes. The pools at the bottom of the waterfalls are not really big enough for swimming, but are a great place to cool off at the height of summer. During the dry season some of the waterfalls dry up. Head for the high ground and you will still find pools full of fresh water. There are usually quite a few students hanging out there from the nearby university, who will happily practice their English conversational skills with you.
100 baht