Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep–Pui National Park is a short drive from Chiang Mai’s Old City. This expansive national park perfectly balances natural beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural heritage. You can wander through forests, explore waterfalls, visit hill tribe villages, and stand in awe of one of Thailand’s most revered temples.

Doi Suthep–Pui National Park

Doi Suthep–Pui National Park stretches across over 260 square kilometres of mountainous terrain in the Thanon Thong Chai range, forming a green belt that cradles the western edge of Chiang Mai. The park is named after its two tallest peaks—Doi Suthep (1,676 m) and Doi Pui (1,685 m).

It plays a vital role in protecting the region’s ecosystem and water sources, but it’s also an accessible and rewarding destination for those who love nature, culture, and gentle adventure. The best part? It’s only 30–45 minutes from Aleenta’s doorstep.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Speaking about Doi Suthep–Pui is impossible without highlighting its most iconic landmark, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

This 14th-century Buddhist temple sits on the slopes of Doi Suthep, offering spectacular views over Chiang Mai. The temple’s golden chedi gleams in the sunlight, drawing visitors and pilgrims worldwide. The air is filled with the soft sound of temple bells and chanting monks, making it a profoundly peaceful place to visit.

To reach the temple, you can climb the 306-step naga staircase, lined with intricately sculpted serpent guardians, or take a funicular tram for a gentler ascent. Either way, the experience is unforgettable—especially if you visit early in the morning or just before sunset when the atmosphere is most serene.

Doi Pui and the Hmong Hill Tribe Village

While Doi Suthep draws the crowds, Doi Pui offers a more tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience. The drive up is winding and scenic, leading you to pine forests, shaded walking trails, and a Hmong hill tribe village that invites cultural discovery.

Here, you can explore traditional wooden homes, admire locally made textiles and silverwork, or try on Hmong clothing for a fun photo opportunity. There’s also a charming ethnographic museum and flower garden, perfect for a stroll and a glimpse into mountain village life.

It’s a lovely spot to visit after the temple, especially if you want to connect more deeply with Chiang Mai’s ethnic heritage and highland communities.

Waterfalls and Scenic Spots to Unwind

One of the most refreshing aspects of Doi Suthep–Pui National Park is its natural waterfalls, ideal for short walks, cooling off, or simply enjoying the sound of water cascading over rocks.

• Huay Kaew Waterfall is the most accessible—just at the park’s base and popular with locals.
• Monthathan Waterfall offers a shaded trail through forested terrain and makes a lovely picnic stop.
• Tad Mork Waterfall, located beyond Doi Pui, is less visited and offers a peaceful, secluded escape.

We often suggest our guests bring a small towel, a water bottle, and proper walking shoes, especially during the green season (June to October), when the waterfalls are at their most vibrant.

Hiking and Nature Trails for All Levels

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just fancy a gentle walk in nature, the park has something to suit your pace.

One of the most popular trails is the Monk’s Trail, which starts near Chiang Mai University and winds up the hillside to Wat Pha Lat, a serene jungle temple often described as one of Chiang Mai’s hidden gems. You can continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep if you’re up for a challenge.

For something shorter and less steep, nature trails around Monthathan and Doi Pui take you through flowering gardens and evergreen forests. And if you’re after a more ambitious trek, the path to the Doi Pui summit offers fresh mountain air and views worth every step.

Flora and Fauna in the Park

Doi Suthep–Pui is more than just a pretty backdrop; it’s a thriving ecological zone home to a stunning variety of plant and animal life. As you climb higher, the forest shifts from deciduous and evergreen trees at lower elevations to pine and moss-covered oaks.

During the rainy season, look for wild orchids, bamboo groves, ferns, and edible mushrooms. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with more than 300 recorded species, from kingfishers and barbets to the elusive green-tailed sunbird.

Occasionally, you might spot macaques, squirrels, or even a barking deer, though these animals are naturally shy and most active early in the morning.

Visiting Doi Suthep–Pui

Reaching Doi Suthep–Pui is easy, and there are a few options depending on your preferred style of travel:

• Red songthaews (shared taxis) regularly depart from the base of Huay Kaew Road near Chiang Mai Zoo.
• Tuk-tuks and private drivers can be arranged for more comfort.
• Guided tours are available for insight into the park’s history, Buddhism, or ecology.

The park is open daily, and entry fees are modest (a separate donation is requested at the temple). We always recommend starting early, especially if you plan to hike, and bringing sunscreen, water, and layers, as temperatures vary with altitude.

Your Gateway to Doi Suthep–Pui with Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai

We believe in creating space for stillness and discovery at Aleenta. Doi Suthep–Pui National Park beautifully embodies that balance, where sacred sites meet serene landscapes and mountain air invites clarity and calm.

Our wellness hotel is at the foot of the mountains, puts you within easy reach of the park’s highlights—whether you’re rising early for a tranquil temple visit, heading off on a forest hike, or simply seeking a shaded spot by a waterfall for mindful reflection.

Doi Suthep–Pui is more than a day trip—it’s an extension of the mindful, nature-connected experience we offer at Aleenta. We invite you to explore it as a destination and a natural continuation of your stay with us in Chiang Mai.

 

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