Doi Suthep Mountain - A great Chiang Mai Adventure, just 3km from the city.Even if you have just a day in Chiang Mai, I recommend going up this mountain for the wonderful views of the city. There's a road that goes almost to the top. It rises to 1685 meters but most people finish their journey at the 14th century Doi Suthep Temple (which offers meditation retreats to foreigners) half way up. I say, carry on!
There isn't a view from the summit but near to it, there's a spectacular view, looking down to a Hmong hill-tribe village and across the mountain range. It's so peaceful here, broken by the occasional bell ringing or loud chatter from the distant village below. A visit to the actual village, Doi Pui, is interesting.
Between the summit and Doi Suthep Temple is Bhubing Palace, set in a large, colorful garden park. About 500 meters after Doi Suthep temple, on the right hand side if you're going up, is a place that rents bungalows where you can stay for the night. I remember the cost being about 1,000 baht but I'm not 100 percent sure. Check for yourself! It was peaceful here, with trees all around. There's a restaurant here. A kilometer of so after Doi Suthep Temple, on the left hand side, before you reach Bhubing Palace, is a short walk into the forest. There's a sign saying "cave', although it's more of an overhanging rock. Find out more by clicking HERE. And near the top is Doi Pui Campground, an opportunity to camp in a lovely secluded area in the woods. 5 kilometers beyond the village is Khun Chankian Village, a much less visited Hmong Village that's quite difficult to get to. Near the base is Huay Kaew Waterfall and a bit further up, Mon Tha Than Waterfall. There's also the chance to go downhill mountain biking from the summit. For the adventurous, you can actually come down the mountain a different way by continuing on past Khun Chankian Village, but this is best by bicycle - if it hasn't been raining, it could prove impossible on a motorbike (and a car is out of the question!). See more information by clicking HERE. To see a map of the mountain that you might like to print off and take with you, click HERE. A leisurely trip stopping at most places takes roughly 4 or 5 hours. Not stopping, you can get near the summit (the last 2 kilometers you must walk or cycle) in under an hour by motorbike. It can get cold on the mountain, in particular between November and March, so take a jumper or jacket, especially if you're on a motorbike. Thailand's climate isn't always the tropical paradise imagined in the West. Getting ThereI've always hired a motorbike. For me, it's lovely to feel the wind in my face, not having to worry too much about other vehicles like you have to in the city.
There are many places to hire in Chiang Mai and if you're feeling strong, you can hire a bicycle too (preferably with gears!) One time I cycled the 27km to the summit but I was absolutely exhausted. It was great fun coming down. Along the road, you'll see cyclists getting their 'fix'! A Thai massage back in Chiang Mai is a worthy reward for your endeavors! Many go by songthaew, a strange looking small truck (usually colored red all over) with a set of parallel seating in the back.
A trip from the city by tuk-tuk or songthaew to the main mountain departure point near the zoo (see MAP) costs about 30 baht (remember 1 US$ = 35 baht). From the zoo to Doi Suthep Temple costs 40 baht each (80 baht return) To Bhu Bing Palace is 70 baht (140 baht return). And to Doi Pui hill-tribe village, you just have the option of a return for 180 baht. The drawback is you have to wait until there's 10 people in the vehicle before you depart. If there's a lot of you, it may be more relaxing and cost efficient to hire a car for the day or a car with driver. Return from Chiang Mai Adventure to Chiang Mai Thailand
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