Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Chiang Mai - a small building with a lot of flowers around it
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Wat Phra That Doi Kham Chiang Mai

4.7
·20k reviews·Mae Hia, Thailand

A majestic temple atop a mountain, featuring a giant golden Buddha and stunning Chiang Mai vistas. A must-visit for culture and views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Chiang Mai - a small building with a lot of flowers around it

Wat Phra That Doi Kham Chiang Mai

Best Time

Early morning

Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic temple atop a mountain, featuring a giant golden Buddha and stunning Chiang Mai vistas. A must-visit for culture and views.

4.7
(20k reviews)

"Short, beautiful hike with an impressive temple at the top!"

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Stay Hydrated!

It gets very hot, especially on the white tiles. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Good walking shoes are a must.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 22,378 reviews

Type

Buddhist Temple

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Sitting Buddha

The Grand Sitting Buddha

Main temple complex

An imposing 17-meter golden Buddha statue, a truly awe-inspiring sight that dominates the temple grounds.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Viewing terrace

Soak in breathtaking vistas of Chiang Mai and the surrounding Hang Dong area from this scenic vantage point.

The Naga Staircase

The Naga Staircase

Entrance to the temple

Ascend the iconic, serpent-like Naga staircase, a traditional and visually striking entrance to the sacred site.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Wat Phra That Doi Kham is perched on a mountain, making it extra hot and sunny. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and fewer tour groups. Bring plenty of water and wear light clothing. Reddit

Getting There: Options Galore

While Grab is an option, red trucks are a popular and affordable way to reach the temple. For a more adventurous experience, consider the Monk's Trail hike. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light & sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of my favourite visits in Chiang Mai! 🌸💦🧚🏼 #chiangmai #norththailand #dantewada #fyp
@aamiebolton
17.5K likes • 245.9K views

💧 Stay Hydrated!

It gets very hot, especially on the white tiles. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Good walking shoes are a must. Reddit

泰國人公認最靈驗的寺廟 來康佛寺(Wat Phra That Doi Kham,วัดพระธาตุดอยคำ) 這間位在清邁素貼山山腳下 參拜前可以在路上攤販先買好茉莉花串 這裡百分之九十都是泰國人 很少會看到外國遊客 我半年前第一次去拜 許願希望可以有機會來泰國長住 回去沒多久就收到朱拉獎學金通知 然後我現在就在曼谷唸書了 所以我今年12月去還願了🙏 裡面供奉急應驗佛,又有人稱樂透佛 因為對當地人來說是有求必應 當然願望不能天馬行空遙不可及 這裡每天來拜拜的信徒超級多 如果有來清邁玩 真的滿值得特地來一趟的! Wat Phra That Doi Kham in Chiang Mai is renowned for its wish-granting Buddha, attracting mainly Thai worshippers. Known for fulfilling rea...
bkkaiwei
4.9K likes • 363.4K views
📍Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Chiang Mai, Thailand The ‘Temple of the Golden Mountain’ is surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes and offers a view of Chiang Mai down below. This ancient temple is believed to have been built in the year 687 to enshrine Buddha’s relics. Opening hours: 8.00 am-5.00 pm, daily. Entrance by donation. #chiangmai #chiangmaitravel #templesofthailand #worldtravel #...
fuelforthesole
524 likes • 26.2K views

🚖 Grab vs. Red Truck

Grab can be tricky for return trips. Red trucks are readily available for descent. Reddit

🚶 Monk's Trail Option

For an adventurous start, hike the Monk's Trail and then take a red truck down. Reddit

Recopilando momentos mágicos de mi visita al Templo Wat Phra That Doi Kham. Un lugar lleno de espiritualidad y belleza, donde la historia tailandesa habla. #krudavid #davidvilches #masajetailandes #masajetailandesencamilla #aprendemasajetailandes #escuelamasajetailandes #quiromasaje #masajista #thaimassage #thaimassagecourse #chiangmai
krudavid.oficial
16 likes • 297 views

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Stay Hydrated!

It gets very hot, especially on the white tiles. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Good walking shoes are a must. Reddit

🚖 Grab vs. Red Truck

Grab can be tricky for return trips. Red trucks are readily available for descent. Reddit

🚶 Monk's Trail Option

For an adventurous start, hike the Monk's Trail and then take a red truck down. Reddit

🙏 Dress Respectfully

Cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(20k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Wat Phra That Doi Kham for its stunning golden Buddha, breathtaking city views, and the rewarding climb up the Naga staircase. The temple offers a serene atmosphere and a beautiful escape from the city bustle. However, be prepared for intense heat, especially on sunny days, and the need for comfortable footwear due to the extensive walking and stairs.

"Short, beautiful hike with an impressive temple at the top! We are traveling in May so it was HOT and fair warning that the temple is extra hot. Not a ton of shade, and the sun bakes the white tiles which reflect back to you. Definitely be prepared with water, electrolytes, sunscreen, and a hat. A portable fan wouldn’t hurt either.

If you want to hike to the top, you have to get dropped off at the parking lot/market across from Cup Fine Day. Keep in mind that it is more than just the dragon stair case you’ll have to climb. There’s about 300 steps through the forest and the staircase itself is about 180. There’s a sign that says it’s 1.5 kilometers, but that seemed like too much. It’s really quite short, but it’s steep.

If you’re not up for the hike but still want to take the dragon stairs, you’ll have to get dropped off at the top of the temple and then walk down the stairs to walk up them. There’s not car drop-off zone at the bottom of the staircase.

If you can, we definitely recommend the whole hike :) the forest is beautiful and you’ll see some cool animals. We saw a peacock!!"

Emma Radebaugh

"Very beautiful Wat. It was a very hot day so we drove up. They have some very impressive statues. There are side shops that sell some things. Bathrooms are traditional no paper down the toilet type and were fairly clean when I used them."

Nick p

"It started raining after I came out from praying that day. I sat and waited for the rain to stop. The sound of wind chimes was very soothing.🙏"

Uncle Mike

What People Like

Impressive golden Buddha
Panoramic city views
Serene atmosphere

What People Dislike

Intense heat
Steep stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You have several options! Many visitors opt for a Grab, though getting a return trip can sometimes be challenging. Reddit Red trucks are a very popular and affordable choice, readily available in the city and waiting at the temple for your descent. Reddit For the adventurous, the Monk's Trail offers a scenic hike up, with red trucks available at the top for the ride down. Reddit

While you can get a Grab to the temple, some travelers have reported difficulty securing a return trip, as drivers may prefer round trips. Reddit It's often easier to arrange a return with a local red truck. Reddit

The Monk's Trail is a hiking path that leads up to Wat Phra That Doi Kham. It's a more immersive way to reach the temple, offering a chance to connect with nature before reaching the sacred site. Reddit

Yes, red trucks are a common and convenient way to reach Wat Phra That Doi Kham. They can be found in various parts of Chiang Mai and will wait at the temple for your return journey. Reddit

The travel time to Wat Phra That Doi Kham from Chiang Mai city typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions and your mode of transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no entrance fee to visit Wat Phra That Doi Kham. However, donations are always welcome to help maintain the temple grounds. TikTok

Wat Phra That Doi Kham is typically open daily from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to experience it at different times of the day. It's best to check locally for any specific hours. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required for Wat Phra That Doi Kham as there is no admission fee. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

Yes, as with most temples in Thailand, it's important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Reddit

Yes, many tour groups visit Wat Phra That Doi Kham. However, visiting independently allows for more flexibility and a personalized experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the impressive 17-meter sitting Buddha statue, the ornate golden carvings, the Naga staircase, and stunning panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Reddit

Yes, there is a significant amount of walking and climbing involved, especially if you choose to hike the Monk's Trail or ascend the Naga staircase. Comfortable shoes are essential. Reddit

The viewing terrace offers incredible cityscapes, while the golden Buddha statue and the Naga staircase provide iconic shots. The intricate details of the temple architecture are also very photogenic. TikTok

Yes, restrooms are available at the temple complex. They are traditional Thai style, so be prepared for that. Reddit

Yes, there are shops on-site where you can purchase souvenirs, local crafts, and other items. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stalls and small eateries located at the temple complex where you can purchase snacks and local dishes. Reddit

You can typically find a variety of Thai street food and local snacks. It's a good place to grab a quick bite while enjoying the temple. Reddit

It's a convenient option for a quick meal, but for a wider culinary experience, consider dining in Chiang Mai city before or after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset provides a warm, beautiful glow. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, always be respectful and avoid taking photos of people without their permission, especially monks. TikTok

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both the grand Buddha statue and the scenic views. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the temple architecture. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and national parks. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid any issues. TikTok

The 17-meter golden Buddha, the Naga staircase, and the panoramic views from the terrace are prime photography locations. TikTok

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