Straight from our 8-hour overnight train from Phitsanulok and our half-day tour of Sukhothai’s Outer Zone temples, we wasted no time and boarded the Songthaew our host arranged. On our first day in Chiang Mai, our itinerary focuses on the district’s Tambon Suthep area.

Be Informed

Many places of interest in the Tambon Suthep area are within the mountains of Doi Suthep National Park. Roads are steep with sharp curves and are in good condition.

There are motorbike rentals all over Chiang Mai. However, you may consider renting a Songthaew (with a driver) instead. Our guesthouse arranged one for us. We paid THB 1,000 for an 8-hour vehicle rental.

When visiting temples, please dress appropriately. Pants are your best bet, nothing above the knees and no exposed shoulders. Never point your feet toward a Buddha image when sitting in front of one. Remove your shoes when entering buildings. Be quiet.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

One of the well-known spots in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, draws local and foreign tourists. The first time we were there, give or take seven years, locals outnumbered tourists. Many locals are in deep prayer. It was so serene. You’d be reluctant to take photos. Since then, there has been an influx of tourists. Most of them are inconsiderately boisterous.

I’m unsure if there are days when the temple is less busy. We went there early Monday morning and only had a few minutes until the droves of tourists arrived.

During our first visit, one of my fondest memories of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep was its peacefulness. That seems to be a game of chance now. Still, the temple has a lot more to offer. The gilded statues and structures of the temple’s central area will inspire anyone. The sweeping views of Chiang Mai from the temple are worth a visit.

Wat Pha Lat

Wat Pha Lat is one of the stops in the Monk’s Trail that culminates in Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The temple is located within a forest and is one of the most peaceful places I visited in Chiang Mai.

The compound has well-maintained gardens filled with intricately designed statues. A pond, a waterfall, and a moss-covered chedi are some of the many interesting things to see within the temple grounds. I could easily spend a few good hours here had we no other places to visit.

Chiang Mai Zoo

Chiang Mai Zoo is expansive. You may rent a golf cart for THB 350 for the first hour and THB 300 for the succeeding hours. With the zoo being so big, half a day will go by quickly. I suggest bringing your car inside for THB 600 with no time limit.

You can interact with some of the animals, mainly by feeding them. Fruits, vegetables, and leaves are sold near the enclosures for THB 10-20 a plate.

Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham

Like Wat Pha Lat, Wat Umong remains relatively out of the tourist radar. Most of the people you’ll encounter here are locals offering prayers.

Its tunnels set Wat Umong apart from the countless beautiful temples of Chiang Mai. On top of the tunnels is a massive chedi. Also within the temple grounds are a “cemetery” of Buddha statues, trees with anecdotes, pieces of walls with bas-relief and a small lake.

Wish List

I think a few other places in the Tambon Suthep area I found on Google Maps would be interesting to see. The Royal Park Rajapruek with its well-manicured gardens and elegant-looking temple. The Chiang Mai Night Safari with its up-close interaction with animals. Wat Phra That Doi Kham with its 17-meter sitting Buddha on a mountain. Wat Suan Dok with its white, gleaming Royal Family Burial Site. Bhubing Palace, a royal residence with beautiful gardens. And the Hmong Village, a hillside village of the Hmong tribe within the Doi Inthanon National Park.

Final Thoughts

Chiang Mai is one of those places where you’ll find something interesting as you turn in every corner. Tambon Suthep is a testament to this. One day is not enough to truly experience what this section of Chiang Mai offers.

Despite the short time allotted for each stop in our itinerary, we enjoyed all the places as much as possible. Hopefully, we’ll have another chance to visit Chiang Mai, spend more time in the places we’ve been to, and visit the ones we couldn’t see.