Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Big mountain where is just west of Mueang Chiang mai. I’d hiked this mountain with my young daughters started from Nonghor monastery to the summit of Doi Pui via Baan Khun Chiang Khian. And returned to city through the trail path which name is Crazy dust and Huay Kaew waterfall. There are many coffee farm on high land too, where has the altitude of around 1,000m Total distance is around 23km and total ascent is 1450m. It is good hike course but should prepare enough drinking water.

Absolutely beautiful, well worth the drive, for me it was worth it to rent my own car so I could stop and go to as many places as I wanted.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is the closest national park to Chiang Mai, situated approximately 10km away from the city. With its lush green forests and mountains, this location has become a popular tourist destination. The most popular site within this national park is Doi Suthep, renowned for its temple at the mountain summit and numerous waterfalls, thereby making it more famous than other national parks.

Beautiful golden temple on the top of the mountain in Chiang Mai . It’s easy to go there. You can grab the red local bus or rent the scooter on your own. Try to go in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, located in northern Thailand near Chiang Mai, is a stunning destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. The park is home to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred Buddhist temple with breathtaking views of Chiang Mai. Lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife make it an excellent place for hiking and exploring. Highlights include Mon Tha Than Waterfall, Huay Kaew Waterfall, and Bhubing Palace. The cooler temperatures and well-maintained trails attract nature lovers and photographers. Whether you're seeking spiritual sites or outdoor activities, this park is a must-visit.

Definitely consider getting a rental car if you're planning to explore the national park; it's vast, and public transport like taxis or Grab are scarce. The Don Pui village offers a unique experience, though it's quite exposed and lacks shade. The temple, on the other hand, is a pleasant spot with the bonus of photographers ready to capture lovely family moments. Before heading to the waterfalls, check in with the information centre regarding the water levels; it's not as impressive during dry spells. Overall, navigating the park with a rental car enhances the experience significantly. Without one, you might find it challenging to get around.

Must visit in early morning (around 6 am) to go around the temple and to see the sunrise. It's just breathtaking. You can see the whole chiangmai overall with beautiful sunrise. Furthermore, highly recommend to go with a local guide so he/she can explain about Buddha and Buddhism in detail. You can also experience providing food to monks during the tour. It was an amazing experience.

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival originated from the Lanna culture in Northern Thailand. The meaning of this festival is for people to express their respect to the gods and pray for good luck and prosperity in life. The Lantern Festival originated from the Lanna belief that if you worship the Buddha's relics during the full moon of the 12th lunar month, you will receive blessings. However, the Buddha's relics are said to be kept in the highest level of heaven, so the Lanna people lit lanterns and released them into the sky to send their wishes.