History of Wat Doi Suthep
Delve into the rich history of Wat Doi Suthep, a revered temple overlooking Chiang Mai. Discover its origins, construction, and significance in Thai Buddhism.
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The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Wat Doi Suthep with a private, personalized experience led by a local.




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Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"The morning we spent with Kit was truly amazing! We loved every bit of it. He was so patient, knowledgeable, thoughtful and informative. We learned so much about Buddhism and the history of Chiang Mai (and some of its many temples). While we didn’t get a sensational sunrise view, it was a truly wonderful experience. Visiting the forest temple is still probably by favorite part of my entire 2.5 week trip! What a magical place to get the opportunity to experience. Thank you, Kit, for a truly remarkable adventure! I would encourage anyone to spend time with him! 😊🙏🏻 "
"First of all; his English is amazing! One of the best guides we have had and we have had several in the last years. We did Doi Suthep early morning with monk rituals, a city tour and a full day tour to Doi Inthanon NP. We could ask everything we wanted, he told a lot about the culture and was very kind and funny. He is driving very safe and really listen to your interest and what you like to make a good scedule. Don't look further and book with Kit! Highly recommend."
"Our whole family had such a wonderful day with Kit. We really enjoyed his company and stories, and learned a lot about Buddhism and the temples we visited. He's been one of the best tour guides we've had."
"It was early, but it was worth it. I didn’t know much about Buddhism going into this tour, but I learned a lot. Kit took me to two different temples. The first was the temple at the very top of the mountain, Doi Suthep. There I got to witness the morning practice of the monks as well as watch the sunrise. I got to participate in alms giving, which was a new experience. After Doi Suthep, he took me to Wat Pha Lat. As much as I loved the first Wat, this one is my favorite of the trip. Man-made buildings covered by nature, trees everywhere, and a stream running through it; it is the perfect place to relax and focus one’s mind on what truly matters. Kit was able to provide personal experiences to the information he shared due to his 6 years as a monk. Could I have done Doi Suthep on my own, absolutely. Did I gain a much deeper understanding of Buddhism and the life of a monk by doing this private tour with Kit, there is no question that I did. And I likely wouldn’t have ever known that the second Wat ever existed if it wasn’t for this tour. It was definitely worth the early morning. "
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Explore the magnificent Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai with our expert local guides. Discover the temple's history, cultural significance, and breathtaking views, creating an unforgettable experience.
Delve into the rich history of Wat Doi Suthep, a revered temple overlooking Chiang Mai. Discover its origins, construction, and significance in Thai Buddhism.
Experience the vibrant culture surrounding Wat Doi Suthep. Observe the rituals, admire the intricate architecture, and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
Savor the local flavors near Wat Doi Suthep. Enjoy traditional Khao Soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup, and indulge in sweet treats like mango sticky rice.
King Ku Na of Lanna played a pivotal role in establishing Wat Doi Suthep, leaving a lasting legacy on Chiang Mai's spiritual landscape.
Experience the magic of Wat Doi Suthep with a personalized private tour. Discover hidden gems, learn fascinating stories, and create unforgettable memories with our expert local guides. Book your tour today and embark on a unique adventure!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"Our early morning trip to the temple was incredible. This was a truly authentic, wholesome and inspiring experience. We were fortunate to witness the monks during their morning routine before the arrival of any crowds which made the experience extremely peaceful, nourishing and memorable. We felt as if we were a fly on the wall witnessing a marvelling morning routine. Kit was extremely knowledgable, friendly, intuitive and overall a great person to spend our morning with and to share this experience with. A miraculous experience and I whole heartedly recommend this. "
"I wanted to write a review sooner, but I had to wait for the emailed invitation. For other guests, please check your "Promotions" folder if you use Gmail, as that's where I ultimately found the email with the review link. There aren't enough "hearts" to explain how much we enjoyed and appreciated our day with Naphat! We had just come in from a slew of hectic days in Bangkok (it was nice, but I was really ready for a slower pace). Immediately upon meeting Naphat, she radiated warmth and sensed that my heart was hurting due to a personal issue. (Sometimes problems "jump in the suitcase" when we're not looking and come along for the ride.) I was taken aback by her intuition and ability to calm my head and bring peace to my heart so quickly. (I now see she offers a spiritual tour, I believe, but I didn't know that when the tour we selected started.) Right off the top, I want to THANK YOU, Naphat, for helping me see life with a different lens and help explain how to do that via meditation and explanations of various Buddhist philosophies, which fully resonated with me and my family members. We were treated to an amazing tour of temples and the most peaceful lunch spot I've ever experienced. Her knowledge of Chiang Mai's history and so much more is impressive. She was always patient and allowed time for our many questions, adjusting our pace to meet our needs. If we were going too slowly to meet our goals, she'd give us a gentle nudge and ask if we preferred adjusting our schedule. I loved her flexibility. By the end of our tour, Naphat truly felt like a family member, and I loved leaving with that feeling more than anything else on our magnificent trip to Thailand. Thank you, Naphat, for your wisdom, advice, lessons, and vast knowledge! We wish we lived closer, but someday we hope to meet again (and see your already beautiful smile after braces)! Highly recommend hiring Naphat for your next tour. All our best <3, Brenda Hurst, Chesterton, Indiana, USA (with Chuck Hurst, Abbey Hurst, and Kenny O'Donnell)"
"Kit is cheerful, welcoming, and obviously very knowledgeable. His six years as a monk make him the ideal person to show and explain the temple and its rituals. I absolutely recommend his services. They are worth every cent. "
"Kit organized the blessing of our 15 years of marriage in Doi Suthep and then we visited the beautiful weather of Wat Phalat. Kit speaks excellent English, is a connoisseur of the Buddhist religion and is a quiet person. We love your energy."
"Kit was an amazing guide with a lot of knowledge, had great stories and showed us the beautiful sites! "
"Having visited Chiang Mai on several occasions but have never had a more fulfilling day than when I spent time with Ratana. She has lived in Chiang Mai all her life and it shows. Her smile is as infectious as her personality! My request to her was a day of immersion into the local community and culture, away from the typical “tourist” atmosphere, and she delivered! I was able to get a feel for the logistical aspects of the overall city and visit some smaller Wats and villages as well. I was able to see the local markets and how the locals traded, she explained the proper etiquette when shopping and was able to communicate with the vendors to help me understand the different foods and their applications. If you’re looking for a wonderful way to spend a day and get to know Chiang Mai do not hesitate to reserve Ratana. 😎 🙏 "



Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.