A Guide to Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai: 4 Must-Know Facts

I’ve been in Chiang Mai, Thailand for two weeks at the time I’m writing this, and I already feel at home. So much so that I haven’t really explored much yet. I’ve fallen into a nice routine of jiu jitsu training and working from home – which I absolutely love.

So when my two best friends decided to visit, it felt like the perfect time for a proper weekend adventure. At the top of my list was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most sacred temples. Located on Doi Suthep mountain, it overlooks the city and it’s only 45 minutes drive from the city centre. Known for its golden pagoda, beautiful view, and the famous 306-step dragon staircase, it’s one of those places that feels both grounding and magical.

First Thing First: How to Get to Doi Suthep

After researching how to get there (the options are a private car, public transport from Chiang Mai Zoo, or a Grab car), we decided to just book a Grab car so we could head up early. And by early, I mean 7am – which, by the way, was a huge achievement for the three of us, considering we love a good sleep-in. I read that the sunrise from the viewpoint is amazing, but let’s not push it right? 7am felt ambitious enough, lol. One thing about taking a Grab car up there: some drivers might be a bit hesitant as they might struggle to find passengers on the way back down. In our case, the driver just asked if we could pay cash instead, which was absolutely fine.

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Outside of the temples – people often pray here too

The drive up the mountain didn’t feel long at all, especially with good company. Once we reached the foot of the mountain, the road began winding upwards. On the way up, we passed keen runners and determined cyclists. There’s also the Monk’s Trail if you fancy a hike up, which is popular among locals and hikers looking for a more challenging route to the top. Distance-wise, it’s only around 10km from the city. Technically, I could run to Doi Suthep… but my poor knees would never survive the elevation! Haha. We were dropped off right at the temple entrance, where loads of songthaews (Thai public transport vehicles) were parked. That instantly allayed my worries after all the earlier stress about whether we’d be able to find a Grab car back down.

Getting to the Top: Stairs or Cable Car?

Okay, so there are two ways to get to the top: the famous 306-step dragon staircase or the cable car. With a little bit of persuasion, I managed to convince the girls that the stairs were the right choice! It’s totally up to you if you want to take the cable car, but there’s usually a queue. The morning air is pretty chilly too, which makes a huge difference. Climbing the stairs when you’re not hot and drenched in sweat is way more pleasant. So yeah… give it a try 😉

Me and my best friends in front of Doi Suthep’s famous 306-step dragon staircase

Temples, Rituals, and Quiet Moments

Once we made it to the top, there are several temples you can to visit. Just a few things to keep in mind: wear respectful clothing; no tank tops, no shorts, and no shoes inside the temples. You’ll find shoe racks by the entrance where you can safely leave them. Within the temple areas, keep your voice low and your movements calm. You’ll often see people circling the pagoda clockwise three times, and you’re welcome to join in. There’s also a prayer you can recite to worship the pagoda.

There are prayer rooms you can walk into as well, and you’re free to pray in whatever belief you hold. I believe gratitude and blessings exist in every religion, so I visited a few of the prayer rooms with my friends – it felt very soothing. And if praying or rituals aren’t your thing, you can simply wander around and admire the beautiful Buddhist architecture. Once you’re done, take some time to soak in the view of Chiang Mai from the viewing point before heading back down.

Oh, one interesting thing I found in one of the prayer rooms – which I later read that it is actually a fortune-telling area, is that you can step in and say a personal prayer, whether it’s about life, love, decisions, or anything. Once you’re done, you shake a bamboo cylinder provided there until a numbered stick falls out. That number is considered your sign. You then match it to a paper on the wall that you can take, with a written fortune. People usually make a small donation afterwards.

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My friend Jessica in the fortune-telling area

A 50-Baht Ride Down The Mountain

We wrapped up our trip with coffee at one of the local food stalls near the dragon staircase. We sat outside on the balcony, watching songthaews line up to head off to different destinations. We then decided to stop by the closest national park, which I’ll cover in the next article. By the way, a one-way songthaew ride to the national park (it’s close enough to the city) costs just 50 baht! Super affordable and so much fun. We shared the ride with other travellers – an experience I hadn’t had in years.

The iconic red songthaew (Thai public transport vehicle) lining up by the entrance of Doi Suthep

Anyway, that’s my Doi Suthep adventure with my girls. Hope you found some useful tips if you’re planning a trip there or to Chiang Mai in general. I’ll be in this beautiful city for a while, so expect more articles on other spots, restaurants, events, and whatnot. Stay tuned on www.kata-bella.com and follow us on Instagram @katabellamag.

Planning your trip to Doi Suthep

⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 6am – 6pm
🌅 Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset for the magical views
📍Location: Around 10 – 13 km from the city centre, on Doi Suthep Mountain
🎟️ Entrance fee: 50 baht for foreign visitors (for temple maintance)
🚘 Transportation: Grab car, songthaew, private car, or a mountain bike! 😉
🚶🏼 Access to the temple: Stairs or cable car
👗 Dress code: Clothing that covers shoulders and knees
🚽 Toilets: Available downstairs near the cable car entrance (they’re clean!)

Personal tips:

Get there as early as you can – the weather is cool in the morning and there are fewer people.
Try the fortune-telling area and do the pagoda loop for the full experience.
Go to the toilet before heading up and bring a water bottle. It gets really hot once the sun comes out.

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12 Mar 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Food Markets: 8 Popular Spots to Eat

Chiang Mai Food Market If I live in Chiang Mai (which I kinda do now), I honestly don’t see why I’d ever need to cook. You’re spoiled with food options here, across all kinds of cuisines and prices. Sure, every few metres you can find a decent Thai restaurant, but while most of them are good, I find eating at the markets much more interesting because you can try a little bit of many different things in one place. Here are some of them that I've been to. Chiang Mai Walking StreetLanna SquareKalare Night BazaarWaroros MarketTon Lam Yai MarketJing Jai MarketOne Nimman Street Food MarketCoconut Market You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Chiang Mai Walking Street This is probably the biggest market in Chiang Mai, held every Sunday. It stretches from Tha Pae Gate all the way to Wat Phra Singh - if you walk the whole route, it’s around 1 km long. Most vendors sell handcrafted items, clothes, and souvenirs, but you’ll also find buzzing food markets inside the courtyards of two temples along the way. Once your tummy is full, you can browse the street vendors or surrender to the joy of a foot massage which you can find right outside the temples - like....a whole street of pop up foot massage chairs. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: chicken and pork skewers, grilled oyster mushrooms, pad thai, longan juice💵 Prices: 10 - 150 baht⏰ Opening time: Every Sunday, 4pm – late📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town – walk from Tha Pae Gate🚽 Toilet: At the temple entrances (bring a 5-baht coin) Chiang Mai Walking Street, image credit: Destino Chiang Mai Lanna Square Still in the Old City area, there’s this outdoor food court - a good starting point for beginners, hehe. Why beginners? Because I feel like it's more geared towards tourists; prices are slightly higher, and the food selection is more international, not just Thai. You’ll find everything from Japanese dishes and Western comfort food like beef brisket and loaded fries, to ice cream. There’s even Burmese cuisine I've never tried before. There’s also live music on the front stage, which adds a nice atmosphere. It’s usually busy, but in a comfortable way - not too hectic and not overly loud. It does get a bit quieter when the Chiang Mai Walking Street market is on. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: prawn pad see ew from Thai Taste, black sesame mochi, chicken satay💵 Prices: 60 - 300 baht⏰ Opening time: Every day, 5pm - midnight📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town - 5 Ratvithi Rd , Tambon Si Phum🚽 Toilet: At the entrance of the market (bring a 5-baht coin) A busy night at Lanna Square, Image credit: Lanna Square Facebook page You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Kalare Night Bazaar Every time I come here or bring friends along, I have one very important mission: to eat the crispy pork belly from this stall right in the centre of the market. There are plenty of other tasty options too, but from what I’ve observed, many people come here for the seafood feast. It can get quite busy around dinner time and seating is limited, but if you’re patient and keep an eye out, you’ll eventually find a table. The market is part of the Night Bazaar, so it’s also a nice area to wander around and do a bit of shopping afterwards. And in case this helps with planning, there are a few five-star hotels nearby, like Marriott and Mövenpick. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: crispy pork belly, chicken and pork gyoza, pad see ew, fruit smoothies💵 Prices: 50 - 250 baht⏰ Opening time: Every day, 5pm - midnight📍 Location: 2 Changklan Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district🚽 Toilet: Inside the market (bring a 5-baht coin) The lively ambiance at Kalare Night Bazaar Waroros Market Some people call it Waroros, some Warorot, and maybe both are correct? It’s a traditional market where people come to buy herbs, kitchen ingredients, and everyday essentials. I first went to Waroros to buy mango and orange jellies (they're very good!). But there are also street food stalls around the market, plus a food court inside if you get hungry in the middle of shopping. There are also fresh fruit vendors - I bought lots of strawberries and rose apples, and the prices here are cheaper because it’s not a tourist spot. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: Thai grilled sausage, Thai iced coffee💵 Prices: 60 - 150 baht⏰ Opening time: Monday - Sunday, 6am - 5pm📍 Location: 10,12 14 Wichayanon Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District🚽 Toilet: Ask the market vendors, because I didn't find any Image credit: Say hi Thailand website Ton Lam Yai Market While I was at Waroros Market, I noticed that right behind the busy market area, there’s another market filled with local food stalls. It’s more of an everyday market, selling fresh produce and local goodies, and it feels even more local compared to Waroros with fewer tourists and more locals doing their daily shopping. There’s a Michelin-recognised noodle spot here, but my personal highlight has to be the little donut shop that makes the animal-shaped donuts. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: animal-shaped donuts 💵 Prices: 20 - 100 baht⏰ Opening time: Monday - Sunday, 7pm - 5.30pm📍 Location: 88/1 Wichayanon Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District🚽 Toilet: Ask the market vendors, because I didn't find any The place I got donuts from Jing Jai Market Lots of people go to Jing Jai for shopping - there are so many amazing local brands, handmade items, crafts, ceramics, and other interesting things here. But it’s become my Sunday ritual to have lunch here every week. Please note that even though Google says it’s open every day, the actual market stalls are only here on Saturday and Sunday until around 3pm. The area with restaurants and the supermarket, though, is open daily. It took me three trips to figure that out, so I’m sharing this to save you the disappointment of turning up on a random weekday expecting the full market vibe. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: pork satay with peanut sauce, crispy fried chicken💵 Prices: 60 - 200 baht⏰ Opening time: Saturday - Sunday, 8am - 3pm📍 Location: 46 Atsadathon Rd, Pa Tan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District🚽 Toilet: Within the market Very pretty Thai snacks in one of the stalls at Jing Jai market One Nimman Street Food Market This market is located in an open-air shopping space called One Nimman. They have a backyard area that regularly turns into markets and events; from vintage markets and wine festivals to flower festivals. On weekends, it usually hosts a street food market. If you’re going with friends or a group, I like how convenient the place is: you can explore the food stalls, sit and eat in the market area, and then grab coffee at one of the nice cafes afterwards. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: steamed buns, pizza, gyoza, Thai tea💵 Prices: 50 - 200 baht⏰ Opening time: Friday - Sunday, 3pm - 10pm📍 Location: 1 Nimmanhemin Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai🚽 Toilet: Within the shopping centre There's also live entertainment at One Nimman Street Food Market Coconut Market Just when you think you’ve already been to all the food markets in Chiang Mai, there’s the Coconut Market. At first, I assumed everything there would be coconut-based (which I don’t really like - ironic, I know). But it turns out it’s just a regular market, though yes, coconuts and coconut ice cream do make their expected appearances, hehe. I think the name simply comes from the setting: an open field surrounded by coconut trees. 🍜 Food and drink highlights: tom yum noodles, som tum salad, grilled chicken, watermelon slushies💵 Prices: 20 - 100 baht⏰ Opening time: Saturday & Sunday, 8am - 3pm📍 Location: 94 Soi Ban Tong 2 Mu 3, Fa Ha, Chiang Mai🚽 Toilet: Inside the market The relaxed weekend vibe at Coconut Market Food markets are honestly one of the best ways to experience Chiang Mai. They’re lively, affordable, and full of little discoveries - whether it’s a new snack you’ve never tried before or a stall you keep coming back to for that one dish you can’t stop thinking about. If you’re visiting the city, try to explore at least one or two of these markets. Hope you find this information useful, and thank you for reading! 😊

09 Mar 2025 by Bella in Europe

A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience

Those who know me know I’m not the luxury type - whether it’s what I wear, where I go, or how I travel. I always choose charming boutique hotels with characters over lavish ones (nothing against them, they’re just not me).Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Europe, with Copenhagen as one of my destinations. While scrolling through all the beautifully designed, Scandi-chic hotels, one instantly caught my eye: 25hours Hotel Indre By, Copenhagen.“It’s very electic!” - that’s probably the first thought that comes to mind when you see the bold, colourful, and unconventional design. As soon as you step through the front door, you’re greeted by a pastel-coloured bar right in the middle, leading the way to the lobby. Past the bar, there’s a music room on the right and a lounge on the left. I did spend some time in the music room - not to listen to music though, just to chill - and it was nice. The interesting design of the lobby, and the lounge The lobby itself is full of character, with a striking display of stacked books in the centre and a cosy corner with typewriters for guests to write poems. There’s also a little shop that I only glanced at quickly, but it seemed to have all sorts of quirky, novelty items (I would expect nothing less!). The staff were friendly, check-in was smooth, and then came the most exciting part… the room! My husband and I booked the Superior King Room because we wanted extra space for our big suitcases and coats. The interior was, again, bold and colourful - like stepping into a Wes Anderson film. There was a vintage phone that actually worked (this millennial had to figure out how to use it, haha!), and the bathroom had underfloor heating, which was a dream. Everything about the room made me want to scream, Aaaaaa! I love, love, love this hotel! If I had to be really picky, I wasn’t sure about the pillow selection, it was a little too soft to my liking - but honestly, that was such a minor thing compared to the overall experience! Oh, and as you head to the rooms, the corridor has this fun wallpaper that gives off Toy Story vibes. Spacious room, and unique design of the public toilet But that’s not the only thing I loved about this place. The breakfast was great - they had all the usual Western favourites, plus plenty of bread and cereal. But since I was in Denmark, I made it my mission to eat as much fresh salmon as possible, and eating it with rye bread was the highlight of my mornings! They also have a gym. It’s not huge, but it does the job. There’s a sauna as well, though if I’m not mistaken, it only operates at certain times. Overall, I had such a fun stay in 25hours Hotel Copenhagen. Not only did they wow me with their playful design and cool features, but the location was also super convenient - within walking distance of shops and restaurants. In fact, we averaged 20,000 steps a day just exploring the city! If you love contemporary, quirky hotels with personality, I highly recommend this one for your stay in Copenhagen.

11 Aug 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Bakeries and Dessert Spots - Kata Bella's Picks 2026

Chiang Mai Bakeries and Dessert Spots Chiang Mai may be known for its temples, mountains, and cafe culture, but there’s also no shortage of amazing Chiang Mai Bakeries and dessert spots to discover. From buttery French croissants and freshly baked pastries to creative pies, cakes, and sweet treats, the city has plenty of places to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quiet morning coffee, a cosy afternoon dessert stop, or simply a little treat after exploring under the tropical sun, these are some of my favourite spots to indulge in Chiang Mai. You may also like this article: 7 Days in Chiang Mai - Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat PASTRIES, DONUTS, PIES, AND MOREDay by DayVictor's French BakeryChouquetteCharin PieSMOOTHIES AND FROYOJoost GappleRob's Berry PASTRIES, DONUTS, PIES, AND MORE Day by Day They had only just opened (at the time of me writing this), but the queue was already pretty long - and it’s there for a reason. This little spot mainly does donuts, and they’ve definitely nailed it. The toppings are delicious with all my favourite flavours like pistachio, hazelnut, matcha, and raspberry, but the donuts themselves are really good! Light, fluffy, and have that perfect texture. A little heads up though, they only accept cash, so make sure you come prepared. If you’re getting a few boxes to take away, their clever packaging is a nice touch too! The donuts stand upright, making them easier to carry around. 📍Google Map: Day by Day⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9.30am-6pm Victor's French Bakery For those days when you wake up craving a simple, buttery French croissant for breakfast, this is the perfect spot to visit. The place is actually located on the main street, but tucked away behind a little alley, which makes it nice and quiet. Their coffee is good too, I usually order a piccolo latte. If you come a little later in the afternoon, they might not have many pastries left, though. But there will be some sweet treats in the fridge display. I love their tartlets with fresh blueberries, and maybe you will like them too! 📍Google Map: Victor's French Bakery⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-6pm Image credit: Victor's French Bakery Google page You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Cafes - 6 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites Chouquette Another French bakery not far from Victor's, this one feels like it has a wider selection of pastries and desserts to choose from. But somehow every time I visit, I always end up ordering from their breakfast menu instead - usually their croque madame or quiches, which are always a good choice. The space is bright and air-conditioned - a nice little escape if you need a break from walking around in the tropical heat. 📍Google Map: Chouquette ⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun, 8am-6pm Image credit: Choquette Instagram page Charin Pie Charin Pie does exactly what the name suggests...pies, lol. And lots of them! They have a wide variety of flavours, from classic favourites like apple pie to more unique creations like their Dubai chocolate pistachio pie. I think it’s best to come with a few friends and order different pies to share so you can try a little bit of everything. They also serve coffee, and for a fun little touch, you can get your photo printed on the coffee foam. The place itself is really cute too - you can sit in the garden that feels a bit like visiting your grandma’s backyard. 📍Google Map: Charin Pie⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-7pm SMOOTHIES AND FROYO Joost If you see a small smoothie bar in Nimman with a long queue, that's it - that's Joost! One word: their strawberry yoghurt smoothie: bomb! For only 70 baht, you get a tall glass of creamy, refreshing goodness that, for me, is enough to replace a meal. I've tried their other flavours too, which were also so nice, but the strawberry yoghurt is still the best one so far. It’s simple, delicious, and definitely worth waiting in line for. 📍Google Map: Joost Smoothies drink healthy⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm Image credit: Joost Google page You may also like this article: Where to Eat in Chiang Mai - From Thai to Western Cuisine Gapple Not far from Joost, there’s another smoothie spot that’s a little more on the fancy side. They use dates as a natural sweetener instead of added sugar. They also offer protein smoothies - and by protein, I mean...blended chicken breast! Whoah! Apparently, it doesn’t taste like chicken at all (I’ll take their word for it!), so if you’re feeling adventurous, this could be the one to try. But I’ll stick with my matcha strawberry smoothie. Ps. bonus point - they have a kids’ size option, which is perfect if you’re like me and can never finish a full tall cup of smoothie in one go. 📍Google Map: Gapple Chiang Mai⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm Image credit: Gapple Thailand Instagram Rob's Berry Froyo has always been one of my all-time favourite desserts, and Rob’s Berry definitely hits the spot. It’s light and not overly sweet. You can customise it with your choice of toppings, so you can make it exactly how you like it. Besides froyo, they also offer smoothie bowls if you’re in the mood for something a little more filling. The place itself is super cute, and it’s conveniently located right next to a lovely bakery, Groon - the perfect little stop for a sweet treat. 📍Google Map: Rob's Berry⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9.30pm Image credit: Rob's Berry Thailand Instagram

A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know

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