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View all Chiang Mai toursChiang Mai: Doi Suthep, Hidden Jungle Temple & Waterfall by Red Truck
Leave central Chiang Mai aboard one of the city’s iconic red songthaews and travel into the forested foothills of Doi Suthep. Shared trips depart from the Discova Day Tour Shop, while private options include hotel pickup and drop-off. Begin with a short forest walk at Huay Kaew Waterfall before continuing to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden jungle temple of shaded paths, stone bridges, shrines and small waterfalls. Explore independently and at your own pace. Continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Climb the 306-step Naga staircase or take the cable car to the temple terrace, then discover its golden chedi and panoramic city views. Return to Chiang Mai by red truck after your visit. Choose from two daily departures, with shared and private options available.
Highlights
- Ride Chiang Mai’s iconic red truck into the forested Doi Suthep foothills
- Climb 306 Naga steps to Doi Suthep’s golden chedi and city views
- Explore Wat Pha Lat, a hidden jungle temple of streams and stone paths
- Follow an easy forest trail to the peaceful Huay Kaew Waterfall
- Choose from three daily departures, with shared and private options
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep, Hidden Jungle Temple & Waterfall by Red Truck: Key Facts
| Price | From $19 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Group size | Up to 10 people |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Choose from 4 available options
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep, Hidden Jungle Temple & Waterfall by Red Truck
Private Transfer at 07:00 am
Private Transfer at 11:00 am
Private Transfer at 3:30 pm
Full description
Leave central Chiang Mai aboard one of the city’s iconic red songthaews and travel towards the forested slopes of Doi Suthep. Shared departures leave from the Discova Day Tour Shop, while private bookings include hotel pickup and drop-off within Chiang Mai.
Begin at Huay Kaew Waterfall, a peaceful escape at the foot of the mountain. Take a short walk along the forest trail, enjoy the cooler air and spend time beside the falls before returning to the red truck.
Continue to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden jungle temple tucked into the mountainside. Explore independently through shaded paths, stone bridges, shrines and small waterfalls, with time to appreciate the peaceful setting at your own pace.
Your final stop is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s celebrated mountaintop temple. Climb the 306-step Naga staircase or take the cable car to the temple terrace. Discover the golden chedi, explore the temple complex and enjoy panoramic views over Chiang Mai.
After your visit, return to the city aboard the red truck. Choose from two daily shared departures or book a private experience with hotel pickup and drop-off. This unguided half-day trip gives you the freedom to explore each stop independently and at your own pace.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Discova Day Tour Shop Chiang Mai: 10/3 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Transfer
Huai Kaeo Waterfall
Self-guided tour
Transfer
Wat Pha Lat
Self-guided tour
Transfer
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Self-guided tour
Transfer
Detailed Itinerary
- Shared Tour at 11:00 AM (Starting time: 11:00 am/Ending Time: 3:00 pm) Meeting time: 10:45 am.
- Shared Tour at 3:30 PM (Starting time: 3:30 pm/Ending Time: 7:30 pm) Meeting time: 3:30 pm.
- Meeting Point: Discova Day Tour Shop Chiang Mai: 10/3 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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- Private (Pickup Point: Any Hotel in Chiang Mai City) Pickup time: 7:00 am.
- Private ( Pickup Point: Any Hotel in Chiang Mai City) Pickup time: 11:00 am.
- Private( Pickup Point: Any Hotel in Chiang Mai City) Pickup time: 3:30 pm.
Leave central Chiang Mai aboard one of the city’s iconic red songthaews and head towards the forested slopes of Doi Suthep. This relaxed half-day experience combines nature, culture and spectacular mountain scenery, giving you the freedom to explore some of Chiang Mai’s most memorable attractions independently. Shared departures leave from the Discova Day Tour Shop, while private bookings offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Chiang Mai.
Your first stop is Huay Kaew Waterfall, a peaceful natural retreat located at the foot of Doi Suthep. Step away from the busy city and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of the surrounding forest. Take a short walk along the nearby trail, listen to the sound of flowing water and spend some quiet time beside the falls. The cooler air and lush greenery make this a pleasant introduction to the mountain before continuing your journey.
From Huay Kaew, travel further into the forest to Wat Pha Lat, one of Chiang Mai’s most atmospheric hidden temples. Tucked away on the mountainside, this tranquil temple is surrounded by dense vegetation and natural streams. Explore at your own pace as you follow shaded paths, cross traditional stone bridges and discover small shrines, statues and waterfalls tucked among the trees. With no guided commentary or fixed walking route, you can slow down, take photographs and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you wish.
The journey continues to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s celebrated mountaintop temple and one of the region’s most important cultural landmarks. Located high above the city, the temple offers both a fascinating spiritual experience and impressive views of the surrounding landscape. To reach the temple terrace, you can choose to climb the famous 306-step Naga staircase, lined with ornate serpent figures, or take the cable car for a more comfortable ascent.
Once at the top, explore the temple complex independently and admire its striking architecture and gleaming golden chedi. Take time to walk around the terrace, appreciate the intricate details of the religious buildings and enjoy the panoramic views across Chiang Mai. On clear days, the elevated position provides a memorable perspective over the city and countryside below.
After exploring Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, return to Chiang Mai aboard the red songthaew. Shared travelers can choose from two daily departure options, while private travelers can enjoy the added convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.
This unguided half-day trip is ideal for travelers who want to experience Doi Suthep without committing to a full-day tour or following a strict guided schedule. Each stop allows you to explore independently, giving you flexibility over how much time you spend walking, sightseeing, taking photographs or simply enjoying the surroundings. With transportation connecting the key attractions, the experience offers an easy and relaxed way to discover the natural beauty, hidden temples and mountain views of Doi Suthep in just half a day.
Includes
- Round-trip transport by local red songthaew
- Departure and return at the Discova Day Tour Shop for shared options
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within Chiang Mai for private options
- Stops at Huay Kaew Waterfall, Wat Pha Lat and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Time to explore each stop independently
Excludes
- Guide services — this is an unguided experience
- Admission fee to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Cable car ticket at Doi Suthep
- Food and drinks and personal expenses
- Hotel pickup and drop-off for shared options
- Optional temple donations
Important information
Meeting point
Discova Day Tour Shop Chiang Mai: 10/3 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts