Wat Phra That Doi Suthep spiritual Sunrise Tour with an Ex-monk
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
-A great tour for your wonderful holidays and avoid the heavy crowd and get different experiences from other tourists..
-Soak up with real Thai culture by doing Alms offering to monks and listen to monks chanting in the morning.
- Worth getting up early to see temple lit up and beat the crowds.
- Get great photos without disturbing from people.
-Get different spiritual development
- Your ex-monk guide will explain what you need to know when you are in Thailand
- Enjoy panoramic views of the whole Chiang Mai City over the clouds
– Wonderful countryside landscape while the sun rises behind the Chiang Mai city and mountains.
-They say you have not truly been to Chiang Mai if you have not visited this temple ! Morning life at the temple is unforgettable -the sound of temple bells, monks chanting and the fascinating view of Chiang Mai will fill your heart. Don’t leave Chiang Mai without this impression !!!!
( You can do this trip even before your flight leave at noon. )
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Dress code is formal ( Must be long pants or long skirt for temple visit in Thailand )
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
For this tour we wake up and leave early in the morning at 05:00 - 05:10 am. and drive up into the mountains to visit the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple ( A Chiang Mai Land-mark.) We highly recommend visiting this famous temple at dawn. The temple is quiet and the monks are just chanting, rousing and going out to receive alms offerings. Without any crowds you can enjoy the magical morning light and incredible views in serenity. It is the beginning to a great and wonderful day. Doi Suthep temple is located on the peak of the Doi Suthep Mountains and is the most famous landmark in Chiang Mai. They say you have not truly been to Chiang Mai if you have not visited this temple ! At the top of the temple you can view the pagoda shining with real gold, and a viewing platform offers panoramic views of the whole Chiang Mai City – take in the wonderful countryside landscape while the sun rises behind the city and mountains. The morning sky and view could be immortalized in a beautiful painting ! Morning life at the temple is unforgettable -the sound of temple bells, monks chanting and the fascinating view of Chiang Mai will fill your heart. Don’t leave Chiang Mai without this impression.!!! Before we continue to the other sites, we will have a nice and original taste of famous and delicious Chiang Mai food. ( Khoi Soy or Thai local breakfast sticky rice and Local Thai KFC. ) After sunrise. we will drop by at the hidden jungle temple and Wat U-Mong to enjoy the serenity surrounding & peace ! Both of them are unique meditation places, very interesting and serene. See you in the morning at 5:00 a.m.-05:10 a.m.
Wat Pha Lat
Visit the hidden temple . (Wat Phalat )
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Famous Local Breakfast: ( Khao Soi, noodle , Pad Thai, chicken rice or other local Thai breakfast )
Professional Experienced TAT Tourist guide.
Flexible for party needs
All fees
VIP. Air-con. Car / Van
Gratuities
Tip or other personal expenses
Pickup points
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep spiritual Sunrise Tour with an Ex-monk
Pickup included
Reviews
798 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Morning meditation
Sabrina Z,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So worth getting up early for this. Temple was quiet . Morning meditation with the monks and giving ohms was really special . Other temples were so interesting. Being with a former monk was so informative. Great experience! Don’t miss out.
Not to be missed experience
U6411OXruthc,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a trip not to be missed and well worth the 4am alarm call! James are guide was superb, not just because he had first hand experience as an ex-monk, but because his English was excellent, with a fabulous sense of humour and he was so kind. We learnt so much about Buddist ways and felt totally immersed in the experience. The tour group was small and the minibus transfer very comfortable. There is the challenge of a long series of steps to the Doi Suthep temple, but with Jame's encouragement we managed it, though there is a cable car for those that feel it would be too much. James also was happy to be our personal photography and we got some amazing pictures of the truly wonderful sunset. We sat cross-legged in the temple listening and meditating along with the monks chants and lit candles and laid lotus flowers as offerings. We offered food to the monks as they walked among us, holding out their alms bowls. The food was provided by James. Breakfast was excellent and included, but coffee was a small additional cost. Then it was on to another temple of the jungle monks. We had a Q+A with James on all things to do with Buddism. Waterfall backdrop, gave more photo opportunities. Lastly another temple, where we saw bat caves, populated at one time by the jungle monks in the rainy season. James made this trip an excellent experience and we came away with enlightenment and a desire to follow the 5 Buddist precepts, at least while wearig our beaded bracelets!
Amazing; must do
Aimee C,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing experience. Tom, the guide, was fantastic. This was great to learn more about monks but also history about Thailand and Chiang Mai. 10/10. Highly recommend this experience
Unforgettable tour!!
Charlie P,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did the sunrise tour to Doi Suthep and it was absolutely worth the early start. Seeing the temple at sunrise, before the crowds, felt calm and special in a way you just don’t get later in the day. Our guide, James, was excellent. He’s a former monk and the depth of knowledge he shared about Buddhism, temple symbolism, and local customs really stood out. It wasn’t surface-level commentary — he explained the meaning behind what we were seeing and why it matters. The morning felt well paced and thoughtful, with alms giving, chanting, quieter temples, and breakfast included. If you want a cultural experience that actually adds context and understanding, this tour is a great choice.
Sunrise with Non
kikilucky13,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience and definitely a highlight of our stay. Non was our guide and he was so friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience better. It was extra special being lead by an ex-monk who is definitely respected and loved. The blessings at each stop made this even more unforgettable. Don’t miss this activity.
Don’t hesitate to book
Michelle G,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience. Our guide was very kind and patient. He was super knowledgeable and was very prepared. We enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and a great meal. The coffee at the shop next to the restaurant is so good! Chiang Mai in general has amazing coffee btw. I loved the 2nd temple the most. I will say there’s a lot of steps at the first temple to be prepared! It’s a hike!
It is worth getting up...
Cordelia M,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It is worth getting up super early to see sunrise over Chiang Mai. And then visit 3 temples. However they should tell clients when it is a Buddhist holiday and thus there are changes in the temples. It was the case when I visited. We could not see all part of Wat Doi Suthep. I was really looking forward being blessed by a monk which did not happen. Wat Pha Lat is really worth it...hidden temple very beautiful although the guide spent too much time talking about Buddhist principles (which he had already done on the first temple and it was enough) so we could not really explore the temple by ourselves. The last temple with tunnels was not worth it....I did not like the fact that the guide wanted to disturb the sleeping bats. As for Thai breakfast, I had expected to taste different traditional dishes. This is not the case: you can have just one, and you have to pay for the drink. I would still recommend it.
Beautiful Temples but Lacking Information
TusharB263,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The sunrise tour of Doi Suthep was really nice. The highlight was watching and joining the monks during their early morning meditation, which was a truly unique experience. Each temple we visited had its own special character and charm. However, the tour fell short when it came to information. Our guide didn't share much about his own experiences as a monk unless we specifically asked him questions. We also didn't get much explanation about the rituals we were participating in or the history and significance of each temple, which would have made the experience much more meaningful. Overall, it's a worthwhile tour if you want to see beautiful temples and experience morning meditation with monks. Just don't expect a lot of storytelling or historical context unless you actively ask for it.
An amazing guide and...
Chloe A,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing guide and amazing guy! He is so sweet and will answer all of your questions. The trip was just magical and spiritual
Absolute highlight of my time in Chiang Mai! Don't miss this!
Connector66246228955,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved this experience! I knew nothing about monks and it was wonderful to learn about them from someone who had been one. Definitely deepened my understanding! The guide is also very funny and ensured we all had great photos with the various places we visited. I've told all my friends about this! Worth getting up early for!
From US$64.62
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