"Scale Doi Suthep" Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Buddhist Temple Tip by riproy

On the west side of Chiangmai is Doi Suthep, a mini-mountain topped by a temple (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) and a Royal palace. The temple itself is pretty spectacular to look around, and the view over the city is great too - however smog often obscures the view especially in the cool season (Dec-Jan) as farmers are burning rice stubble in the fields.
This place is heavily touristed so there will be no shortage of trips climbing the hill. When you get there you will see all the tour buses. Still, it is worth the trip.
If your accommodation does not offer any organized trips to Doi Suthep, you can easily hail a little red truck that will take you up for enough baht.
Doi Suthep is right next to the city, past the University and the Zoo. It is a steep climb (11 km) as it rises up behind Chiangmai Zoo, but if you have the gluts, you can rent a bicycle and go nuts. It took me just over 40 minutes and a lot of water being in average shape. However you might not be able to climb the stairs to the temple once you get up there. Make sure your brakes are good for the trip down.

Directions: Behind CM University past the CM Zoo - you can see it from the city.. some days