Doi Inthanon vs Doi Suthep: which day trip should you choose?

Doi Suthep: the temple above the city

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on the mountain just west of Chiang Mai. You climb the long naga staircase to a golden chedi, then look out over the whole city from the terrace. Because it's close, it fits into a half day, a sunrise trip or an evening visit.

Popular ways to see it: a morning with Doi Pui's Hmong village, a sunrise trip to offer food to the monks and visit the hidden forest temple of Wat Pha Lat, or Doi Suthep by night with the chedi lit up and the city lights below.

Doi Inthanon: the roof of Thailand

Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain at 2,565 m. A classic tour visits the summit, the King and Queen pagodas set in flower gardens, a Hmong hill-tribe market and the Wachirathan Waterfall. Pickup is around 07:30 and you're back around 17:00–17:30.

For walkers there are guided trails in the national park, such as the easy Pha Dok Siew trail and the Kew Mae Pan ridge trail near the summit, which is open from 1 November to 31 May.

Side by side

• Time: Doi Suthep fits in a half day or an evening; Doi Inthanon needs a full day
• Highlights: Doi Suthep is about temples and city views; Doi Inthanon is about mountains, waterfalls and forest trails
• Weather: both are cooler than the city, Doi Inthanon much more so; bring a light jacket
• Dress code: cover shoulders and knees at the temples and pagodas on both

So which one?

Short on time, or want temples and sunrise or night views? Choose Doi Suthep. Want nature, cool mountain air and waterfalls? Choose Doi Inthanon. With three or more days in Chiang Mai, many travellers do both: Doi Suthep on an easy morning or evening, and Doi Inthanon as a full day.