Doi Suthep + Hmong Village

Doi Suthep is the temple you see glinting on the mountain from anywhere in Chiang Mai, and this half-day trip is the simplest way to get up there and back before lunch. It combines the temple with a visit to a Hmong village a little higher on the same road, so you get both the landmark and a glimpse of hill tribe life in one morning. It suits first-time visitors, families and anyone with only a few hours to spare.

After pickup from your hotel the van winds up the mountain road for about half an hour. At the temple you take the cable car up to the terrace (included), where a licensed English-speaking guide walks you round the golden pagoda, the bells and shrines, and the viewpoint over the city at just over a thousand metres. You then continue to the Hmong village, where about 50 minutes gives you time to look at the textiles and handicrafts, see the houses and gardens, and visit the small village museum if you want to (a small extra charge). You are back at your hotel around lunchtime.

Shoulders and knees must be covered at the temple. Sandals are fine. Bring an umbrella or raincoat between May and October.