Wat Umong & Doi Suthep At Night

Seeing Doi Suthep at night is a different experience from the daytime crowds. The golden pagoda is lit, the terrace is quiet, and the view from the top is the whole of Chiang Mai spread out in lights. This short evening tour pairs it with Wat Umong, the 700-year-old forest temple on the edge of town known for its brick tunnels and Buddha images among the trees. It suits anyone who has a busy daytime schedule, and it works well after a day at an elephant camp or a cooking class.

Pickup is in the late afternoon. The first stop is Wat Umong, where you have about 20 minutes to walk the tunnels and the shaded grounds with your licensed English-speaking guide. From there the van climbs the mountain road to Doi Suthep. You can take the stairs up to the temple, or the cable car for a small fee paid on the spot. You have around an hour at the top for the pagoda, the bells and the night view before the drive back, arriving at your hotel by about 8:30 pm.

Temple dress applies: trousers or a long skirt and long-sleeved tops. Sandals and flip-flops are fine. The tour runs whatever the weather.