I’ve lived in Chiang Mai for a year now and I’ve done this tour three times - it’s my go-to when I have visitors to show around. I find it to be great value for money, and I prefer Huay Kaew waterfall to the sticky waterfall that most tours go to. The staff are also very friendly and kind. The tour is not super long - each stop gives you enough time to walk around and see everything, but if you’d like to sit and soak up the atmosphere for longer then you might find it too short (we got 20 min at the waterfall, 40 min at Wat Phra Lat and 1 hour at Doi Suthep, though I imagine the exact timings can vary). Personally I like this, it leaves time to fit other things into the day. Riding in a red taxi is definitely an essential Thailand experience. I would very much recommend taking medication beforehand if you suffer with motion sickness, especially for the return journey down the mountain - the road is winding and you can’t look forward through the windscreen when you’re sitting in the back. The taxi is pretty comfortable though, with fans and padded benches.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Departure and return at the Discova Day Tour Shop for shared options
- Stops at Huay Kaew Waterfall, Wat Pha Lat and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Round-trip transport by local red songthaew
- Time to explore each stop independently
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within Chiang Mai for private options
Excludes
- Guide services — this is an unguided experience
- Admission fee to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Cable car ticket at Doi Suthep
- Food and drinks and personal expenses
- Hotel pickup and drop-off for shared options
- Optional temple donations
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Discover Chiang Mai’s mountain temples the easy, hassle-free way with three daily departures! Meet at the Discova Day Tour Shop and hop into a shared red songthaew - Chiang Mai's favourite local passenger truck - for a relaxed ride toward the forested foothills of Doi Suthep. If you’ve booked the private option, you’ll enjoy direct hotel pickup and drop off within Chiang Mai.
Your first stop is Huay Kaew Waterfall, a peaceful escape just outside the city. Take a short nature walk, enjoy the cool forest air, and follow the easy trail that leads toward the next highlight.
Your journey continues to Wat Pha Lat, a serene jungle temple tucked quietly along the mountainside. Wander through forest paths, stone bridges, and gentle waterfalls as you explore the temple grounds at your own pace. There is no guiding, just time to take in the calm atmosphere, sculptures, shrines, and the lush forest setting that makes this temple so special.
Continue up the winding mountain road to the highlight of your trip: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most iconic temple. Climb the famous 306-step Naga staircase or take the cable car to reach the golden chedi at the top. Enjoy panoramic views from the terrace, wander around the temple complex, and take in the spiritual atmosphere of this 14th-century landmark.
After your visit, ride back to Chiang Mai in the same shared red truck. With flexible departures and no need for a guide or private transport, this unguided half-day trip is a simple, affordable, and convenient way to explore a waterfall, a jungle temple, and the city’s most famous mountain shrine.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
It was all about our driver Mr. Dang! He was so kind and helpful and made the experience so much better.
Really good value for money. Great tour if you just want someone friendly driving you from place to place 😊 would recommend.
Well organised, with plenty of time to explore each of the stops. The start and end point is in the old town, with no hotel pick up options.
This was the perfect way to experience the sites. You are able to roam at your own pace and the sites are lovely. My driver was great, kind and helpful.
As always, satisfied with the Viator service. Very nice and punctual driver, everything went according to plan.
We had an excellent driver in Mr. Dang who pointed us in the right direction at each stop and was ready for us, when we were to move on. I thought the time spent at each location was just right.
Great price for guided tour to special temple at top of mountain. I loved riding up in tram instead of walking stairs. It is such a unique temple. Red truck was a cheap way to get there and included a very informative guide. Was so happy I was able to book at last minute.
Keep in mind that this is really just transportation to the different stops in a red truck. The driver while extremely nice just drives you to the destination and tells you how much time you have. If you are a group it may be better to arrange transportation on you own. Good for solo travellers who don’t want a tour guide.
All this is a a baht taxi driving you to each location. Go and organise on the street with a vendor direct alot cheaper. Discova are good and organised but should put more information in description so you know what you are in for.
Fantastic experience with Dan the driver. I would recommend this 4 hour trip, get to see amazing sights and in particular the panoramic view of Chiang Mai other side top temple.
We just loved this tour, the driver. Sadly, I have forgotten his name, he was the most jovial fellow. The tour took us to the water fall and two temples, which was self guided and exactly what we wanted. We were given plenty of time at each stop and could have spent longer if we wanted as we opted for hotel pick up, which gave us the vehicle to ourselves. Ir is not a regular Songtheuw. The back is padded, and the door is locked for safely, so you get the experience but in more comfort. Absolutely wonderful day. Sadly, it was time to come home. Otherwise, I would have booked other tours
The visits were good. A little more time at Wat Pha Lat and less at the waterfall would have been better. The driver should have gone slower. Two of my children got carsick, and one vomited. He was on time.
Amazing views and so peaceful and serene. Waterfall was powerful and stunning. 100% recommend. We booked the private transfer and it was superb
I was lucky to be the only joiner. The driver was very kind and patient, he brought me to each destination and waited the necessary time for me to complete my visits.
Very good tour guide was amazing would highly recommend to anyone and very good value for money - you’ll regret not doing this tour. Views from temple amazing and seeing the monks at home
Great time friendly driver. The waterfall was cool. Both temples were beautiful and the views of Chiang Mai were great. good value for the price and experience.
Tomé el primer tour, a las 7AM y era el único pasajero, aun así el guía no quiso suspender y lo hizo aún más interesante y dedicado. El Templo Doi Suthep es un lugar increíble, tanto si buscas una experiencia espiritual, un gran recorrido, vistas únicas o hacer fotos geniales. Totalmente recomendable hacerlo a primera hora de la mañana, hay menos personas, más expedito y personal. Hay un funicular que sube por 30 baths y es una buena opción para llegar a la cima. Recorrer con calma y bajar la gran escalera flanqueada con mosaicos de serpientes. Luego visitamos Wat Pha Lat, un lugar pequeño, más sereno, silencioso y de una belleza que no imaginas. Vale totalmente dedicarle tiempo a los miles de detalles que encuentras en este templo. Terminamos el recorrido en la cascada de Songtaew Trio, es un lugar bonito, pero no vale la pena, no es tan interesante en mi forma de ver y le quita tiempo a los templos que tienen mucho por ver y poco tiempo para recorrer. El guía estuvo preocupado todo el tiempo.
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