Suggested Tours from Centre of the Universe

Doi Suthep, Phuping Palace, Wat U-mong (approximately 5 hours)

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is the most famous Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province. The temple is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple, impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination with local and foreign visitors.  At the base of the temple there are 309 steps to the pagodas or you can take the cable car up and back for 20 Baht. Entry to the temple is 30 Baht.

Phuping Palace is in the vicinity as Wat Phrathat.  It was built in 1961 as a winter retreat for members of the Royal Family. It now also serves as a Royal Guest House for State visitors from abroad.

Visitors are only allowed into the extensive grounds but many of the Royal buildings can be viewed from the outside. The gardens of the Phuping Palace are delightful especially the Fern garden planted on a small hill and the outstanding Suan Suwaree Rose garden which was laid out under the instructions of Her Royal Highness Queen Sirikit. The air is much cooler than in the city of Chiang Mai and therefore walking through the gardens is pleasant and relaxing but a golf cart service is available for those who do not wish to walk.

The gardens of the Phuping Palace are open daily from 8:30am – 11:30am and 1pm – 3:30pm but are closed when the Royal Family is in residence (usually between January-March). Dress code is the same as for visiting Thai temples, i.e. long trousers for men, shoulders should be covered.

Entry: 50 Thai Baht; Golf cart 300 Baht (Max 3 Persons)

Wat U-mong is located behind Chiang Mai University and makes an interesting contrast to the splendour of Wat Phrathat.  Built in a forest, the shrines are found at the end of underground tunnels carved out of the hill-side. There is a man-made lake full of cat fish and terrapins.  Fish food can be purchased at the entrance to the temple

Suggesting timing (based on traveling and walking at a leisurely pace)

Travel time to Wat Phrathat from Centre of the Universe with short stop at a viewing point over the city, about half-way up the mountain, 30 minutes

At the temple, allow a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes to include walking up and down the steps to Wat Phrathat, viewing the temple buildings, walking 360 degrees around the outer temple court yard, and taking a short break for refreshment.  There is a bustling handicraft market at the bottom of the temple steps, which extends into the temple car park.  

 

Travel time to Phuping Palace from Wat Phrathat, 10 – 15 minutes

 

Depending on your interest level in trees, plants and flowers, allow between 1 - 2 hours to stroll around the gardens.  There is an obvious route to follow which takes you on a circular tour of the grounds.  About three quarters of the way round, there is a food and drinks stall, where you can sit down in the shade for a welcome break.  Part of the walk involves one quite steep incline but there are seats in the shade at the top of the path should you need to rest.

 

Travel time from Wat Phrathat to Wat U-Mong, 40 minutes

 

Allow at least an hour to walk around the temple and the grounds.  If you get there around 5.30 pm you may see and hear the monks chanting their prayers inside the temple.

 

Travel time from Wat U-Mong to the Centre of the Universe, 15 minutes