Highway No. 1004, or the Huay Kaew–Doi Suthep route, is an important tourist road in Chiang Mai. It starts from the foothills near Huay Kaew Waterfall, gradually ascending through forests and mountains to Doi Suthep and Doi Pui.

Along the route, there are natural waterfalls, Chiang Mai's revered temple, a National Park visitor center, a royal palace with winter flower gardens, a Hmong village, and a road leading to Khun Chang Kian, which is famous for viewing Wild Himalayan Cherry blossoms during the winter.

Tourists can visit the main attractions within one day, but if you wish to explore all places unhurriedly or experience the natural atmosphere on the mountain, it's recommended to plan a 2-day, 1-night trip.

1. Huay Kaew Waterfall

Huay Kaew Waterfall is one of the closest natural waterfalls to Chiang Mai city and an ideal starting point for the route up Doi Suthep.

From the parking area, you can walk to the waterfall in a short time. The surrounding area is shaded by large trees and natural rock formations, perfect for a break, a picnic, or a meal before starting your ascent up the mountain.

The waterfall is not very large, and the water volume may vary by season. During the rainy season and early winter, the atmosphere is often particularly lush and fresh.

Recommended time: 40 minutes–1 hour

2. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan is an important sacred site and one of the symbols of Chiang Mai province. It enshrines relics of the Buddha within its gleaming golden stupa, featuring beautiful Lanna art and architecture.

Tourists can walk up the 306 Naga-lined steps or choose to use the electric tram to reach the temple grounds. Once at the top, you can pay homage to the stupa, admire the Lanna architecture, and enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai city from above.

During long holidays and festivals, traffic and parking areas around the temple can be crowded. It is advisable to travel early in the morning or use a red songthaew (shared taxi) service from the foothills.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours

3. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

The Doi Suthep–Pui National Park office is located along the route after Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and before Bhubing Palace.

This area serves as a contact point and information center for tourists. You can inquire about travel routes, natural attractions, accommodation, camping grounds, weather conditions, and the opening or closing status of various areas within the park.

The name Doi Suthep–Pui National Park refers to a large conservation area encompassing mountains, forests, waterfalls, nature trails, and many tourist attractions. Therefore, it should not be mistaken as a single tourist spot.

Those planning an overnight stay or traveling further to Doi Pui and Khun Chang Kian areas should stop by to get the latest information from the staff before continuing their journey.

Recommended time: 15–30 minutes for inquiries

4. Bhubing Palace

Bhubing Palace is located next to the Doi Suthep–Pui National Park office. It is a royal residence situated amidst high mountain terrain with cool, comfortable weather.

The highlights of the area include its applied Thai architecture, winter flower gardens, rose beds, and beautifully maintained landscape. It is ideal for strolling through the gardens and taking photos, especially for those who appreciate flowers and a serene atmosphere.

Visitors should dress modestly, avoiding sleeveless shirts, shorts, and short skirts. It is also advisable to check the opening dates before traveling, as it may be closed for official functions or maintenance at certain times.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours

5. Doi Pui Hmong Village

Doi Pui Hmong Village is a cultural tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle, traditions, and wisdom of the Hmong community.

Within the village, there is a community market, shops selling traditional clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, tea, fruits, and highland produce, as well as flower gardens and areas showcasing traditional ways of life.

Tourists can walk around the village, sample tea, purchase local products, and take photos with the flower gardens before continuing to Khun Chang Kian.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours

6. Khun Chang Kian

Khun Chang Kian, or Khun Chang Kian Highland Agricultural Research and Training Station, is one of Chiang Mai's most popular spots for viewing Wild Himalayan Cherry blossoms.

During winter, pink Wild Himalayan Cherry blossoms bloom along the roads, around the research station buildings, and across the mountain slopes, filling the surrounding atmosphere with pink amidst the cool weather, earning it the nickname 'Thai Sakura'.

The flowers typically start blooming from late December to February, but the peak blooming period may vary depending on the temperature and weather conditions each year. Tourists should check the flower situation before traveling.

The final stretch of the route from Doi Pui to Khun Chang Kian is quite narrow, with winding roads and some sections where it's difficult for cars to pass each other. It's advisable to use an appropriately sized vehicle or opt for local shuttle services.

Recommended time: 1–2 hours

Suggested Itineraries

1-Day Trip

Ideal for tourists with limited time who wish to visit the main attractions along the route.

Morning
Huay Kaew Waterfall → Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan

Midday
Doi Suthep–Pui National Park Office → Bhubing Palace

Afternoon
Doi Pui Hmong Village → Khun Chang Kian

If you plan to reach Khun Chang Kian within the same day, you should depart from Chiang Mai city early in the morning and manage your time appropriately at each stop.

2-Day, 1-Night Trip

Suitable for those who want to travel at a leisurely pace and experience the nature on the mountain.

Day 1
Huay Kaew Waterfall → Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan → Doi Suthep–Pui National Park Office → Bhubing Palace → Overnight stay in an authorized area

Day 2
Doi Pui Hmong Village → Khun Chang Kian → Return to Chiang Mai city

Getting There

• From Chiang Mai city, take Huay Kaew Road towards the foothills of Doi Suthep.
• Continue on Highway No. 1004, passing Huay Kaew Waterfall and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
• After Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you will reach the Doi Suthep–Pui National Park office.
• Continue to Bhubing Palace and Doi Pui Hmong Village.
• From Doi Pui, you can use local roads to continue to Khun Chang Kian.
• Those unfamiliar with mountain driving should use a red songthaew (shared taxi) service or local shuttle services.

Tips and Recommendations

• It is advisable to start your journey before 8:00 AM, especially during long holidays and peak tourist season.
• Check weather conditions and road status before traveling.
• Check the opening days for Bhubing Palace in advance.
• Prepare warm clothing, even if Chiang Mai city itself is quite hot during your visit.
• During the rainy season, be aware of slippery roads, fog, and low visibility.
• The road to Khun Chang Kian is narrow and has many curves. Drive slowly and do not obstruct traffic by parking.
• During the Wild Himalayan Cherry blooming season, check local information before traveling, as peak blooming dates vary each year.
• Support local community products and respect the way of life of the villagers in Doi Pui Hmong Village.
• Do not pick flowers, collect plants, or litter in the National Park area and natural attractions.
• If staying overnight, book accommodation or a camping spot in advance and adhere to staff regulations.

Best Time to Visit

The Doi Suthep–Doi Pui route can be visited year-round.

The cool season, from November to February, is ideal for experiencing cool weather, sea of mist, and winter flowers. Those wishing to see the Wild Himalayan Cherry blossoms at Khun Chang Kian should especially monitor the situation from late December to February.

The rainy season offers lush green scenery and increased waterfall volume, but it's advisable to check road conditions, heavy rainfall, and park announcements before traveling.

1

Huay Kaew Waterfall

Huay Kaew Waterfall is a small waterfall approximately 10 meters high, situated in an easily accessible location at the foot of Doi Suthep. As part of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, it features year-round water flow, making it a long-standing popular recreation spot for Chiang Mai locals since the past. Especially before urban expansion, this waterfall served as a primary leisure destination w...

read more

2

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is far more than just a landmark — it is regarded as the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand and the spiritual symbol of the Lanna people. Founded in 1383 CE (B.E. 1929) under King Kuena of the Lanna Kingdom, its construction represented both a political and spiritual cornerstone. Establishing a great reliquary temple reinforced the king’s authority while s...

read more

3

Doi Suthep Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park covers areas in Mae Rim, Hang Dong, and Mueang Chiang Mai districts, with an area of approximately 262.50 square kilometers (163,162.50 rai). It consists of rich forests and complex mountains, including Doi Suthep (1,667 m), Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui (highest 1,685 m), which are the sources of important streams. Major attractions and important sites within the park: W...

read more

4

Bhubing Palace

Bhubing Palace (Bhubing Palace) was built in 1961 during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) with the main purpose of serving as a winter residence when the royal family visited northern Thailand, as well as a place to receive foreign dignitaries and support royal development projects in highland areas. The palace area was designed to blend harmoniously with the te...

read more

5

Hmong Village Doi Pui

Hmong Village, Doi Pui, is located atop Doi Pui within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It is a community with a history of settlement spanning over 50 years. The Hmong people migrated here after World War II and have preserved their unique traditions, culture, and clothing. The village serves as an open-air museum of Hmong heritage. Activities and Points of Interest: Hmong lifestyle and traditional ...

read more

6

Khun Chang Kian

Khun Chang Kian (Khun Chang Kian) is operated under the Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, serving as a “highland agricultural research station” for studying, experimenting, and developing temperate crops, especially Arabica coffee, temperate fruit trees, and highland economic crops, which serve as an important agricultural knowledge base in Northern Thailand connecting res...

read more