📝 1. Quick Overview
At the western edge of Chiang Mai city, Huay Kaew Entrance is the launchpad to Doi Suthep, packed with lush trails, waterfalls, jungle temples, and scooter adventures. It’s where the city ends and the mountain begins.
🧭 Perfect for: Nature lovers, scooter riders, temple hikers
🌟 2. Must-See Highlights
- 💦 Huay Kaew Waterfall – Free, foresty, 5-min walk from entrance
- 🛕 Wat Pha Lat Hike Trail (Monk’s Trail) – Hidden jungle temple route
- 🧭 Start of Doi Suthep Road – Winding road to mountaintop temples
- 🥤 Student Cafés & Juice Bars – Budget-friendly drinks & Wi-Fi
- 🌄 Sunset ride point – Viewpoint before winding into the clouds
💡 3. Smart Tips
🕐 Best Time:
- 🌅 Morning = great for hikes & cool air
- 🌇 Sunset = epic view stops on scooter
👟 Wear sneakers if hiking Monk’s Trail
🛵 Fuel up before driving up the mountain
🎒 Bring mosquito repellent + water
📶 Signal fades as you go up — preload maps
🎟️ 4. Attractions & Entry Info
| 🏞️ Spot | Entry Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Huay Kaew Waterfall | Free | Easy walk, family-friendly |
| Wat Pha Lat (via hike) | Free | Via Monk’s Trail (~45 min) |
| Doi Suthep Temple | 30 THB | ~8 km uphill from entrance |
☕ 5. Nearby Eats & Cafés
- SS1254372 Café – Art café w/ Thai-Western brunch
- Wawee Coffee (CMU Viewpoint) – Chill lake + Suthep view
- Khao Soi Mae Sai – Iconic noodle shop, just 3 min away
- Smoothie Carts – Fruity blends for ~30 THB
🚗 6. Access
📍 Location: End of Huay Kaew Road, just past MAYA Mall
🚶 From Nimman: ~10–15 min walk
🛵 From Old City: ~10 min scooter / tuk-tuk
🛺 Red Songthaew (shared truck) to Doi Suthep leaves from here
🥾 Monk’s Trail starts behind CMU Zoo parking
🧭 7. Nearby Add-Ons
✅ Hike to Wat Pha Lat via Monk’s Trail
✅ Ride to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (~25 min)
✅ Explore CMU campus lake for a chill break
✅ Visit Ton Payom Market for breakfast like a local
🔗 8. Link & Save
📍 Google Maps: 🔗 Tap to Navigate
💾 Save offline — this is your starting line for the mountains!
