A Complete Guide to Twin Royal Pagodas at Doi Inthanon

If you’ve seen photos of Doi Inthanon National Park, chances are the Royal Pagodas are what caught your eye. 

Rising above the clouds and framed by manicured gardens, these striking structures, officially known as Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri, are some of the most photogenic spots in Northern Thailand.

Built in 1987 and 1992 to honour the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, the Pagodas stand over 50 metres tall and offer panoramic views across misty mountain valleys.

They’re also right at the top of Thailand’s tallest mountain (over 2500m), making them the highest Pagodas in Thailand and the very fact that they exist is pretty impressive.  

This isn’t just a checklist.

We’ll give you all the info and help you decide if it’s worth the hype and how to dodge the tourist rush. 

How much time should you allow? 

And is it really worth including in your Doi Inthanon itinerary?

We wrote this guide to answer those exact questions. 

When we visited, we found it tricky to get clear, up-to-date info and we had no idea what to expect when we arrived, we just had to wing it. Not my favourite thing. 

This post is packed with everything we wish we had known beforehand. 

From opening hours and entry fees to personal tips on the best time to go, we’ll walk you through what to expect and why these Royal Pagodas are more than just a photo stop.

The Story behind the royal twin pagodas

These Pagodas aren’t just here for the pretty views, though to be fair, those are stunning too. 

The Royal Thai Air Force actually built them to celebrate the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol (in 1987) and Queen Sirikit (in 1992), Thailand’s beloved monarchs.

And their spot, right up near the summit of Thailand’s highest mountain, gives the whole place a real sense of significance.

We really love the translation of the Pagodas as they are quite poetic. 

One roughly translates to “by the strength of the land and air” and the other as “the strength of the air and the grace of the land.” 

It’s a beautifully poetic choice of name that nods to the King and Queen’s role in guiding and protecting Thailand, especially their efforts around sustainability, unity and community development.

Design-wise, each pagoda tells its own story:

• The King’s Pagoda, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon, is square in shape with four tiers, each one representing a stage in Buddhist philosophy, from everyday life up to enlightenment. It’s decorated with gold-plated Buddha images and beautiful carvings, so there’s a lot to pause and take in if you enjoy the detail.

• The Queen’s Pagoda, Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri, is circular with seven tiers, said to reflect the seven colours of the rainbow, a symbol of peace and unity. The outside is covered in sparkling coloured glass mosaics and right at the top is a massive bronze bell that weighs over 7,000 kilograms.

Inside both, you’ll find murals that tell stories from the life of the Buddha, blending Thai spirituality with the country’s royal heritage.

We always try to understand the background of the places we visit and for us, this felt like more than just a photo stop. The symbolism, the setting, the atmosphere, it’s one of those places that stays with you.

Royal Pagoda Site Overview

The layout here is pretty simple once you arrive, but it’s still handy to know what to expect before you go.

👉The two Pagodas sit opposite each other, connected by gently sloping walkways, steps, and terraces. You’ll start at a central point and then choose which pagoda to visit first.  We don’t think there’s a “right” order, so just wander as you like. You can see both from the entrance. 

👉 There are escalators if you are unable to tackle the staircase but when we visited, they were out of service. If you’ve got limited mobility or you’re travelling with kids or older relatives, just be aware there are quite a few stairs, though the paths are wide and paved, so most people will be fine with a bit of steady walking.

👉 In front of the Pagodas, you’ll find gorgeous flower gardens with the odd fountain. They were bursting with colour when we visited in November. 

👉There are also viewing terraces with big open panoramas of the valleys below. If the skies are clear, you can see for miles.

👉 There’s a small coffee shop and cafe near the drop-off point, which is great for a little break and a bite before heading back down. There are also benches to sit and wait for your shuttle back to the car park.

👉 Toilets are available on site near the entrance.

What is the entrance fee for the Royal Twin Pagodas?

There are two separate fees to factor in when visiting the Royal Pagodas.

One for Doi Inthanon National Park and another for the Twin Pagodas themselves.

Doi Inthanon National Park fee

The current national park ticket price is:

• 300 baht per person for foreign visitors (around £6.95 or $8)
• 50 baht for Thai nationals

This covers access to the entire park for five days, including other spots like the other hikes in the park, the summit area and the waterfalls.

Royal Pagodas Entrance Fee

• 100 THB per person (on top of the park fee)

This one often catches people off guard, (including us) as the park doesn’t manage the Pagodas, so their fee is separate.

It’s cash only and they usually collect the Pagoda fee near the shuttle area or at the entrance checkpoint, so it’s best to have small notes on hand.

What are the Royal Pagodas opening Hours?

The Royal Pagodas (also known as the Two Chedis) are generally open during the same hours as the park, from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily, all year round.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Royal Pagodas?

Timing your visit can really shape your experience, not just for the views and photos, but also for the light, weather and how busy it feels.

Best season to visit

The dry season, from November to February, is ideal. You’ll get cooler temperatures, better visibility and the gardens are usually at their most colourful. We visited in November and had lovely blue skies and sunshine, which was perfect for exploring, though we did arrive a bit too late in the day to catch the softer light for photos.

Best Time of day to visit

Early morning is by far the best time to go. If you can make it up around sunrise, there’s a good chance of seeing the sea of clouds surrounding the valleys beneath you. The morning light creates this dreamy atmosphere that feels totally different to later in the day. We spent the morning at a waterfall and so arrived way too late, but it’s something we’d definitely plan for next time.

That early slot is also great for avoiding the crowds. It’s quieter, the light is more flattering for photography and you’ve got space to really enjoy the gardens and terraces. 

Late afternoon can also be beautiful, especially for golden hour shots. Just bear in mind that the site closes at 5:00 PM, so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore.

Best Day To Visit

Try to go on a weekday if possible. Weekends and Thai holidays get busy, especially in peak season, as this place is popular with both Thai locals and tourists.  We went midweek and even though we were expecting it to be super chaotic, being one of the more famous things to do in Doi Inthanon, it was a surprisingly calm and easy going visit with no queues or big tour groups.

How Long do you need to visit the twin pagodas?

We’d say give yourself at least an hour or two here, though you could easily spend up to three if the weather’s nice and you want to take your time with photos, the gardens and the viewpoints.

There’s more to see than you might expect. It’s not just a quick snap-and-go, there are two Pagodas to walk around, each with different architecture and details, plus landscaped flower gardens, viewing terraces and quiet little spots to sit and take it all in.

If you’re visiting during peak times, factor in a bit of time for the shuttle ride from the car park (especially if you’re waiting in line) and maybe a stop at the coffee shop or restaurant near the entrance.

For most people, 60–90 minutes is the sweet spot, which is enough time to enjoy the space, explore both Pagodas and not feel rushed. If you’re really into travel photography or want to soak it all in slowly, you could easily linger longer.

Things to See at the Royal Pagodas

There’s more to the Royal Pagodas than just the two main structures. If you take your time and look around properly, there’s actually quite a bit to enjoy while you’re here.

Explore both Pagodas

Each one has a completely different feel, the King’s pagoda is square and gold-accented, while the Queen’s is circular, with stunning coloured glass mosaics and a huge bronze bell at the top. Don’t just photograph the outside and move on, go inside, look at the murals and take in the details. Also, make sure you take a walk around the outside of the Pagodas, as the walls are so impressive to look at.

Walk through the gardens

The flower beds between the Pagodas are beautifully kept and often full of seasonal flowers. Great for a slow wander or just sitting with a coffee and enjoying the view.

Check out the viewing platforms

You’ll find several spots with open views across the valleys. On a clear day, you can see for miles and in the early mornings, you might catch that famous sea of clouds.

Visit the greenhouses

If you walk from the car park instead of taking the shuttle, you’ll pass a few smaller greenhouses along the way. They’re easy to miss but worth a peek, especially if you enjoy photographing flowers or just fancy a slower pace. This was actually one of our favourite sections as there was no one else around and there were tons of small details like ornaments and colourful benches to sit down on.

Pause for a quiet moment

The Royal Twin Pagodas are sacred spaces and there’s a lovely stillness to them. Whether you’re into Buddhist symbolism or just appreciate peaceful places, it’s worth taking a moment to pause inside or find a bench in the gardens and just take it all in.

What to expect – Our Personal Experience

We visited the Royal Pagodas on a sunny November day during the dry season and honestly, it was one of the calmest and easiest stops on our Doi Inthanon trip.

Instead of taking the shuttle, we decided to walk up from the car park and yes, we arrived a bit hot and sweaty. But it was totally worth it.

Walking meant we passed through the greenhouses and gardens on the way, which most people on the shuttle would probably miss. It added a peaceful start to the visit and gave us a chance to enjoy the surroundings a bit more slowly.

There were a few other visitors around but it wasn’t too crowded. We went midweek, which definitely helped. We spent around 90 minutes wandering between the two Pagodas and never felt rushed.

The gardens were lovely. Full of colour, tidy paths and little benches where you could sit and take it all in. We found it pretty relaxing and even with a handful of tour groups passing through, it never felt hectic.

We loved the murals inside the Pagodas. The detail in the artwork was really impressive and well worth pausing to look at properly, especially if you’re into Buddhist art or cultural design.

We had blue skies and clear views all day, so no mist or clouds for us, but the light was a bit harsh by the time we arrived. We’d spent sunrise at a nearby waterfall, which meant we got here way too late in the day for photography. 

I ended up just taking a few phone snaps for this blog.

Even though we didn’t visit at the right time of day for photography, we could see how the golden hour light would look beautiful on the Twin Pagodas and gardens. If you’re after soft, warm light for your photos, it’s definitely worth planning your timing around it.

What to Wear and Bring to the Twin Pagodas

• Layers — It can be quite cool (around 10°C), especially in the morning or if clouds roll in. A light jacket or fleece is a good idea.

• Comfy shoes — You’ll end up walking more than you think, even if you take the shuttle. Trainers or walking shoes are ideal.

• Sun protection — Even when it’s cooler, the sun can be strong, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses and maybe a hat.

• Water and snacks — There’s a small café on site, but not loads of options nearby, so it’s worth having a bottle of water and a snack with you.

• Camera or phone — For obvious reasons. Even if you’re not aiming for golden hour shots, the gardens and views are still lovely.

• Cash — There are no ATMs in Doi Inthanon National Park and the Pagodas don’t accept cards, (as of 2024) so make sure you’ve got enough Thai baht with you for entry fees, food and anything else you might need.

• Something respectful to wear — The Pagodas are sacred spaces, so make sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It’s not super strictly enforced, but it’s always good to be respectful when visiting religious sites.

How to get To the Royal Pagodas from chiang mai

The Royal Twin Pagodas sit high up on Doi Inthanon mountain in Doi Inthanon National Park, around 100 kilometres southwest of Chiang Mai. It takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours to get there, depending on traffic and how many photo or coffee stops you make along the way.

Despite not being in the city itself, they’re still considered one of the best things to do from Chiang Mai, especially if you’re keen on nature, photography or quiet cultural spots.

You’ve got three main options for getting there:

• Self-driving
  
• Joining a tour
  
• Attempting public transport
  

We’ll be honest, the third option isn’t great, but it is technically possible.

🚗 Option 1: Driving Yourself from Chiang Mai to the Royal Pagodas (Our Preferred Choice)

This is the option we chose and we absolutely recommend it if you like flexibility and exploring at your own pace. Hiring a car in Thailand gave us so much freedom.

We spent the early morning at a waterfall, then headed up to the Pagodas afterwards. It meant we could stop for snacks, take detours and arrive without any pressure from a set schedule.

Hiring a car is also ideal if you’re planning to combine the Royal Pagodas with other Doi Inthanon stops like Wachirathan Waterfall, Kew Mae Pan Trail, or the summit boardwalk.

🗺️ Directions from Chiang Mai:

• Head southwest from Chiang Mai on Highway 108
  
• At Chom Thong, turn onto Route 1009
  
• Go through the Doi Inthanon checkpoint and past the main visitor centre
  
• Continue up the road until you see signs for the Royal Pagodas car park
  

🤔 What to Expect on the Drive:

• The road is fully paved and in good condition
  
• It’s a steady uphill climb with a few curves, but nothing too difficult
  
• Parking is free near the Royal Pagodas and we easily found a spot midweek
  
• A free shuttle truck runs from the car park to the pagoda entrance (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM), or you can walk up like we did — it’s a bit steep, but peaceful

🚐 Option 2: Booking a Tour from Chiang Mai (Easiest)

If you don’t fancy driving, booking a private or small-group tour is a really easy way to visit the Royal Pagodas. It’s probably the best choice if you’re short on time and just want to enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.

Most tours to Doi Inthanon include the Royal Pagodas, waterfalls, viewpoints and often a short nature trail too.

💰 What’s Usually Included:

• Return transport from your accommodation in Chiang Mai
  
• Entry to Doi Inthanon National Park (check if this is included)
  
• Stops at the Royal Pagodas and other scenic places
  
• A local guide, lunch and drinking water
  

✅ Pros:

• No driving or navigation needed
  
• Great if you’re limited on time but still want to see the highlights
  
• Usually covers a full day of sights
  
• Free cancellation is often available and no payment in advance for added flexibility
  

❌ Cons:

• Timings are fixed, so you’ll miss sunrise or golden hour
  
• Some stops can feel a bit rushed, especially in high season
  
• Less freedom to explore at your own pace

✅ Recommended Tours

We know how tiring it can be to sift through endless options only to find they’re not quite right!

To make things easier, we’ve highlighted four well-rated day tours from Chiang Mai to The Royal Pagodas below that include different stops depending on your travel style AND our top pick booked through our favourite tour company, Seek Sophie 👇

Other Options from Chiang Mai 👇

• 🥾🌿🛕 Doi Inthanon National Park, Royal Pagodas and hike at Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (A popular hike that includes a birds-eye view of The Royal Pagodas)

• 🥾🌿🛕 Doi Inthanon National Park, Royal Pagodas and hike at Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail (Our favourite hike in the park – choose this one if you love long hikes)

• 🥾🌿 🛕 Doi Inthanon National Park, Royal Pagodas and hike at Ang Ka Nature Trail (An easy boardwalk through a cloud forest)

• 🚗🥾🌿🛕 Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon National Park Private driver – Tailor your own tour!

🛺 Option 3: Public Transport from Chiang Mai (Budget-Friendly, But Tricky)

It’s technically possible to get to Doi Inthanon National Park using public transport, but we wouldn’t recommend it for visiting the Royal Pagodas specifically. The distances inside the park are long and not walkable and public transport doesn’t go all the way up to the pagoda car park.

Here’s how it works:

• Take a songthaew (shared red truck) from Pratu Chiang Mai Market to Chom Thong
  
• Transfer to another local songthaew going up Route 1009 into the park
  
• You’ll likely be dropped off near the checkpoint or visitor centre, but not at the Pagodas themselves.
  

From there, your options are:

• Hitch a ride with other travellers (which isn’t guaranteed)
  
• Hire a local driver if one is available
  
• Walk several kilometres uphill along the road
  

❌ Why It’s Not Ideal:

• Takes 3+ hours and depends on unpredictable connections
  
• No early start possible, so you miss the best light
  
• Hard to reach multiple sights without your own transport
  
• You’ll likely be relying on luck or local help for the final stretch
  

Another option is to hire a Grab or private driver for the day, though this could end up costing more than joining a guided tour.

✅The option we recommend

We’ve done public transport and self-driving in Thailand and for this trip, self-driving really is the winner.

It gave us the freedom to stop where we liked, explore at our own pace and not stress about missing any of the views.

If that’s not an option, a small-group or private tour is a solid backup. 

Just double-check that the Royal Pagodas are included, as some Doi Inthanon itineraries focus only on the waterfalls and summit trails.

FAQs About Visiting the Royal Pagodas

Where to go next in northern thailand

We loved our time in Chiang Mai and hiking through Doi Inthanon National Park, but honestly, that’s just the beginning. Northern Thailand has so much more to offer and some of our favourite places were the quiet, under-the-radar spots that most travellers never even hear about.

We spent three weeks exploring the region and came across some real gems. Places with epic landscapes, rich local culture and a kind of calm that’s hard to find once you’re on the main tourist trail.

If you’ve got a few extra days, here are a few spots we’d really recommend:

Doi Mae salong

Rolling green hills, misty mornings and endless tea plantations, this peaceful hilltop town feels completely different to the rest of Thailand. Mae Salong has a strong Chinese heritage,and incredible mountain views.

Phu Chi Fa

If sunrise is your thing, this is one of the best we’ve ever experienced. You hike up in the dark and watch the sun rise over a thick sea of clouds spilling across the Laos border. It’s dramatic, quiet and absolutely worth the early alarm. Phu Chi Fa is just an hour or so from Chiang Rai.

Lampang

Hardly anyone seems to go here, but it’s 100% worth it. It’s home to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, also known as the Sky Temple. It’s a series of white Pagodas perched on jagged mountaintops. It’s one of the most unique temples we’ve ever visited and a total dream for photography.