A New Cable Car for Doi Suthep

The temple of Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai's most visited landmarks that were until a couple of years ago, when tragedy struck. The cable pulling the small funicular train up the hill from the road to the temple and controlled its descent snapped sending it crashing down the hill resulting in many injuries.

Many that wish to pray at the temple are too old and infirm to climb the steps. Therefore at a cost of B7.9 million, a totally safe system have been installed In effect it is an OTIS lift cabin that is pulled up and lowered down diagonally rather than vertically as in a tall building. It has a maximum capacity of 20 people and travels at 3.6km/h slightly slower than walking speed. Fully electronically controlled with a backup safety system in the event of the main one failing.

The service is available daily from 8am-4pm and roundtrip costs B40 half of that is used to repay the capital investment.