Hike to Wat Pha Lat, the hidden forest temple on Doi Suthep. This secret temple is a beautiful haven of peace, in a garden with beautiful statues.
Then visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the Buddhist temple draped in gold. Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, and a beautiful example of northern Thai architecture. From the temple you can enjoy a panoramic view over the city.
Pick up from hotels in the center of Chiang Mai by a typical ‘songtaew’ or ‘rot sii daeng’ (a converted pick-up truck with two rows of back benches).
The songtaew drops us at the starting point of the Monk’s Trail where we begin our hike to Wat Pha Lat.
Wat Pha Lat is the jungle temple of Chiang Mai and it is also the finishing point of the popular Monk's Trail, an ancient pilgrimage route.
This hike is along a trail that for many years has been used by monks to ascend Doi Suthep (Suthep Mountain) enroute to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes to hike the Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat.
Wat Pha Lat, the secret jungle temple, was built in 1355 and with its old stone buildings, intricate carvings and statues, and plenty of breathtaking places to meditate, it’s clear why people claim Wat Pha Lat is a hidden gem in Chiang Mai.
From Wat Pha Lat we continue by songtaew to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Thailand and a must-see for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. The temple can be reached via the so-called ‘dragon staircase’, a staircase with more than 300 steps flanked by a ‘Naga’: a mythical serpent with seven heads. Instead of walking to the top, you can also take the cable car (fee not included).
Once you are at the temple grounds you will see statues, pagodas, shrines, bells and Buddhist drawings inside. The original chedi (also called stupa or pagoda, a conical structure in which sacred relics are kept) covered with copper is the most sacred part of the temple. You will learn more about the history of this temple and the meaning of the paintings on the wall, depicting the life of Buddha.
Overlooking Chiang Mai from its lofty perch, 1053 meters above sea level, the temple is best visited on days free of cloud or heat haze; the view of the city, and the Ping valley beyond, is breathtaking.
Afterwards the ‘songtaew’ will bring you back to your hotel or the meeting point in the city.
Pick up/Meeting point:
- Pick up and drop off from hotels in our regular pick up area (the inner city or just outside).
- If your accommodation is outside our regular pick up area, you need to come to the meeting point: in front of the Burger King at Thapae Gate (Pratu Thapae).
Highlights
- Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Thailand
- Enjoy the jaw-dropping view over Chiang Mai city
- Hike the Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat, the hidden forest temple
Note
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the Monk's Trail Hike to Wat Pha Lat.
- The Monk’s Trail hike is not that strenuous and doable for anyone with a normal fitness level.
Guests who are not able to do the hike uphill/downhill, can go with the 'songtaew'.
- For the early morning slot (5:00 hrs in the morning) we start with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After sunrise we continue by ‘songtaew’ to Wat Pha Lat from where we hike the Monk’s Trail downhill.
- Remember that temples are sacred places and visitors are required to dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees need to be covered.
No flip-flops/slippers, leggings, too tight clothes or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in.
- Entrance fee for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (THB 30 per person) is not included and must be paid cash on day of the tour.
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157 Comments
5
Highly recommend this tour
I booked very last minute and to my surprise, even though there was only me, the tour operator still sent a driver and a guide. It was a lovely little trip away from the old town, up the mountain. We could see the whole of Chiangmai from above, just amazing. The guide was very pleasant and informative, he took time to tell me the history of the two temples and of Chiangmai too. The driver was very accommodating. Thank you so much.
5
This is worth your time
We went on an organised tour but we were not micromanaged. Picked up taken to both and we enjoyed the experience. Great photos of Chiang Mai in early evening and the chanting of the priests was great. A worthwhile visit.
5
Such a nice tour…
The trip was super organized. Our guide Amy showed us a lot and told us a lot about the background and history. She also answered many of our questions. It was a great tour, thank you very much.
4.5
A great way to explore Doi Suthep
The tour guide Saman was very knowledgeable about Wat Phra That temple located on Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. I really enjoyed listening to him explain about the different types of Buddhism but that despite these differences there is only one truth. I have actually learned to embrace Buddhism in my own way because of my Thailand trip
Saman was understanding and flexible when it came to the hike because it was very hot that day and I didn’t fancy going up so we did the reverse and came down from the temple. Along the way he explained about the different plants and herbal remedies uses by the local people. We also even saw a snake!
I would highly recommend this tour if you’re planning on going to Doi Suthep.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because the vehicle we used wasn’t airconditioned and the heat was just unbearable that day!
5
Doi Suthep and Wat Phat Lat on a very rainy September morning!
We had a wonderful early day with our amazing guide Tik! We had to skip the trekking bit because of the rain but it was still a fantastic first day in Chiang Mai. Tik was very knowledgeable about the cultural and religious history of the Doi Suthep and Wat Phat Lat (hidden temple) temples we visited. I have to add that he took some incredible pictures of my partner and I that I loved!