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
Go for sunrise!
Great trip! Highly recommend the sunrise tour. Very few people and the pagoda lit up in the dark before the sunrise was incredible.
5
Rainy insight into Buddhism
Great experience, despite rainy weather. The guide Tik was informative about Buddhism and about the place, so the trip turned out to be an excellent way to experience the place.
5
Temple,Trekking, Tik. Awesome!!😍
It was a special Day!😍
We walking through the Jungle and the historical site of buddism temple.
The are 2 amazing point for view the entire city of chiang mai.
Our guide Tik was fanstastic to explain to us all details and the right way to feel connection with the place we went to , and for sharing his experience.🙏🏼
After seeing the waterfall, he bring us in really nice and emotional trekking in the jungle, and give us many tips to recognize the good plant for help when you need in this tipe of adventures.
5 stars!!💪🏻
5
Wonderful half day trip
A wonderful trip with a friendly helpful guide and driver who wer well versed with the history and background of the temples.
The trek down the mountain was great hike and we appreciated the foresight of our guide in supplying Naboo walking sticks which were extremely helpful on slippery terrain.
Thank you Saman.
5
Best temple tour in Chiang Mai!
We did the 16:00 tour with Tik, who gave us tons of knowledge, from the time we started until we got back to town. From the edible, medicinal, and utilitarian plants, the story of all the monks, temples, and statues, his knowledge is thorough, professional, and second to none. He arranged for our transport and walked us up the mountain through the amazingly beautiful jungle. He was patient when we needed a break, or for me to take a stupid amount of photos. My personal favorite was his telling the story carved into the giant teak wood, of how the relic of the Buddha was brought up the mountain. When we finally got to the monastery at the top, the views made the sweaty hike up the hill so worth it. This place was right out of a movie, including the view of Chiang Mai from so far up. Tik knows everything about all 3 temples, the monks, the 400-year-old jackfruit tree, and hell, even good ole “Temple Dog,” one of whom came down the path meet us. (There’s dogs at all the temples, so there’s always a temple dog…and some cats.) He also knows where to take the best pictures! Tik’s laid-back, easy to understand manner made learning all this history and culture easy to understand and follow. 15/10 would recommend this young man and this tour to anyone. Just make sure you can physically handle the climb or decent, which isnt that hard for most average folks. Next time, we plan on doing the 05:30 sunrise tour. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through this app. 🇹🇭 😀!