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
Relaxing experience in Chiang Mai
It’s a cool and relaxing experience. Mali is a nice tour guide. She’s good in balancing coins when we went to the temple. We had fun. P
5
Wonderful Tour of Chiang Mai Temples
I really enjoyed this tour. Malee was a great guide and shared lots of stories and information about the temples we visited. The hike was a little more intense than I expected, but it was worth the beautiful views. Definitely recommend if you want to visit some interesting temples off the beaten path in Chiang Mai.
5
Awesome tour and guide
I had an awesome time with Malee! She was fun to chat with and was able to give good background on the temples, Buddhist traditions, etc. Oh and we ate some durian ice cream which one of us enjoyed. Overall a lovely person and great guide. The temples and surroundings were beautiful and well worth the trip.
5
Wonderful sunrise and temples
Nancy is an exceptional tour guide. She explained aspects of Buddhism and the history of the faith and Thailand as we toured two temples.
This was an early start – but well worth it. Seeing sunrise was something special and Wat Chiang Man is breathtakingly beautiful.
The second temple was a total contrast and still beautiful. The walk back along Monks Trail through the forest was very pleasant.
Nancy conducted the tour at a pleasant pace and the lending the walking staff was very helpful through the forest.
Nancy advised on good photographic locations and took photos of me along the way.
Back to the hotel in time for breakfast.
A very big thank you Nancy for a wonderful tour🙏🙏🙏
5
Most beautiful sunrise
Best part of my visit to Chiang mai. If you’re hesitating to visit during burning season, don’t be. The sunrise was the most beautiful because it wasn’t so bright so you could stare directly at it. Amy was such a wonderful guide and the tour was way better than I expected. We started with a stop at 7/11 to get some breakfast, and then went to Doi Suthep to see the sunrise and give offering to the monks which was a really special experience. We then hiked down the monk’s trail which was a very beginner-friendly hike. Overall, highly recommend!