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
Got it all
An overall excellent experience. My guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, sharing information about Buddhist wisdom/ritual, Thai history, and nature. I went on the morning tour and saw a beautiful sunrise from the top of the mountain. Thank you 🙏
5
Recommended tour to the temple of Chiang Mia
Great tour with a great guide! I really enjoyed this tour to the temple! Recommended to anyone who doesn’t have too much time in Chiang Mai but wants to visit the most important temple here. The morning is probably a bit easier with the trekking because in the morning you will go downhill.
5
Fun guided tour
The guide was knowledgeable and informative. He was able to share a lot of the history and made the experience memorable
5
Awesome hike and adventure to hidden and Doi Suthep temples with amazing guide
As amazing as the hidden temple and the fun hike and the Doi Suthep temple were, Saman was as great! He was funny, full of energy, personable and came prepared . He answered all our questions and provided us with so much other useful information. He was a fountain of knowledge! We felt like he went the extra mile to make our experience such a fantastic one. He even arranged for a novice monk to demonstrate how to rub the gong (not sure how else to describe it) so that it will ultimately make sound.
5
Guided tour Monks Trail Wat Phra Lat and Doi Suthep
It was a very pleasant tour, totally worth it. We were picked up at our hotel by our guide Saman and the driver Matheu. They took us to the beginning of the Monks Trail and then we started an easy walk (around 45 min) to get to Wat Phra Lat. We visited the temple and then we took the taxi again (private) until Doi Suthep where we decided to climb the stairs (you can also take the funicular) and had plenty of time to visit the temple and enjoy the views. The tour lasts for aprox 4 hours (1.30 pm- 5.30 pm) and Saman would constantly be explaining things along the way, both regarding the flora/fauna of the area as well as about the temple and buddhism; also took several nice pics of us and afterwards sent them via WhatsApp. Lunch is not included but we were kindly given a bottle of fresh water each. We highly recommend this tour to people that want to visit both temples, do some easy trekking and learn from a local friendly guide.