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 ‘songthaew’ or ‘rot sii daeng’ (a converted pick-up truck with two rows of back benches).
The songthaew 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 songthaew 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 ‘songthaew’ 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
- This tour is operated with a ‘songthaew’, a modified pick-up truck with two rows of bench seats in its open-air back (so not with an air-conditioned vehicle!).
- For the 5:00 hrs time slot, we first visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then Wat Pha Lat, and from there we walk the Monk’s Trail downhill. For the other two time slots, we start with the hike uphill to Wat Pha Lat.
- The Monk’s Trail is generally considered an easy hike (30-45 minutes) for people in normal physical condition. However, parts of the path are uneven and may be slightly steep or slippery, especially after rain.
While most participants complete the hike without difficulty, some guests may find it a bit more strenuous. This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- Remember that temples are sacred places and visitors are required to dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees need to be covered.
No leggings, too tight clothes or revealing tops, otherwise entry may be denied.
- Entrance fees for the Monk's Trail/Wat Pha Lat (THB 100 per person) Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (THB 50 per person) are not included and must be paid cash on day of the tour.
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157 Comments
5
Worthy the money and definitely a must to come, highly recommend!
The tour guide is very nice and responsible. He never been to our pickup location before so he arrived like 30 mins in front! Also, he takes good care of us and remind us many things. During the tour, he introduced the histories of the temples and pagodas ! Even in the jungle hiking he also showed us his knowledge of the forest! Indeed a local and professional tour guide, very happy with Mr Saman Duangkham!
5
Amazing Morning Tour
It was a great tour! I really recommend going early to get the best views and avoid the crowds. The guide was very nice, spoke good English and knew a lot about Buddhism and Chiang Mia.
5
Informative and beautiful tour
As a solo traveler, it definitely helped to have a tour guide walk me through Thai culture. I went on the sunset tour at 4 pm (1600), which ended up working to my advantage, as the temperatures were cooler and the hike was mostly shaded. We hiked up to Wat Pha Lat and then road on the songthaew up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The views were quite picturesque during sunset. (Warning for folks who really want the selfies: the lighting will be quite dark towards the half/end of the tour.) I had a great experience with Nancy as my guide. She was knowledgeable and kind and I really enjoyed learning from her.
5
Tranquil place and easy outdoor experiences
Great experience – Wat Pha Lat is definitely recommended for the serene and tranquil vibe the entire place gives. You also get a pretty good view of the surrounding landscape while you are at the peak of Doi Suthep, though the compound itself is not huge. I would imagine you can catch great views of the sunrise there if you go for the early morning tour. Phanita is really responsive and gave really good pre-trip instructions for us to get ourselves ready. The guide, Amy, is a really jovial lady and speaks well. On the hike up to Wat Pha Lat, she also introduced bits of the forest and how it relates to the livelihoods and customs of natives of Chiang Mai. The hike itself wasn’t difficult except some parts are pretty muddy due to rainy weather. Overall, a great choice for people who are in Chiang Mai craving some nature and outdoors that are not physically intensive
5
Magnificent experience!
Magnificent experience!! I went solo for the 5am tour and it was just beautiful! Only wish it wasn’t cloudy so we could see the sunrise but the tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and can give all the history about Buddhism and the temples visited! Taking the 5am tour you can take the opportunity to provide food and get a blessing! Worth the early wake up call!