Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike
Description
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 Doi Suthep Temple, the Buddhist temple draped in gold, one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples. Enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the mountain over the city. IMPORTANT: This tour is operated with a typical Thai “songthaew”, offering an authentic local travel experience. A songthaew is a converted pick-up truck with two benches in the back, open sides, and no air-conditioning. It’s the most common way for locals to get around in cities like Chiang Mai and adds to the charm of exploring Thailand in a truly Thai way. PLEASE NOTE: Entrance fee for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (THB 50 per person) and for Wat Pha Lat/Monk’s Trail (THB 100 per person) are NOT included and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The songthaew (pick up truck) drops us at the starting point of the hike from where we start walking to Wat Pha Lat. The Monk’s Trail is a historic forest path on the slopes of Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai. The trail leads through the jungle to the peaceful temple Wat Pha Lat. The name comes from the Buddhist monks who traditionally used this path to walk between the temples and the city before modern roads existed. NOTES: 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. Entrance fee for Wat Pha Lat Monk’s Trail is not included and must be paid cash on day of the tour (THB 100 per person).
Hidden in the lush forest on the slopes of Doi Suthep lies one of the most peaceful temples in northern Thailand: Wat Pha Lat. Often referred to as the ‘jungle temple’ of Chiang Mai, it is also the finishing point of the well known Monk’s Trail. Constructed in 1355, Wat Pha Lat has a very different atmosphere from the more crowded temples in the region. Surrounded by dense jungle, the temple complex blends beautifully into its natural surroundings. Old stone buildings, moss covered stairways, intricate carvings, Buddha statues and small shrines are scattered throughout the grounds, creating a serene and almost mystical setting. A small stream flows through the temple area, with stone bridges and quiet corners that invite visitors to pause and reflect. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful forest setting, it is easy to understand why many visitors describe Wat Pha Lat as one of the true hidden gems of Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Thailand. 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 (costs not included). Once you are at the temple grounds you will see statues, pagodas, shrines, bells and Buddhist drawings inside. The original chedi 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 you will be brought back to your hotel. Total time includes travel time to Chiang Mai.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We only pick up from hotels and accommodations located within the Old City of Chiang Mai or directly next to the Old City walls. If your hotel or accommodation is outside this area, you are required to meet the group in front of the Burger King at Thapae Gate (the eastern gate of the Old City) in Chiang Mai. Do NOT pick a random hotel from the list if you're not a guest in that hotel. Participants who are eligible for hotel pickup should be aware that pickups will begin up to 45 minutes before the scheduled tour start time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wear proper walking shoes.
- Remember that temples are sacred places and visitors are required to dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees need to be covered.
- The Monk’s Trail to/from Wat Pha Lat is generally considered an easy hike (approx. 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. We therefore recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. This tour may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues. If you are unable to do the hike, you can go with the songthaew (pick up truck).
- For the sunrise program (start 5:00 hrs in the morning) we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep first. After sunrise we continue to Wat Pha Lat from where we start the Monk’s Trail and hike down the mountain instead of up.
- This tour is operated with a typical Thai “songthaew”. A songthaew is a converted pick-up truck with two benches in the back, open sides, and no air-conditioning. It’s an authentic way locals travel around Chiang Mai.
- Free pick up and drop off inside the old (walled) city of Chiang Mai. If you are not an actual guest at one of the hotels in our pick-up area, the designated meeting point will be in front of the Burger King at the Tha Pae Gate. Do NOT pick a random hotel from the list if you're not a guest in that hotel.
- Participants should be aware that pickups will begin up to 45 minutes before the scheduled tour start time.
- Entrance fee for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (THB 50 per person) and for Wat Pha Lat/Monk’s Trail (THB 100 per person) are NOT included and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.
- As our tours run on a group basis, we can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After this grace period, the guide will begin the tour. If you cannot make it on time, please let us know before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available time slot or day, though a rescheduling fee will apply. No refund will be provided in case of late arrival.
- Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund. For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
- Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
Reviews(708)
It is amazing. Very authentic! Going early might seem unworthy but it provides you the time to enjoy.
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted you enjoyed the authentic experience and found the early start worthwhile. We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments in Chiang Mai!
My girlfriend and I had an amazing time on this temple tour and hike. Even though the names of the temples were a bit difficult for us to remember, the experience itself was unforgettable. We hiked through a beautiful piece of the jungle where we spotted some unique animals and insects, which was a fantastic bonus. Our guide was wonderful—very calm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He taught us so much about the history of the temples and shared interesting insights about Buddha and local traditions. We truly learned a lot. As a delightful surprise, two friendly dogs joined us at the top of the mountain, which made the experience even more special! We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a perfect blend of nature, culture, and great guidance.
hank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review! We're delighted to hear that you and your girlfriend had an unforgettable experience exploring Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the peaceful jungle hike, the beautiful temples, and even the unexpected company of the two friendly dogs! Your kind words about our guide truly mean a lot. We're so happy they helped bring the history, local traditions, and Buddhist culture to life, making your journey both meaningful and enjoyable. Thank you for your recommendation. We hope this will be one of many wonderful memories of Thailand, and we would love to welcome you both back for another adventure in Chiang Mai someday!
Great experience, even after a rain.
Thank you for your kind words! We love that the rain didn't stop you from having a wonderful time. It is great to know you enjoyed the experience. Thanks for choosing to explore with us, and we hope to see you again on your next trip—hopefully with some sunshine!
A fun and well organised afternoon. Saman was very knowledgeable and from what I could gather was once a monk. He really cared about making sure we had a lovely experience :)
Thank you for your lovely review. We're so happy to hear that Saman helped make your afternoon special. His passion for sharing local culture and ensuring guests have a wonderful experience truly shines through. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
I had a wonderful experience with Nancy on the Doi Suthep Temple and Wat Pha Lat hiking tour. As it turned out, I was the only person who booked the tour that day, so I ended up having a private tour experience, which was fantastic! Nancy was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. She shared fascinating information about the temples, local culture, and history, making the visit much more meaningful. The hike to Wat Pha Lat was beautiful and peaceful, and she made sure I felt comfortable throughout the tour. What made this experience truly special was that Nancy also shared beautiful Buddhist teachings along the way. These insights added a deeper spiritual dimension to the tour and invited me to reflect on life in a meaningful way. Several times, I found myself with tears in my eyes because her words were so moving and inspiring. It was much more than a sightseeing tour—it was a genuinely touching and memorable experience. I really appreciated her warmth, wisdom, and willingness to answer all my questions. Visiting Doi Suthep with Nancy was one of the highlights of my time in Chiang Mai. Thank you!!!
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review. We're so pleased to hear that Nancy made your visit to Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat such a meaningful experience. Beyond the beautiful scenery and fascinating history, it's wonderful to know that her insights into Buddhism and life left a lasting impression on you. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Nancy. Thank you for choosing this journey, and we're honored to have been part of one of the highlights of your time in Chiang Mai.
I was fortunate to take this journey solo with Ammy, and it was a godsend! She explained everything to me, answered all my questions, truly knowledgeable and competent! Definitely recommended!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 💙 We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Ammy. She'll be thrilled to know that her knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for sharing local insights made your hike and temple visit even more memorable. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another amazing adventure in Thailand soon!
Nancy was warm, friendly, and very knowledgeable. She shared plenty of interesting background about Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat, helping me appreciate the history and significance of both temples. It was a great experience that I would highly recommend
Nancy was warm, friendly and very knowledgeable. She shared plenty of interesting background about Doi suthep and Wat Pha Lat, helping me appreciate the history and significance of both temples. It was a great experience that I would highly recommend.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Reviews like yours remind us why we love what we do. We're so happy that Nancy helped you see not only the beauty of Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat, but also the stories and meaning behind them. Moments of understanding often become the memories that stay with us the longest, and we're honored to have been part of yours.
Wonderful way to learn more about buddhism and to have someone explain the significance of the beautiful things you see at temples all over Thialand. Recommend going early to beat the heat and the crowds and if your lucky, catch a sunrise from a spectacular viewpoint.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful reflection. It’s wonderful to hear that the experience gave you both insight and appreciation for Buddhism and Thailand’s temples. We especially love your recommendation about the early start and sunrise — it truly is a magical moment when everything is quiet and golden. We hope this journey stays with you for a long time.
This was a great tour combining a short hike with sightseeing at two temples on Doi Suthep. Maggie was an outstanding tour guide who provided lots of information on the different sites and Buddhist traditions. Highly recommend.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased that you enjoyed the tour and found Maggie's insights into the temples and Buddhist traditions valuable. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon.
