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(721)
Our guide Amy was wonderful and informative, the hike was a nice length, and the temples were stunning
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled that Amy made your hike and temple visits so informative and enjoyable. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another great adventure soon!
Nancy was so informative and helpful. She constantly checked in and asked how I wanted the pace to be and took lots of photos. The temples were beautiful! It was a great trip!
Thank you so much for the lovely review! We're thrilled that Nancy took such great care of you, kept the pace comfortable, and helped capture wonderful memories at the temples. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another great trip soon!
A great place to visit with other temples. A little crowded/noisy at times. Good views of Chiang Mai.
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We’re glad you enjoyed the scenic views of Chiang Mai and exploring the surrounding temples. Because it's such a popular spot, it can definitely get a bit busy and lively at peak times! For a quieter experience on your next visit, arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon is usually a great way to beat the crowds. Thank you for visiting, and we hope to welcome you back again soon!
Very happy to have done this excursion. Enjoying Doi Suthep at sunrise with the chanting of the monks is an exceptional moment. I highly recommend getting up at 4:00 a.m. to experience this!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled that you had such a magical experience. Watching the sunrise at Doi Suthep while listening to the monks chanting is truly unforgettable—and you’re so right, setting that 4:00 AM alarm is completely worth it! Thank you for the high recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another amazing adventure soon!
I had a great time with our guide, Jane. She was super informative and was very patient. The temples and hikes were scenic and I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great time exploring the scenic temples and hikes. Jane will be delighted to know that her patience and knowledge made the trip so enjoyable for you—we’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to her! Thank you for the high recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon!
This was an excellent tour of the Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat. Both of these temples are special, unique and different from the temples in the Old City. Wat Pha Lat is a complex of temples and buildings in the jungle. We then hiked down the Monk's trail which was very scenic. I am glad we hiked down the mountain instead of some tours that hike up the mountain. Our tour guide was very informative and friendly. My only recommendation is to be transported in an air conditioned van and not in the back of the red truck (taxi). It was hot, muggy, noisy and the smell of the exhaust.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed visiting Doi Suthep Temple and Wat Pha Lat, and that you appreciated the unique atmosphere of the jungle temple and the scenic hike along the Monk's Trail. It's also wonderful to know that your guide was informative and friendly throughout the experience. We also sincerely appreciate your suggestion regarding the transportation. We understand that traveling in the back of a red truck can be less comfortable, especially in the hot and humid weather. Your feedback is valuable, and we'll certainly share it with our team as we continue looking for ways to improve our guests' experience. Thank you again for your thoughtful review. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back on another adventure in Thailand! 😊
Jane met us on time at the hotel with a famous red taxi driver. We then travelled all the way to the highest temple. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. She helped us understand a lot of the history and religions behind the temples. We had a fantastic time and would thoroughly recommend Jane as a guide. She often does city guiding too.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are thrilled to hear that Jane met you right on time and made your journey to the highest temple so special. It's fantastic that her knowledge, friendliness, and deep insights into temple history and religion made your time with her a fantastic experience. We truly appreciate your strong recommendation and would love to welcome you back for one of her city tours in the future!
This tour was amazing!! Our tour guide, Mr. Saman Duangkham, was very knowledgeable, helpful, and courteous. He made the tour and hike fun! I had a wonderful time and highly recommend to anyone coming to Chiang Mai. ❤️
Thank you for the fantastic review and your high recommendation! We are so happy to hear that you had an amazing time exploring Chiang Mai. We will be sure to share your kind words with Mr. Saman he will be so thrilled to hear that he made your hike fun and memorable. We hope to see you again in the future!
We had an amazing experience on this tour in Chiang Mai. Everything was very well organized, and every stop was interesting and enjoyable. We visited the fascinating Long Neck Tribe and beautiful temples, each with its own unique history and architecture. It was a great mix of culture, history, and local traditions. Our guide, Susie, was outstanding. She was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing information about the places we visited. She answered all our questions and made the entire tour both fun and educational. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chiang Mai. Thank you, Susie, for making our day so memorable!
Thank you so much for such a glowing review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time exploring Chiang Mai’s beautiful temples and culture. It’s wonderful to know that everything was seamless and enjoyable for you! Susie will be over the moon to read your kind words about her knowledge and passion—she truly loves sharing the history of these incredible sites with our guests, and we’ll be sure to pass your message right along to her. Thank you for your high recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Thailand soon!
This morning we were picked up at 4.50 am sharp for this beautiful excursion. Everything was perfectly arranged and our guide Suzy was incredibly friendly, enthusiastic and knew a lot to tell. The walk along Wat Pha Lat and the impressive Doi Suthep Temple was a great experience. Thanks, Suzy, for this beautiful morning!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your early morning pickup went seamlessly at 4:50 AM and that you had such a perfect experience. The hike past Wat Pha Lat up to the impressive Doi Suthep temple is truly special. Suzy will be absolutely delighted to read your kind words about her enthusiasm and knowledge—we'll be sure to pass your message right along to her! Thank you for exploring with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another great adventure soon!
