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Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike

4.87
4.9(706 reviews)
4 hours
English
Mobile ticket
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Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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.

What To Expect

1

Wat Pha Lat Monk's Trail

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).

45 minutes • Admission Not Included
2

Wat Pha Lat

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Small Group Without Entry Fees

Pickup included

Small Group With Entrance Fees

What‘s Included

Bottle of drinking water

English speaking guide

Signature Chiangmai Red Car (songthaew)

Entrance fee Phra That Doi Suthep THB 30.00 per person

Entrance fee for Wat Pha Lat/Monk’s Trail THB 100.00 per person

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.87

706 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

649
35
14
4
4
  • Wonderful hike!

    stephaniemU5336GX,Jun 27, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great experience, even after a rain.

  • Would recommend!

    Adrienne D,Jun 23, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    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 :)

  • Much More Than Sightseeing

    ninivedalai,Jun 22, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    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!!!

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  • Ammy for the best!

    diegofN8598QV,Jun 20, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    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!

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  • Knowledgeable Guide, Beautiful Temples

    Saadiqa A,Jun 18, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    4.00

    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

  • Knowledgeable Guide, Beautiful Temples

    saadiqaa2026,Jun 17, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    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.

  • Well worth it

    Hannah D,Jun 14, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    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.

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  • Outstanding Tour

    Arthur B,Jun 13, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    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.

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  • Chiang Mai tour and hike

    Adventurer826167,Jun 13, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Beer was a great guide! Very personable.

  • One of the best experiences

    GoPlaces37650535482,Jun 12, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Jane was an excellent guide, she explained everything about the temple, it was one of my best experiences. I wanted to make an offering to the monks and she guided me through the whole process, it was truly incredible. I highly recommend her.

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