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Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike

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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.

Cancellation Policy

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

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

What‘s Included

Bottle of drinking water

English speaking guide

Signature Chiangmai Red Car (songthaew)

Entrance fee Phra That Doi Suthep

Personal Expenses

Gratuities for driver and guide (optional)

Entrance fee for Wat Pha Lat/Monk’s Trail

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike

Pickup included

Reviews

4.87

681 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

626
33
14
4
4
  • Great tour

    TinOo M,Mar 24, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    We did the afternoon 1.30pm tour. It's a bit hot however red signature chiangmai taxi was an experience. It was a bit hot but still a fun ride. Our tour guide (Ching? I believe) explained in detail on how the temple/pagoda was built and it was great. All in all, it was a great.

  • This was for sure a hike...

    Mary O,Mar 16, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    This was for sure a hike and we were all glad we wore hiking/walking shoes. Gorgeous views even when it is cloudy.

  • That was one stunning temple!

    Eliot L,Mar 15, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    What a magnificent temple! We were treated to a beatiful sunrise, morning chants, and circumambulation (Pradakshina) around the central golden chedi. The group was not too big and our guide was extremly helpful.

  • Beautiful

    AudreyG1182,Mar 13, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Maggie was an excellent tour guide. She taught us so much about the temples, history and practices and took lots of great photos of us. The morning of our tour there was a thunderstorm so we had to adjust plans to avoid a dangerously slippery hike. Maggie was great at making the e experience meaningful and also safe

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  • If you are ok to travel in hot weather in a red tuk tuk with no AC then this is your tour of choice.

    Lynda H,Mar 13, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    4.00

    You will be traveling with a red open air tuk tuk with no AC to both of the templs. I would give this tour a 5 stars had we are traveling by a regular car with AC. I was not aware of the type of transportation because the description only stated that a traditional red car was included for the hotel pickup. Saman, our tour guide was great, he is very attentive and very knowledgeable.

  • Very good experience - Not to be missed!

    karinnemarchal,Mar 13, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Not to be missed! Exceptionally photogenic and soothing temple. There is no need to take the cable car for the ascent which lasts only 2 minutes. At the exit of the temple after the steps, stop at the inner market with an incredible selection of objects, jewelry & Buddha. You will not find any other identical places in the city.

  • Serenity above the city

    Lynn M,Mar 9, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    4.00

    Saman was really knowledgable and made the experience truly meaningful. Seeing the Buddhist monks going about their daily rituals was special. Getting up at 4:15 was worth it to see the beautiful sunrise over Chiang Mai

  • Lovely temples!

    Susan M,Mar 7, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Zach was a great tour guide! Friendly and knowledgeable:) the temples were beautiful and the hike was downhill in the shade, very nice. Definitely recommend this tour!

  • Brilliant experience

    HelenA831,Mar 4, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Highly recommend this tour. Beautiful scenery and very interesting. Saman was a great guide and made the trip very enjoyable. Thank you

  • Great experience, Margaret was great!

    Dhiraj T,Mar 4, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    This experience is very relaxing and really informative. I recommend doing this over just going by alone. We had Margaret as our tour guide and she was great and very kind.

From THB 800.00

4.87
(681 reviews)
  • Free cancellation
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