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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.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER GROUP IS 10 PERSONS.
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.
If you cannot do the hike up the mountain, you can go up 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.
Maximum number of participants per group is 10 persons.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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. 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) The songthaew (pick up truck) drops us at the starting point of the hike from where we start walking to Wat Pha Lat. 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 40 minutes to hike the monk's trail to Wat Pha Lat. Welcome to Wat Pha Lat, the secret jungle temple! This temple was constructed 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. Total time includes travel time from Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
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.
Bottle of drinking water
English speaking guide
Signature Chiangmai Red Car (songthaew)
Entrance fee & cable car Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Personal Expenses
Gratuities for driver and guide (not mandatory)
Entrance fee for Wat Pha Lat/Monk’s Trail
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
666 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
K646RNtaylorc,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very cool tour of historic temples and beautiful mountainous jungle scenery. Good amount of hiking and stair climbing so would recommend wearing comfortable shoes. It is hot in Feb so dress accordingly. Women need to cover knees and shoulders before entering holy areas, men can wear shorts but need to cover shoulders. We had an English-speaking tour guide who was great - gave us great historical overview of Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep, and all things Thai. Bring Thai baht so you can buy beverages and pay park and temple entrance fees - no one accepts USD or credit card for the park or temple fees. We got picked up at our hotel near the old city which was nice and proceeded to pick up 3 other 2-person groups. Drive from hotel to the mountaintop point is about 45 mins to an hour. We were in back of a covered truckbed so it was hot and a little claustrophobic but overall manageable. Got a little carsick with all the curves going up the mountain but felt much better once we arrived and got fresh air and started walking. Worth it!!



Travis C,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I gave this trip, a five out of five because it checked all boxes. The guide was informed the temple was beautiful. It was a really good day.






Passport66075534456,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We were so glad we chose the sunrise tour. Our guide, Kungnang, was wonderful. Being at Doi Suthep before sunrise felt almost magical. For the first half hour or so, we were essentially the only visitors, which allowed us to experience the temple grounds in a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. It was fascinating to see the lanterns and structures illuminated in the darkness and to observe several monks going about their morning routines. Watching the sun rise over the city of Chiang Mai was truly picturesque.Wat Pha Lat was equally beautiful and captivating, offering a different but equally memorable experience compared to Doi Suthep. We highly recommend this tour—and especially our guide, Kungnang.
Nancy T,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
First part of hike was good, first temple closed so really hard hike to top. Not happy about that and should have been told the difficulty level of the hike/climb! Do not recommend if you have bad knees, or short legs. I was basically crawling up the side of a steep mountain with nothing to grab onto. (Slippery rocks and dirt) Someone could get really hurt or fall if you’re not an experienced climber!
Arpy D,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
Excessive hiking down the hill in the forest. Very intense suitable only for pro hikers and not for everyone.
Stewart S,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Not great at all proceed with caution. The transport was cool looking but very noisy and smelly. Our guide did not speak loudly and was difficult to understand at times. The temple was incredible and very beautiful but it would have been nice to have some time to enjoy it ourselves. The hike started by climbing over a roadside barrier and then down a treacherous slope and 2 people from our group decided against that. The 1st 500 yards of the hike were definitely challenging and after that it was pretty pleasant. One of the poorer tours we have been on and we have done a lot in various countries.
S1041AOgeorgez,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Super great experience. Judy was so help full from Airport pickup in Chang Mai to airport drop off in Phuket. First class service all the way


Jennifer F,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
The early morning wake-up was totally worth it for the spectacular sunrise at Doi Suthep Temple. Our guide, Saman, did an excellent job of explaining the life of monks and teaching us more about Buddhism. The Wat Pha Lat hike was really nice. It was wonderful to walk amongst the trees and have a break from the bustling city. The hike itself was not difficult but the ground is very uneven and sneakers/trainers are recommended as footwear. The traditional red truck taxi transported us to and from the sites. We recommend that you bring a mask as the fumes can be quite strong. The best part of the excursion was the interaction we had with others from France, Netherlands and the USA.
victoriazhu1,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great tour. Nice views. Not too long drive. About 30-40 minutes to each location and back. I recommend. Friendly guide (Bright)…
WILLIAM R,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
Jane made our Tour a fun and memorable one. The knowledge she shared with us and ease of understanding her. Would definitely do another tour with her. Mahalo Jane for a Great time. Nancy Racoma





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