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Monks Trail Wat Pha Lat Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

4.2

·177 reviews·, Thailand

Hike through lush jungle to serene Wat Pha Lat, then ascend to sacred Doi Suthep temple for panoramic views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

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Monks Trail Wat Pha Lat Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike through lush jungle to serene Wat Pha Lat, then ascend to sacred Doi Suthep temple for panoramic views.

4.2

(177 reviews)

"The hike is challenging but the views and peaceful surroundings make it all worthwhile."

TIP

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Essential for the hike, especially in the heat. Stay hydrated! :droplet:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is key. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 234 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Address

QWXJ+JM4, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wat Pha Lat (The Hidden Temple)

Mid-way on the Monk's Trail

A serene, jungle-clad temple offering a peaceful escape before the steeper climb to Doi Suthep.

The Steep Ascent to Doi Suthep

Upper section of the Monk's Trail

A challenging but rewarding climb through lush forest leading to the iconic Doi Suthep Temple.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Summit of Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai's most sacred golden temple, offering panoramic city views after a strenuous hike.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Start your Monk's Trail hike early to avoid Chiang Mai's intense heat and the midday crowds. Many travelers recommend an early morning start for a more pleasant experience and better photo opportunities.

Know Your Hike Limits

The trail to Wat Pha Lat is generally considered easy, but the path to Doi Suthep becomes significantly steeper and more challenging. Assess your fitness level and consider your companions, especially if traveling with young children.

Best Times

When

Early mornings

Why

Beat the heat and crowds

Crowd

Low

When

After rainy season (Nov-Feb)

Why

Lush greenery, cooler temps

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Thailand: Monk’s Trail, Chiang Mai 🇹🇭

@senenmiralles

10.4K likes • 102K views

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Essential for the hike, especially in the heat. Stay hydrated! :droplet:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is key. :athletic_shoe:

@5050travels is soaking in the serene vibes of Wat Pha Lat, the ‘Monastery at the Sloping Rock,’ along the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 🌿🛤️ This hidden gem, nestled amidst lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, was originally a resting spot for monks journeying to the famous Doi Suthep Temple. Discover your travel style now! Link in bio! 💡Did you know that Wat Pha Lat boasts the longe...

ethoventures

76 likes • 8.7K views

✨ The Monks Trail ✨ Challenge yourself and don’t miss out on this beautiful adventure when in Chiang Mai. The Monks Trail Hike takes you to Wat Pha Lat Temple and the iconic Doi Suthep Temple in the Shan Hills ⛰️ Make sure to bring lots of water and head up early in the morning to beat the heat ☀️ Follow @travelchatts_ for more 🙌🏾 . . . #travel #travelblogger #travelgram #hiking #hike #temple #...

travelchatts_

0 likes • 1.2K views

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly in the jungle sections. Don't forget it! :bug:

🚖 Red Taxis Available

Red taxis (songthaews) are often available at Wat Pha Lat to take you to Doi Suthep. :red_car:

Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai is not for the weak. It was a challenge going up steep hills. Then to make it to North Thailand’s most sacred temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you have to climb 306 steps to the top. All worth it though, and the view was incredible. You can do it!!! #thailand #MonksTrail #travel

producerphoebe

12 likes • 291 views

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Essential for the hike, especially in the heat. Stay hydrated! :droplet:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is key. :athletic_shoe:

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly in the jungle sections. Don't forget it! :bug:

🚖 Red Taxis Available

Red taxis (songthaews) are often available at Wat Pha Lat to take you to Doi Suthep. :red_car:

📱 Grab App

Useful for getting to the trailhead or for a ride back down. :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.2

(177 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Monk's Trail is praised for its beautiful jungle scenery and the serene Wat Pha Lat temple. While the initial hike is manageable, the continuation to Doi Suthep is noted as challenging and potentially slippery, especially after rain. Mosquitoes are a common concern. +1

"Great wild trail and not as well maintained as the lower monk's trail. Would not recommend doing it after wet weather, the path could get muddy and slippery especially if you've weak legs or shoes without hard grips. Enjoy the hike and be careful!"

Nigel Wong

"As it seems closed I asked a passing monk, he said that if it does not rain you could take the path. Hope police doesn’t overrule his wisdom (the monk wandered on by the main road by the way). Path is steep and if untrained you possibly should not take it. Still funny, took me 55 minutes up, but actually much shorter then the road. Nice to have walked all the way up (first part regular monk trail to Wat Pha Lat) to Doi Suthep this way."

Daan H

"Nice moderate trail with some 45 degree angles incline . Lots of roots.

The trail is solid but could get slippery when wet. You can do the first leg in about 30 minutes if you don't want to continue to the temple. No bathroom, rest areas , etc. it's a popular trail so you will see tourists abound."

Sam Root

What People Like

Jungle scenery

Wat Pha Lat temple

Challenging hike reward

What People Dislike

Steep/slippery sections

Mosquitoes

Trailhead difficulty

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Finding the trailhead can be tricky. Many travelers suggest using Grab to get close to the start. Some mention a guardhouse at the beginning, but it's for a nearby government facility. +1

Yes, Grab can take you to the trailhead for Wat Pha Lat. However, some drivers might be hesitant to go all the way up the mountain, or the fare might be higher.

Red truck taxis (songthaews) are usually waiting at Wat Pha Lat and can drive you up to Doi Suthep for a negotiated price (around 150-300 Baht). +1

Yes, you can take a songthaew. A common tip is to take Grab to the Chiang Mai Zoo, where many songthaews are lined up specifically to go up Doi Suthep.

Hiking in the early morning or late evening is possible with a flashlight. Some travelers have reported it's safe, but be aware that guards might not be present on the trail itself.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Monk's Trail itself is free to hike. Wat Pha Lat is also free to enter. There is an entrance fee for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at the summit.

Wat Pha Lat is generally accessible throughout the day as it's an active temple. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is typically open from around 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM.

Yes, there is a small entrance fee to access the main temple complex of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

The hike to Wat Pha Lat is generally manageable for toddlers, but the trail beyond to Doi Suthep is very steep and not recommended for young children.

Restrooms and rest stops are scarce on the Monk's Trail itself. You might find facilities at Wat Pha Lat, but it's best to use them before you start or at the temples.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The hike to Wat Pha Lat typically takes about 25-40 minutes for most people, depending on their pace. +1

The first part to Wat Pha Lat is relatively easy. The continuation to Doi Suthep is significantly steeper and more challenging, rated 3.5/10 difficulty by some.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, light clothing, and consider a hat and sunscreen. The trail can be slippery, especially after rain.

Yes, the trail is known for its natural beauty, passing through lush jungle with occasional small waterfalls and streams, especially during the rainy season.

Many find the serene Wat Pha Lat temple to be a highlight. The challenging climb to Doi Suthep and the stunning views from the top are also major draws. +1

📸 📸 Photography

Look for scenic jungle views, the unique architecture of Wat Pha Lat, and the panoramic vistas from Doi Suthep. The natural surroundings offer many picturesque moments.

Hiking for sunrise can be rewarding for the views, but ensure you have a reliable flashlight and are comfortable hiking in low light conditions.

During the rainy season, small waterfalls and streams are visible along the trail, offering lovely photographic opportunities.

Early morning light provides softer, more atmospheric photos and helps avoid harsh midday sun.

Wat Pha Lat's jungle setting and intricate temple details offer many unique and tranquil photo opportunities.