Monks Trail Wat Pha Lat Doi Suthep Chiang Mai
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
Beat the heat and crowds
Monks Trail Wat Pha Lat Doi Suthep Chiang Mai
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through lush jungle to serene Wat Pha Lat, then ascend to sacred Doi Suthep temple for panoramic views.
"The hike is challenging but the views and peaceful surroundings make it all worthwhile."
💧 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:
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.
+1
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.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Know Your Hike Limits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
📸 📸 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
If you're traveling with very young kids, consider taking a Grab or songthaew directly to Wat Pha Lat, enjoy the temple, and then arrange for transport back down. Alternatively, you can take a songthaew or Grab all the way up to Doi Suthep and skip the hike altogether if the heat or terrain is a concern.
🚶 Budget Travelers
🧘♀️ Nature & Serenity Seekers
+1 This part of the trail is less crowded and provides a peaceful start to your day. Even if you don't hike the entire way to Doi Suthep, the journey to Wat Pha Lat is highly recommended for its natural beauty and the unique experience of discovering a temple tucked away in the forest. The opportunity to witness small waterfalls, especially during the rainy season, adds to the charm.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Two-Part Hike: Wat Pha Lat vs. Doi Suthep
The second part of the trail continues from Wat Pha Lat up to the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This segment is significantly more challenging, characterized by steep inclines and sometimes slippery paths, especially after rain. It can take an additional 1-1.5 hours to complete. While rewarding with panoramic views from the summit, it's crucial to assess your fitness and the conditions before attempting this more strenuous climb.
Key takeaway: Decide beforehand if you plan to hike to just Wat Pha Lat or continue all the way to Doi Suthep. This will help you prepare adequately for the terrain and time commitment.
Navigating the Trail and Transportation
For those who don't wish to hike the entire way, or need to descend from Doi Suthep, red truck taxis (songthaews) are a popular and readily available option. They can often be found waiting at Wat Pha Lat to take passengers up to Doi Suthep, or at the base of Doi Suthep's stairs for the return journey. Negotiating the fare beforehand is recommended.
Pro-tip: If you're concerned about the hike's difficulty or time constraints, consider taking a songthaew or Grab directly to Wat Pha Lat, or even all the way to Doi Suthep, and then enjoying a leisurely walk down or exploring the surroundings.
Best Times to Hike and What to Expect
Starting your hike early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the intense midday heat and the larger crowds that gather later in the day. During the rainy season (roughly May to October), the trail can become very muddy and slippery, posing a challenge for hikers. However, this is also when the jungle is at its most vibrant, and small waterfalls are more prominent.
Expect a mix of tranquility and challenge. The initial part of the trail to Wat Pha Lat offers a peaceful immersion in nature. The ascent to Doi Suthep is a more strenuous physical test, but the reward of reaching the sacred temple and enjoying the expansive views makes the effort worthwhile for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit