The Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat

A shaded forest path marked by orange robes tied to trees, climbing to a hidden temple of mossy stone, waterfalls and a sudden view over the city.

Area

Doi Suthep & the West

Start from

End of Suthep Road, behind Chiang Mai University

Distance

about 3 km to Wat Pha Lat, about 6 km to Doi Suthep

Time needed

half a day

Best season

October – February; the trail is muddy and slippery in the rains

Difficulty

Moderate

Transport

Grab or songthaew to the trailhead, songthaew back down

Tickets & rules

None; temple dress code at Wat Pha Lat

Why go

For a long time this was the path used by monks walking between the city and the mountain, and it is still the loveliest way to approach Doi Suthep. The trail is short but steep, rising through dry dipterocarp forest where lizards rustle in the leaves and the city noise falls away within minutes. Strips of saffron cloth are tied to the trunks to show the way.

After about forty minutes to an hour you come out at Wat Pha Lat, a small temple built around a stream and a sheet of rock over which water slides in the rainy season. Stone nagas, mossy steps, a little bridge and old trees make it feel like a forgotten corner of a jungle film, yet it is almost within sight of the airport.

From the temple terrace there is a quiet viewpoint over the whole city. Most people turn back here; the fit and curious can continue up the steeper second half of the trail to the road and the golden chedi of Doi Suthep.

The story

Wat Pha Lat was once a resting place for pilgrims climbing Doi Suthep on foot, before the road was built in the 1930s. The name refers to the sloping rock face over which the stream runs. Legend links it to the same white elephant that carried the relic up the mountain, saying it paused here to rest on its way to the summit.

The temple still functions as a meditation retreat, with monks living in simple huts among the trees. You may see a few of them sweeping paths or sitting quietly, and you will notice small signs asking visitors to keep their voices down. It is one of those places where silence is part of the architecture.

The trail itself was re-marked in recent years as it became popular with visitors, and the orange robe markers are a nice touch. Chiang Mai University students often walk it at weekends, and locals use the lower section for morning exercise, so you are rarely completely alone, but you are never in a crowd either.

Getting there

Take a Grab to the end of Suthep Road, behind the university, where a small lane leads past a radio tower to the signposted trailhead. The climb to Wat Pha Lat takes about 40 to 60 minutes.

To continue to Doi Suthep, cross the road beside Wat Pha Lat and follow the trail uphill for another hour or so. From the top, ride a red songthaew back to the city.

A suggested plan

1. 6:30Start at first light, when the forest is cool and birds are loud.
2. 7:30Arrive at Wat Pha Lat; sit by the stream and take in the view over the city.
3. 8:30Either return down the trail or continue up the steeper section towards Doi Suthep.
4. 9:45Reach the road and the naga staircase of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
5. 11:00Songthaew down to Nimman for a late breakfast.

Where to stay

Nimman and the streets west of the old city are closest to the trailhead, which is only a short ride from the university area.

Good to know

• Bring at least a litre of water per person; there is little to buy on the trail.
• Wear proper shoes rather than sandals; the path is rooty and loose in places.
• Keep a scarf or sarong in your pack to cover up at the temples.