Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike
Overview
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.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER GROUP IS 10 PERSONS.
Inclusions
- Signature Chiangmai Red Car (songthaew)
- Bottle of drinking water
- English speaking guide
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Wat Pha Lat, Ban Huai Pha Lat 101, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
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.
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 45 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.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Doi Suthep 50200 Thailand
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.
Duration: 2 hours
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- 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 04:30 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.
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
We had a wonderful early day with our amazing guide Tik! We had to skip the trekking bit because of the rain but it was still a fantastic first day in Chiang Mai. Tik was very knowledgeable about the cultural and religious history of the Doi Suthep and Wat Phat Lat (hidden temple) temples we visi...
We had a wonderful early day with our amazing guide Tik! We had to skip the trekking bit because of the rain but it was still a fantastic first day in Chiang Mai. Tik was very knowledgeable about the cultural and religious history of the Doi Suthep and Wat Phat Lat (hidden temple) temples we visited. I have to add that he took some incredible pictures of my partner and I that I loved!Saman was a great guide, exhibiting tremendous patience as we struggled with the hike (it's not a bad or long hike, we were just expecting something a bit more leisurely), and answering all sorts of questions we had. He clearly knows his stuff, and his commentary was insightful and enlightening!
Saman was a great guide, exhibiting tremendous patience as we struggled with the hike (it's not a bad or long hike, we were just expecting something a bit more leisurely), and answering all sorts of questions we had. He clearly knows his stuff, and his commentary was insightful and enlightening!My guide Saman was excellent, he had great energy and taught me a lot. I brought loose longer linen pants to put over my shorts for the temple part- a recommendation would be to wear Joggers only or shorter pants, as mine ended up dragging in the rain a bit. The hike was slippery but if you take ...
My guide Saman was excellent, he had great energy and taught me a lot. I brought loose longer linen pants to put over my shorts for the temple part- a recommendation would be to wear Joggers only or shorter pants, as mine ended up dragging in the rain a bit. The hike was slippery but if you take your time, not dangerous and was very enjoyable. Overall, I would definitely recommend this for anyone in Chiang Mai looking to visit Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat and get a little exercise along the way!Tik was just amazing. Excellent English, knowledgeable, took time to explain in detail. Logistics were smooth and timely. Very beautiful area. And very quiet at that time in the morning so pretty much had the place to ourselves. Fully recommend
Tik was just amazing. Excellent English, knowledgeable, took time to explain in detail. Logistics were smooth and timely. Very beautiful area. And very quiet at that time in the morning so pretty much had the place to ourselves. Fully recommendI really loved this hike! And our guide was very sweet and friendly. I highly recommend it, it was a nice experience.
I really loved this hike! And our guide was very sweet and friendly. I highly recommend it, it was a nice experience.Awesome experience, even though I was travelling solo. The guides were very knowledgeable and very friendly – I learned a lot on this trip and it was a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.
Awesome experience, even though I was travelling solo. The guides were very knowledgeable and very friendly – I learned a lot on this trip and it was a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.