[ENG] Hiking the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Liever in het Nederlands? Hiking de Monk’s Trail naar Wat Pha Lat en Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The Monk’s Trail is one of those hikes that perfectly shows why Chiang Mai is such a great place to stay longer. You’re not just walking through nature — you’re following a historic path that monks have used for centuries to travel between temples.

What makes this hike so special is the mix of accessibility and authenticity. Within a few minutes you go from city streets into the jungle, surrounded by birds and the sound of running water. I walked this route again in January 2026, and it felt like the ideal morning activity — both active and calming at the same time.

Start Point: Basecamp Coffee ☕️

The most common starting point of the Monk’s Trail is at Basecamp Coffee, a well-known spot among hikers and locals. It’s a logical place to begin because the trail access goes almost directly up into the forest from here. Lots of people park their scooter, grab a coffee, fill up their water bottles, and do a last check of their gear. From this point you immediately notice you’re leaving the city behind.

The road quickly turns into a narrow path marked with signs and orange monk robes tied around trees. Those robes aren’t just decoration — they’ve served as route markers for years.

The Route(s) in Short

The distance to Wat Pha Lat is about 3 to 3.5 km one way with roughly 300 meters of elevation gain. The first part of the hike is fairly easy with a gradual uphill that most folks with normal fitness can handle. The second part, up toward Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is noticeably steeper and requires extra balance and focus on sections with tree roots and rocks underfoot.

It’s not technically difficult, but don’t underestimate it — especially in warm weather or high humidity.

Entrance and Checkpoint

Since 2025 there’s now an official checkpoint on the Monk’s Trail. An entrance fee is clearly shown on the signboard at the trailhead. Local visitors pay 20 Baht, while tourists pay 100 Baht. A key detail is that this fee doesn’t apply if you pass the checkpoint before 08:00 AM. That makes starting early even more attractive. Not only do you save a small amount, you also hike in cooler temperatures and often have the trail almost to yourself. Especially in peak season, later in the morning and afternoon the trail can get quite busy.

First Stop → Wat Pha Lat

After about 25–35 minutes of hiking, you reach Wat Pha Lat, and for many people this is already the highlight of the hike. This temple is hidden in the forest and feels completely different from the busy temples in and around the city. The vibe here is calm and almost meditative. Old stone buildings, small waterfalls, and moss-covered walls give this place a timeless feel. The view over Chiang Mai from some spots completes the picture. It’s no wonder many hikers turn back here and skip the second part of the route.

Wat Pha Lat doesn’t feel like a tourist attraction. It feels like a place where life really happens and is still practiced. You’ll regularly see monks walking around, locals coming to sit for a while, and travellers intentionally soaking up the peace. The sound of running water and the cool forest shade make it easy to slow down, have a drink, and simply look around. This is also a good mental moment to decide whether you want to continue to Doi Suthep or call this your endpoint.

The Second Part of the Hike → Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

From Wat Pha Lat, the character of the hike changes significantly. The path gets steeper, narrower, and rockier. You walk deeper into the forest, and the climb becomes more constant. Sometimes you even use your hands to pull yourself up or stay balanced. It’s not a technically difficult path, but you really need to watch where you place your feet. This section typically takes another 45–60 minutes depending on your pace and how many breaks you take. The dense canopy keeps most of the trail shaded, which helps make the effort more pleasant despite the steeper climb.

Arriving at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a big contrast with the calm of Wat Pha Lat. Suddenly you’re back in the crowds. Tourists, stalls, and noise fill the area. Still, it remains an impressive place. The temple is one of the most important in Northern Thailand, and you can see and feel that everywhere. Take your time to explore the complex, and definitely walk to the viewpoints as well. On a clear day you’ll get an amazing view over Chiang Mai and the surrounding valley. Entrance to the temple is 50 THB for tourists only. Locals can enter for free.

The Return and Alternatives

For the way back, you’ve got several options. You can walk back the same way, which is my personal preference because downhill feels like a totally different experience. It is harder than going up though, sore legs guaranteed. A popular alternative is taking a songthaew (red taxi truck) down from Doi Suthep. They’re almost always waiting near the parking area and will bring you back toward the city. This is a great option if your legs are tired or if the temperature has climbed a lot by then. The cost is 50 THB per person, all the way to the center of Chiang Mai. You can also walk back down via the normal road. That means sharing the road with cars, scooters, and cyclists. Not ideal, but it’s a shared road, so it’s definitely doable.

What to Bring

Even though the Monk’s Trail isn’t an extreme hike, a bit of preparation matters. Wear shoes with good grip, especially for the second part of the route. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person, particularly if you start later in the day. A cap, sunscreen, and some snacks are also a smart move. In the dry season the trail is dusty, while in the rainy season it can get slippery, so keep that in mind when planning. Running out of food or drinks? After about 90 minutes you’ll reach the top, and there’s plenty available there.

Best time to do this hike

Early morning is hands down the best time to hike the Monk’s Trail. The temperature is more comfortable, the forest is quieter, and you benefit from free entry before 08:00. December, January, and February are the ideal months. It’s dry, relatively cool, and the visibility over the city is often crystal clear. That makes the hike not only more enjoyable, but also way more photogenic.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the Monk’s Trail is one of the most beautiful walks you can do directly from Chiang Mai. It’s accessible, but still gives you that feeling of truly escaping the city for a while. The combination of nature, history, and spirituality makes this route special. Whether you stop at Wat Pha Lat or continue all the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, it’s an experience that fits perfectly with a longer stay in Chiang Mai and is absolutely worth it.