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Outdoors

Chiang Mai Monk's Trail Hike

You climb a forest path on the slopes of Doi Suthep to Wat Pha Lat, a temple founded in 1355 as a rest stop for monks on their way up the mountain. Fit walkers carry on up a steeper second section to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Orange cloth strips tied to trees mark parts of the way.

For The Reps · Updated

hike scenery for Chiang Mai Monk's Trail near Chiang Mai
Photo: Shiva guards on Pilgrim monk trail by Deepak-nsk, CC0 (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Distance
about 2.4 km return to Wat Pha Lat; about 7.5 km one way if you continue to Doi Suthep
Climb
about 160 m to Wat Pha Lat; about 620 m to Doi Suthep
Time
30-50 minutes up to Wat Pha Lat; 4-6 hours for the round trip to Doi Suthep with stops

The route

Monk's Trail (Pha Lat Nature Trail) to Wat Pha Lat, optionally on to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

The trailhead is at the end of Suthep Road, south of Chiang Mai Zoo and near Chiang Mai University, by the Basecamp Trail Cafe. A Grab from the old town takes about 15-20 minutes.

When to go

November to February is the best hiking weather; in the June to October rainy season the path is muddy and slippery.

Permits and fees

Since 1 October 2025 Doi Suthep-Pui National Park has charged foreign visitors 100 baht per adult and 50 baht per child on the Pha Lat Nature Trail. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep charges foreigners 30 baht.

Before you go

  • Start before 8am to beat the heat and the crowds.
  • Cover shoulders and knees for both temples.
  • Wear shoes with good grip and carry plenty of water.
  • From Doi Suthep you can walk back down or take a red songthaew or taxi.

What to bring

  • Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Food you will actually want to eat
  • A warm or waterproof layer
  • The route, saved offline
  • Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

Plan for a long day: 30-50 minutes up to Wat Pha Lat; 4-6 hours for the round trip to Doi Suthep with stops.

Build up with a few walks of four hours or more first, ideally with climbing and the pack you will carry. Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents easier on your knees.

Staying safe

  • The upper section to Doi Suthep is steep and hard going, especially when wet.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against chiangmaicitylife.com, inbetweentravels.com, itsbetterinthailand.com and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.