Monks Trail in Chiang Mai (Doi Suthep)

Updated: 9 November, 2024

I'll tell you all the details of the Monks Trail, where it starts, the route, tips, transportation and everything there is to see.

The Path of the Monks It is the path that monks take on their daily pilgrimage and goes from Chiang Mai to the Doi Suthep temple passing another temple in the middle of the jungle.

Many tourists pass through Chiang Mai without knowing that this route exists, which is quite easy and also It is in the same city of Chiang Mai.

It's perfect for a cheap half-day excursion, because the journey to the top is approximately an hour and a half. Then, you can return on foot or in the red vans.

At the end of the article you have a short video of the temples, don't miss it and below I leave you all the details of the monks' path.

If you don't have time to read the entire article and want to do the tour with a guide, I recommend this one from the link or you can visit without doing the hiking route with this Chiang Mai Temple Sunrise Tour.

Where does the Chiang Mai Monks Trail start?

The path of the monks It is located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park (doi means "mountain" in Thai) begins near Chiang Mai University, behind Chiang Mai Zoo.

Here I leave you the link of Google Maps and if I don't recommend searching for it in English, you can copy and paste the following: Wat Phra Lat Hike (Monk's trail)

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How to get to the beginning of the trail?

1. Car or motorcycle

You can drive there, it's pretty easy to get to and you can park next to the trailhead.

Rental motorcycles are usually the cheapest option and you will find many places to rent.

In case you want a rental car in thailand, This is the best website to get cheap prices.

2. Grab, taxi and tuk tuk

I recommend avoiding taxis and tuk tuks because they are the biggest scammers in the country.

The best alternative is to order a car with Grab, which is an application like Uber.

This has always been my favorite way to get around Chiang Mai and any city in Southeast Asia where available. Ohhh great Grab!! 🙌😆

The good thing about this application is that you select your destination in the same application and so the language barrier is eliminated because you don't have to explain where you want to go.

Besides no need to negotiate the price because you know it in advance and in Chiang Mai it is usually very economical.

If you want a super cheap option, try Grab Moto (bike in English) if you travel on your own, sometimes the price difference is very big compared to cars.

Furthermore, if there is a lot of traffic, the motorcycle is a good alternative because it overtakes.

👍 Friend's advice in case you want to save: the Grab price to the Monks Trail exit point can skyrocket quite a bit, so change the destination to Basecamp Coffee House.

It is a cafeteria known as a meeting point and departure point for hikers through the Doi Suthep Pui National Park.

I paid half the price I would have paid to the start of the trail.  

Then the walk from the cafeteria to the beginning of the monks' trail is about 15 minutes (according to Google maps 18 minutes).

3. Red vans (Songthaew)

The price? That will depend on your negotiating skill and where you leave from.

Although I will tell you that unless you are very good at negotiating with Thais, don't expect to pay little.

Songthaew are cheap when they are established routes, this is not the case.

👍 Advice: If you want to test your negotiating skills with vans, I recommend you first look at the price on Grab Moto, which is the most economical option.

This way, at least you will have a price reference to start negotiating.

The van should not cost you more than that price, especially if there is the possibility of more people getting on that route.

Details and route of the Monks Path

• Total distance: 3.15 km (from the start of the monks' trail to Doi Suthep temple).
• Total slope: 600 meters.
• Level: easy/medium (certain physical level required).
• Difficulty following the path: none, there are no signs, but the path is well marked.
• Total time to do the trail (one way): 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, it can be less if you are in good physical condition.
• Total time spent visiting the temples: at least 2 hours.
• Total time to dedicate: At least 5 hours depending on where you stay, including transportation to the trailhead and then from Doi Suthep.
• Entrance fee to Phra Lat Temple: free.
• Entrance fee to Doi Suthep Temple: 30 baht.

The monks' path runs through a semi-jungle wooded area from the foot of the mountain next to the city itself to the top of the mountain, where you will have a beautiful aerial view of Chiang Mai.

Before the road It was marked with pieces of orange fabric that the monks placed around the trunks and lower branches of the trees, today you will find very few.

Likewise, The monks' path is a path that is traveled daily and is very well marked and it is impossible to get lost.

There are at least a couple of waterfalls along the way., but depending on the season they could be dry or with a small trickle of water, which is what I found during the dry season.

The fauna that I found was not too varied, except for birds, insects and spiders.

The total journey to the top is approximately an hour and a half..

If you practice sports regularly or are used to hiking or trekking, it will probably take even less time.

The monks' path from its beginning to reaching the temple of Doi Suthep can be divided into two parts, each with a temple at the end:

First part

– Path to the Hidden Temple

This first part goes from the beginning to Wat Phra Lat, which means Temple of the Leaning Rock.

This part of the path does not present great difficulty and anyone with a minimum level of fitness can do it and it takes about half an hour at a slow pace to the first temple.

Wat Pha Lat was built as a rest area or overnight place for people who went up to the Doi Suthep temple.

Since 1935, when the construction of the road that goes up to Doi Suthep was completed, many people prefer to go up by motorcycle or car.

For that reason Nowadays it is no longer frequented except by monks and although you will find tourists, it will not be as much as in the Doi Suthep temple.

This first part is the easiest part of the path, if you want to finish here you can return to Chiang Mai along the same path.

If not, the alternative is to return in the vans. For that you need to keep walking in the direction of Doi Suthep, it is less than 200 meters until you reach the road.

Wait there for something to happen red van heading to Chiang Mai, it shouldn't cost you more than 60 baht.

If you choose this last option and have gone with your own vehicle, keep in mind that this road will take you to the main entrance of the zoo, which is quite far from the starting point.

– Visit to Wat Pha Lat

Unlike Doi Suthep, it is a simpler temple, without any sign of opulence.

Although it is well preserved, it seems that nature takes over a little more of its sculptures every day, something that gives it a very particular charm.

The temple is perfectly integrated in the middle of the jungle next to a small waterfall which makes the whole experience more idyllic.

The temple itself is very small, but what makes this place magical are the sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu mythological creatures.

At one of the entrances there are Buddhist sculptures of Nora Nair, two great sacred sphinxes with the head of a woman and the body of a lioness, responsible for protecting against evil spirits.

While the main entrance is protected by Nagas, sculptures in white marble With a human head and a dragon body, they are mythological creatures from Hindu culture.

this temple It is the residence of several monks, a place intended for meditation, that is why they allow nature to take its course.

As it is not intended for tourism, you will not find food, drink, souvenir stalls or anything like that that would disturb the peace.

Personally, I think it is a visit not to be missed. It can even be a visit in itself, it is a place that invites you to take a break to appreciate its beauty and tranquility.

Although the next temple, Doi Suthep is a must see in Chiang Mai I have to tell you that this temple in the middle of the jungle it is my favorite. If you go, tell me what you think.

Second part

– Path to the clouds

This second part of the monks' path is the one that goes from Wat Phra Lat to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (full name).

From the Phra Lat Temple, you continue in the direction of the Doi Suthep Temple (there is a sign indicating it), until you find the road, crossing the road and less than 50 meters you will find the ascending path.

This is when the most demanding part really begins..

The path is steeper than the first part and that is why I rate it as medium level, if you are used to hiking it will not be a problem.

In case it has rained that day or the previous days, It could be quite difficult because it is a steep area where mud forms easily.

The climb takes approximately one hour, until you reach the road again, from there you walk for about 10 minutes along the road until you find Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

– Doi Suthep Temple

Doi Suthep Temple is a quite special and loved temple throughout Thailand, where, it is said, remains of the Buddha himself rest.

The Legend has it that King Kue Na On the back of his white elephant, he climbed Doi Suthep-Pui, place that has been considered sacred for more than 1,200 years by the Thais.

The elephant died of fatigue at the top and the king interpreted it as a divine sign, so he decided to build the temple that would house the remains of Buddha in that same place.

These sacred remains have made Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is considered the most important pilgrimage site in all of Thailand.

– Arrival at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The arrival to the temple is through a majestic staircase of 309 steps with protective Nagas that extend along its entire route.

Tourists must pay 30 baht, the exchange rate is less than one euro / dollar, a ridiculous price to access one of the most impressive temples in Thailand.

– What to see inside the enclosure?

In the complex there are several terraces where you can contemplate the city of Chiang Mai from a bird's eye view at more than 1,000 meters high.

The temple has a very special location near the clouds, you can breathe a mystical and relaxed air with the noise of the bells that the devotees ring one by one in search of good fortune.

To enter the temple as a sign of respect you will need to take off your shoes and be silent, there you will find monks and worshipers performing their sacred rituals.

In the center is the 24 meter high stupa plated in resplendent gold.

Around it are hundreds of peaceful-looking Buddha sculptures, including the replica of the Emerald Buddha, and In front of a Buddha who rests lying on his side are the Buddha relics.

Another of the greatest attractions is the emerald buddha, a small 45 cm statuette of Gautama Buddha made of jade.

Today, the original sculpture is located in Bangkok in a temple next to the Grand Palace, which is one of the essential visits in the city, you can read more in this link article.

One of the most striking features of the temple are the chatras, that is, the gigantic golden umbrellas in each of the corners of the stupa.

The chatras look like they are made of lace and are part of the Burmese influence during the occupation of northern Thailand.

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How to return to Chiang Mai?

To return to Chiang Mai you have two options:

First option

You can go back to the starting point, this option will also be good for you if you have gone by motorcycle or car.

Second option

At the main exit of the temple, where the road is, there are red vans and the good news is that you won't have to negotiate.

They have a board with prices for 3 or 4 different stops ranging from 40 baht to the main entrance of the zoo, to 80 baht to Tha Phae gate in Chiang Mai old town.

Please note that the van will leave once it is full.

None of these stops take you to the place where the Monks Trail starts.

In case you have to go back for the motorcycle or car, the best stop is at the zoo and from there you can go with a Grab.

What to bring for hiking?

1. Closed footwear

For those who are used to hiking or trekking, the terrain is quite good and does not present great difficulty.

Although closed shoes are always good, wear at least some shoes that have some grip.

It must be said that on the way I met people who were wearing Havaiana-type flip-flops and the monks themselves were wearing sandals, but that is everyone's choice. 😅

Keep in mind that in the rainy season there may be mud and it may be more slippery, this will make the climb a little more difficult, mainly the beginning of the second part.

2. Water, lots of water

There is nothing at Wat Phra Lat, there are no bars or stalls selling food or drinks.

You will have to calculate enough water to reach the top, at least one liter or one and a half liters of water per person.

If you don't have water with you, you can buy it at Basecamp Coffee House before you start.

In Doi Suthep there are bars and stalls, even an ice cream parlor in front of where they sell the tickets that I couldn't resist. 😋

In that ice cream shop they sell one of my favorite flavors, green tea. I know it sounds weird, but if you like tea and like a little bitterness, you'll love this flavor.

3. Comfortable clothing that covers

The path is that of the monks and Out of respect, it should be done with clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

In my case I did not meet any monks on the way and I started early, around 8 am approximately.

If not, another alternative is to carry a scarf or sarong to cover yourself, at least to enter the temples.

On the way it is out of respect in case you come across a monk, but In temples it is mandatory to wear appropriate clothing.

I wore a short-sleeved t-shirt and long leggings (you'll need them to be at least below the knee), so I didn't have any problems getting in.

4. Mosquito repellent

When I went it was dry season and there were not too many mosquitoes.

Likewise, I always carry repellent when hiking in the mountains; you never know if you are going to end up somewhere that is full of mosquitoes.

It has happened to me that I was hiking and arrived at some area near a watercourse and was surrounded by a cloud of mosquitoes.

As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure,” Remember that at dawn and dusk is when there are more mosquitoes.

If you bring one from your country let it be something powerful with DEET (look at it in the composition), I brought the Relec Extra Forte and it works wonderfully.

If not in Thailand you can also buy them, at Seven-11 or Boots stores, they have some with DEET. They are cheaper than the Relec although they are not as powerful.

5. Raincoat

I also recommend bringing with you one of those small raincoats that you can put in your backpack, it never hurts.

Especially if you travel during the rainy season., in northern Thailand it runs from May to October.

You can also buy at Seven-11 or other stores, single use ones cost approximately 1 euro/dollar. Although they are a very unecological alternative.

And if not, bring with you a poncho raincoat Like the one in the link, it is economical and takes up little space.

Because when it rains in Thailand, it does so with a vengeance, the raincoat will help you not get wet to your last name. 😜

6. Food

The route is not very long, in an hour and a half you can reach Doi Suthep and there you will have where to buy something.

Although It is recommended that you take something with you, remember that at Wat Phra Lat there will be nothing to buy.

In addition, the tranquility of Wat Pha Lat invites you to stop for a while to contemplate the views and eat a small snack.

7. Sun protection

The monks' path runs through an area with a lot of vegetation, you will not need much sun protection, except when you reach Doi Suthep.

It is convenient to carry the bottle in your backpack because whatever you put on before starting to walk you will surely sweat and you need to reapply.

8. Front

A front light like the one in the link It is essential whenever you are going to start or finish a hiking route at night.

If you like hiking, it will also be good for you if you are going to explore a cave and in Thailand it can even be useful for a blackout on the islands (rare, but they do exist).

Additional trail recommendations

1. Start early

It is advisable go early in the morning to avoid the heat, at 10 a.m. the heat is increasing.

Furthermore, in the forest there is a lot of humidity which gives the sensation of being warmer.

2. Avoid weekends

Many groups of schoolchildren go on the weekend and it becomes a true pilgrimage. If you prefer to enjoy the tranquility of nature, try going during the week.

There are always people on that path, however, depending on the day it could be several people or several hundred. 🙈

3. Avoid important Buddhist holidays and dates

The Doi Suthep temple receives many pilgrims from other regions of Thailand, China and Singapore on religious dates.

That's why I recommend you avoid dates like Songkhan (Buddhist new year in mid-April) and the date that commemorates the birth of Buddha, where pilgrims even camp in the area.

4. How to find a hiking companion?

Thailand It is safe even for women traveling alone and the path is easy to follow, therefore, you will not get lost.

But if you feel like having company there is a Facebook group They go weekly, at least that's what they say. During the 6 months that I lived in Chiang Mai I couldn't meet anyone.

In theory they go every Saturday, if you can't propose the day that suits you, see if someone will join you.

5. Can the monks' path be done with a guide?

Yes, if you don't feel like going on your own, you can do the monks trail with guide certificate, which shows you the way and includes hotel pickup, so you don't have to worry about anything. Here you can see availability and book.

How to get to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai? (without hiking)

If hiking is not your thing or you don't have time, you can get to Doi Suthep with the red vans, the same ones I told you about above, which then do the route in reverse.

The songthaew pass by on the street outside the old town, you will have to stop them and ask if they are going to Doi Suthep. Otherwise, you can go where the zoo is, on the opposite sidewalk those who go up to the temple stop.

Then, you have the most practical alternative which is to go with this tour view of the temples of Chiang Mai at sunrise, it is very popular and you can take some spectacular photos with almost no people.

No one can take the stairs away from you and you have to walk a bit, but it's much more relaxing.

Another advantage is that the tour includes a visit to another temple, Wat Umong, a very unique temple in Chiang Mai, which I recommend visiting in this other article about the Best Temples in Chiang Mai.

Below you can see availability and book, because in high season places usually fill up quickly.

How to go to Chiang Mai?

To get to Chiang Mai you can do it by plane, the airport is very close to the city.

You can also go with train from bangkok, if you want to save a night in a hotel, the night trains with car Beds are well priced and very comfortable.

🚂 In this other article you can read all the details about the Bangkok to Chiang Mai Overnight Train Trip (2023).

Just make sure it is a sleeper car, there are night trains that only have seats, I assure you that it will not be pleasant to travel for so many hours in one seat.

Another good option are VIP buses, which are cheaper, faster and very comfortable.

To know what are the transportation options, schedules and prices, I recommend this website, which is super useful and allows you to book online.

In addition, you can buy all the tickets on their website without complications.

🔝 If you are passionate about the mountains, I recommend doing this excursion to Doi Inthanon National Park, what is he most spectacular park in all of Thailand and where the best trekking routes in Chiang Mai are.

Final Thoughts

Chiang Mai and all of northern Thailand have many activities to be in contact with nature.

I recommend that you do not miss out on doing the monks' path that you have seen, which you can do on your own, to discover two spectacular temples and unique views.

In the meantime, you can take a virtual tour with this video of the two temples that I filmed with the GoPro like the one in the link. Enjoy it!

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below, I always respond. 👋😃 Good way!

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