Hike up to this special temple in Chiang Mai

Wat Pha Lat temple used to be a secret. Only those in-the-know knew about it or how to get there.

Nowadays, the way to get there is affectionately known as The Monk’s Trail as many of the trees along the path are wrapped in monk’s robe, indicating they have been ordained. This is done to protect the trees from deforestation.

The trail provides a relatively easy hike up to the temple which overlooks Chiang Mai and has the waterway that leads to one of Chiang Mai’s most famous waterfalls running through it.

Hike The Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat with kids in Chiang Mai

Wat Pha Lat temple is located on Doi Suthep. The most popular way to get here is to hike!

It is a completely kid friendly hike with easy difficulty. In fact, many people even run up the trail. In the photo above, my son was two years old at the time and (amazingly) didn’t ask to be carried once! He’s a trooper.

Alternatively to get to Wat Pha Lat, you can hire a songtaew. They are usually located just before the Chiang Mai Zoo or at the parking lot near the entrance to Huay Kaew waterfall. It could cost up to 100 baht a trip per person, or possibly 400 baht each way for everyone. You really have to bargain with songtaew drivers.

The start of the hike is located here. You can park on the side of the road. Sometimes, especially during Covid restrictions, the trail is closed, however most people just ignore this and go around the poorly constructed barriers.

The hike is approximately 6.3 km (3.9 miles) long and will take about 45 minutes to the temple. There is an extension to the trail across the main road, but this is not a child-friendly hike and is considered an intermediate hike. The path begins such as the phot above. It is clearly marked.

At certain points, the trail does go uphill (and yes, my son walked the entire path barefoot! Not recommended during certain times of year due to snakes). There are a couple points where you have to crawl under some brush, but this makes it more exciting!

Kids will find lots of adventurous things to look at and do along the way. Swinging from giant vines and branches is a highlight!

Once you see this bamboo bridge, you’re almost there! Just a few more metres before you have reached your goal.

Be sure to stop at this Buddha and make some merit. You may make a donation here, or light a candle or some incense. Make a wish or a prayer, or whatever makes sense to you!

Also have a ring on the bell! People tend to think it’s not okay to ring the bell, but it’s absolutely fine! It sends your vibrations of your intent, whatever that may be, out into the world. Even if it’s a celebration ring of making it to the top, give it a go!

Once at the top, enjoy the temple and the views of Chiang Mai. You can even enjoy a dip of your feet in the waterfall that feeds in Huay Kaew Waterfall. It’s so refreshing! The other buildings and temple structures are really unique and worth a look around.

There are plenty of ornate door photos to take as well. And if you were wondering, there ARE washrooms and toilets up here so you don’t need to go in the bush or accidently offend a monk.

Additional bonus is that there is a café up at Wat Pha Lat. The kids and you, can enjoy a well deserved cold treat. There are no restaurant though and no food beyond maybe a bag of chips.

The hike up The Monk’s Trail should be on your Chiang Mai bucket list. You’ve got to do it at least once! The kids will enjoy it and it’s a great introduction into hiking.