A Morning with the Monks
Explore the spiritual side of Northern Thailand, visiting some of Chiang Mai's most sacred sites. Witness the daily alms giving for the monks, take in the views from Wat Doi Suthep and venture into the mysterious tunnels beneath Wat Umong.
Area
Northern Thailand
Type
Community & Culture
Spiritual & Wellness
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Full Day
You will need to start early this morning to head out of Chiang Mai to Doi Suthep Mountain, where you will arrive in time to see the monks leave their monasteries and begin their walk along the streets for the daily alms collection. Should you wish, you may offer alms; otherwise, it is still a fascinating cultural experience to see the brightly robed monks collecting the offerings and blessing those who have made donations.
You will then continue up the mountain to Wat Doi Suthep. This famous temple was built in 1383 as a shrine to house a Buddha relic. Your driver will take you up the winding mountain road, and then the temple is reached by either a steep 306-step staircase or a tram. As well as admiring the temple, visitors can also enjoy the panoramic views over Chiang Mai and the lush surrounding countryside.
On the way back to Chiang Mai, you will stop at Wat Umong. This temple is tucked away in peaceful woodlands and is over 700 years old. The forest setting and the 13th-century tunnels that wind beneath the Chedi give the site an air of mystery, particularly as no one is completely sure as to why the tunnels were built or what they were for. Should you wish, while at Wat Umong, you can also receive a blessing from a monk.
Back in the city, you will visit a local restaurant for lunch. Why not try some Khao Soi, a well-known Chiang Mai dish that has crispy noodles and a coconut curry soup.
Please note that as you will be visiting religious sites, you will need to cover your shoulders and knees. You will also need to remove your shoes at certain parts of the temples.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationThe Legend Chiang Rai
The Legend Chiang Rai is located along the Mae Kok river just a few minutes from the town centre of Chiang Rai, affording it idyllic panoramic views of the lush surrounding hills and mountains. It is a boutique resort and spa with a tranquil atmosphere.
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View AccommodationAnantara Chiang Mai Resort
Located within the city, Anantara Chiang Mai (formerly the Chedi) stylishly combines a resort feel with a prime location. It is in the heart of beautiful scenery and traditional culture and a stone's throw from the bustle of the night markets.
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View AccommodationRaya Heritage
Located just north of Chiang Mai centre, Raya Heritage provides a tranquil retreat, welcoming you home after days exploring. With Lanna architecture and a keen focus on local craftsman, Raya Heritage fully immerses you in culture of North Thailand.
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View AccommodationTamarind Village
Tamarind Village is a beautiful boutique property surrounded by temples and shopping streets and is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of Chiang Mai.
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View AccommodationAnantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
The Anantara is a stunning luxury hotel set high up in the lush hills of Thailand's border overlooking Myanmar and Laos, in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Explore three countries, enjoy a walk with elephants, or simply relax and take in the view.
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View Accommodation137 Pillars House
137 Pillars House has the feel of being secluded in a secret and lush tropical garden in the heart of Chiang Mai. This hidden gem has an old world charm, transporting you to times gone by with the history of the main house.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Discover the legendary Golden Triangle up in the north of Thailand, at the fantastically luxurious Four Seasons Tented Camp, stunningly located on the border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, and overlooking the Mekong River.
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View AccommodationGypsy, Mekong River Cruise
Artfully crafted from teak and thatch, the exclusive two-suite Gypsy is a beautifully appointed vessel that charts a path along the Mekong River, stopping as and when you wish to curate a voyage of discovery between the Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
A wonderful Four Seasons resort set in a tranquil, idyllic location. The perfect luxury base from which to explore the local culture, relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and experience excellent service and facilities.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceCoffee Hilltribe Experience
Head into the highlands west of Chiang Mai to a Karen hilltribe village, trek through coffee forests, plant your own tree, then learn to roast and brew coffee – returning home with beans you've roasted yourself.
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View ExperienceChiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour
Wander through Chiang Mai's night markets as the city comes alive after dark, sampling northern Thai dishes perfected over centuries – from sizzling street snacks to the region's legendary Khao Soi.
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View ExperiencePrivate Cooking Class at Grandma's Cooking School
Escape to the countryside south of Chiang Mai for a private cooking class at Grandma's, where the day begins in the garden – harvesting herbs and collecting eggs – before learning to coax authentic Thai flavours from ingredients you've picked yourself.
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View ExperienceDoi Inthanon Waterfalls Walk
Head out of the city into the lush green countryside for a day of adventure in Doi Inthanon National Park. During this experience you will have the opportunity to meet local hilltribes, try and spot wildlife, and of course take in the beautiful scenery.
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View ExperiencePicnic and Exclusive Scenic Dinner
Escape to a highland farmhouse outside Chiang Mai for a private picnic that transforms into a farm-to-table dinner as the sun sets over the countryside.
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View ExperienceHloyo Akha Hilltribe Experience
Delve into the traditions and culture of the Akha people. Travel into the hills to Hloyo village and spend a day partaking in the daily activities of the Akha. Learn to cook traditional food, and chat with farmers in the fields.
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View ExperienceDoi Suthep Monk Trail
Follow the ancient Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat's hidden jungle temple, then climb Doi Suthep's 308 steps to where the city unfolds beneath you.
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View ExperienceChiang Mai City Temples
This half day tour takes in Chiang Mai's best known and most impressive temples. Accompanied by your own English-speaking guide, learn more about the history of Chiang Mai and northern Thai culture and craftsmanship.
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View Experience
ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary
Journey to Chang Chill, a certified elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai. Observe elephants in their natural habitat, trek through the valley, and learn to prepare their food from mahouts.
Call us on +852 3579 2478 to start planning