Doi 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.
Area
Northern Thailand
Type
Active
Community & Culture
History
Wildlife & Nature
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
Leave Chiang Mai's city streets behind and find the trailhead where the Monk's Trail begins. This ancient forest path has been walked by monks for generations, their route marked by flashes of orange robes tied to tree trunks – a tradition that's guided pilgrims upward for centuries. The trail climbs steadily, nothing too demanding, but enough to make you feel you've earned what comes next.
Wat Pha Lat appears almost unexpectedly, a hidden sanctuary where jungle and temple have grown into each other. Stone carvings weathered by time, crumbling stupas wrapped in roots, sacred statues half-claimed by moss. There's a particular quiet here that doesn't exist in the more visited temples – the kind of peace that makes you understand why monks chose this spot to rest on their way to the summit.
From here, your vehicle takes you higher still. Then come the final 308 steps, flanked by the Naga serpent staircase that seems to writhe upward toward Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. At the top, Chiang Mai unfolds below – a view that's earned its reputation. Golden pagodas catch the light, intricate sculptures reveal layers of Buddhist and Hindu influence, and everywhere you look there's detail that speaks to centuries of devotion. This is where the spiritual heritage that shapes daily Thai life becomes visible, tangible, impossible to ignore.
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Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Experiences?

Unique to You

- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

Seamless Service

- Global offices in the UK, US, Singapore, and Hong Kong for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.

Carefully Curated Collection

- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.

Luxury in Every Sense

- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
- Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 13 years in a row.