Illustrative image, not a photograph
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Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
The Monk's Trail, a forest pilgrimage route from the city to a mountaintop temple
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1.5-3 hours for the Monk's Trail
Best known for the golden temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the national park's Monk's Trail climbs from behind Chiang Mai University through forest to Wat Pha Lat and on to the summit temple, a route still walked by monks and pilgrims.
Highlights
- Wat Pha Lat, a forest temple midway up the trail
- Panoramic views over Chiang Mai from the summit ridge
- Huai Kaew Waterfall near the trailhead
- Doi Pui Hmong village further along the ridge road
Getting there
The trailhead is a short songthaew or rideshare ride from central Chiang Mai, behind Chiang Mai Zoo near Chiang Mai University.
Safety tips
The lower Monk's Trail is easy and well marked, but the continuation to the summit is steeper; carry water since shade is inconsistent and the climb is humid year round.
What to bring
- Water
- Grippy shoes for uneven, sometimes slippery ground
- Small notes of cash for the temple donation and park fee