I only found out about the hike on my third visit to the city, and quite frankly, this should be something you do even if you are spending as little as 2 days in Chiang Mai, as it can be done early morning or just before sunset.

And since Doi Suthep is one of the best things to do when visiting Chiang Mai, you can incorporate the Monks Trail Hike and Doi Suthep together.

Here’s a complete guide based on my experience, from how to get there to what to wear and what to expect when hiking the Monks Trail in Chiang Mai. 

Hiking the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai

Overview: What to Expect when hiking the Monk’s Trail

The Monk’s Trail is named for the orange-clad monks who used to walk this path to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep before the modern road was built.

This trail, a blend of nature and tradition, starts near the city (Google Maps location here) and leads up to Wat Pha Lat, a tranquil forest temple that feels like a fairytale.

If you’re up for a more challenging ascent, you can continue the hike all the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

• Hiking Distance and Time: The popular hike to Wat Pha Lat is about 2 km (1.2 miles) and takes 30 -45 minutes, depending on your pace. If you continue hiking further up to Doi Suthep, the entire hike will be about 4-5 km and can take an additional 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate-challenging. The path is clearly marked with orange monk robes tied around trees, but it’s steep in parts if choosing to go to Doi Suthep and can be muddy after rainfall. There are sections of this hike where ropes are provided, helping you to move your way up the trail.

Getting to the Trailhead by Public Transport

Reaching the trailhead from the city centre is straightforward:

1. By Songthaew (Red Truck): Head to Chiang Mai Zoo and request a drop-off at the trailhead, which is a few minutes further up Huay Kaew Road. The red trucks are readily available, and drivers are usually familiar with the Monk’s Trail if you mention Wat Pha Lat or “Monk’s Trail.”
2. From Nimmanhaemin Road or Old Town: Grab a songthaew from any main street heading toward the zoo. Fares are reasonable, but you might want to negotiate if travelling solo. It should be around 40 THB per person.
3. By Grab or Bolf: Getting to the trailhead with one of the ride-sharing apps is easy. The cheapest would be to ride a motorcycle up if you are alone otherwise, get a car. Getting one to come down is usually harder, and you might wait a little longer or simply take the songthaew back to the city. The songthaew usually charges 50 THB pp to catch a ride back to the town from the entrance of the Monk’s Tail hike.

The trailhead is just off the road, marked with signs. Once you see the cloth markers on trees, you’ll know you’re on the right path to hiking the Monk’s Trail.

You can miss it as it’s an obvious path up the hill. 

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Hiking Experience

The trail starts off with a gentle incline, winding through tall trees and thick jungle. The canopy keeps things cool and shaded, making it an ideal morning or late afternoon hike.

You’ll pass a few rocky sections that require some manoeuvring, but overall, the path is well-trodden. 

You’ll pass lush greenery, butterflies bouncing across flowers, and hear birds singing in the trees as you make your way towards Wat Pha Lat.

After about 30–40 minutes, you’ll reach a crossroad with a sign to continue straight for 5 minutes to Wat Pha Lat, or you can turn off to the left and follow the steep path up for 25 minutes to the small Wat Anagami (the ruins of) where you also find Hug Him Doi Thai Coffee Cafe.

From there, you can continue hiking a further 3km to Doi Suthep.

Wat Pha Lat

At the signposts, if you continue straight ahead to Wat Phat Lat (this is the temple complex that most visitors are here to see), you’ll reach the entrance within a few more minutes of walking.

This hidden temple feels kinda magical, with stone structures surrounded by trees, small streams, and stone Buddhas cloaked in moss. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the peace. You can wander through the grounds, appreciating the blend of nature and artistry.

You could even stay longer, sit in the shade and relax or even inside the temple (take your shoes off if entering)

If you’re ready for more after visiting Wat Pha Lat, exit here and walk back down the trail for a few minutes to where you passed the signs on the way up.

Turn onto the new trail (marked Anagami temple) and continue toward Doi Suthep; you will pass by Anagami temple.

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Anagami temple

This is what the Anagami temple looks like (below).

I personally think it’s worth it for those who like some extra exercise and a longer hike as Wat Pha Lat is more elaborate to see.

After visiting the Anagami temple, you can turn around and retrace your steps back down to the Monk’s Trail entrance (approximately 30-40 mins to walk down).

Alternatively, you can continue hiking 3km from this point to reach Doi Suthep.

The path here is steeper, but reaching the famous mountaintop temple is worthwhile. And the reward? Stunning views over Chiang Mai and a feeling of accomplishment.

NOTE: If you intend to hike to Doi Suthep and back, remember that this trail is approximately 5km each way from the Monk’s Trail entrance; so ensure you have enough time to complete the entire hike before it gets dark.

I recommend you begin the hike in the morning to have the most enjoyable experience, this also ensures you will make it back to Chiang Mai or even Wat Pha Lat before sunset.

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What to Wear and Bring

Chiang Mai’s weather can vary, but it’s generally warm and humid, especially in the jungle.

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing is best as it is hot and humid. If you choose to wear short bring a sarong to wrap it around your legs when you get to the temple at the top. You will also need to cover your shoulders when visiting the temples, no singlets allowed.
• Shoes: Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with good traction are essential, especially for the steeper sections.
• Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are highly recommended. Mosquito repellent is a must (I got bitten a few times).
• Water and Snacks: Bring plenty of water (at least a litre or two). There are no places to refill until you reach Wat Pha Lat and if you are hiking all the way to Wat Anagami and Doi Suthep.

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Final Thoughts on Hiking the Monks Trail

Hiking the Monk’s Trail is an unforgettable experience that combines the natural beauty of Chiang Mai’s mountains with the spiritual ambience of its temples.

If you’re not keen on hiking the Monk’s Trail on your own or prefer to combine this experience with other popular attractions in Chiang Mai, I recommend you book this top rated day tour. It combines the Monk’s Trail, Doi Suthep and the Elephant Sanctuary.

Would you like some recommendations about where to travel after Chiang Mai?

Northern Thailand is beautiful, and we recommend you visit Chiang Rai, spend two days in Phayao, and don’t miss Nan; here are the best things to do in Nan when you’re there!

Travel Tips for Thailand

We have many travel guides and tips for Thailand—what a delicious country!

Our 26 helpful tips for travel in Thailand are good to know before you arrive.

Start by tasting these top 12 Thai dishes and then explore more of this incredible cuisine. We love to eat here, and Thailand is featured in our top 10 best countries for food lovers. 

There are many reasons why it’s the perfect destination, and here are 15 amazing things to do in Thailand to help plan your next trip.

Our ultimate Southeast Asia packing list covers what to take (and what to leave at home). Learn a few basic Thai expressions to impress the locals!

If you plan on travelling to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand (which I highly recommend), read our perfect 2 day itinerary for Chiang Mai. Our accommodation guide for Chiang Mai may also be helpful to you.

We recommend hiking the Monk’s Trail while you’re here.

Chiang Mai is a food lover’s paradise; our food guide on its best restaurants and places to eat is essential reading! Plus, don’t miss our 10 best Brunch Cafes in Chiang Mai!

For those looking to stay a little longer in Thailand, this country is a digital nomad & remote workers’ heaven! Read our detailed digital nomads guide to both Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai and Ko Samui vs Ko Phangan for remote workers.

Some of our favourite places include Kata Beach, on the island of Phuket – here are ten awesome things to do in Kata Beach, and of course we put together this ultimate food guide for Phuket Town.

We recommend visiting Lampang, a lesser-known (but fantastic) city – here are 11 reasons to visit Lampang!

If you enjoy Lampang, why not visit the quaint lakeside town of Phayao? Here’s how to spend two days in Phayao.

Nan is another place worth visiting in Northern Thailand; our comprehensive post includes the 14 best things to do in Nan.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Thailand. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View options for eSIM in Thailand or the regional Asialink eSIM (which covers 13 countries).

If your travels in Thailand are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

Want to travel in Thailand with like-minded travellers? View the best deals on group adventures in Thailand.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.