The Monk's Trail & Hidden Temple Hike
Everyone visits Doi Suthep. Almost nobody walks the path the monks have used to get there for hundreds of years. This half-day hike leaves the city noise behind and climbs through quiet forest to a hidden temple, then on to one of Chiang Mai's most famous landmarks — arriving on foot, the way it was meant to be reached. The walk is about 4 km with a steady climb. It starts at a quiet trailhead and enters the forest on the Monk's Trail. The first stop is Wat Palad, an old temple that feels like a secret kept by the jungle — worth sitting still in for a while. From there the trail continues under thick green canopy up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where the whole city opens out below. Duration: approx. 4 hours, morning or afternoon. Activity level: moderate — a steady incline over 4 km. Lunch is not included.
Itinerary
Hotel pickup
Meet at the hotel and head to the quiet trailhead at the foot of Doi Suthep.
08:00Start the Monk's Trail
Walk into the forest on the path monks have used for centuries.
08:30Wat Palad
A hidden forest temple beside a stream — time to stop, sit and listen.
09:30Climb to Doi Suthep
Continue up the trail under thick green canopy.
10:00Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Arrive at the mountain-top temple with panoramic views over Chiang Mai.
11:00Return to the hotel
Head back down. Total hike approx. 4 km over 4 hours.
12:00Pricing
| Group Size | Price / Person |
|---|---|
| 1 – 1 pax | ฿5,100 |
| 2 – 2 pax | ฿2,250 |
| 3 – 3 pax | ฿1,800 |
| 4 – 4 pax | ฿1,450 |
| 5 – 5 pax | ฿1,250 |
| 6 – 6 pax | ฿1,100 |
| 7 – 9 pax | ฿1,000 |
| 8 – 9 pax | ฿900 |
Important Notes
INCLUDED: English-speaking LocalRoot guide · Drinking water · Travel insurance · Entry fee and donation WHO IT'S FOR: Travellers who want nature and culture in one morning or afternoon, and who would rather reach Doi Suthep on foot than by tour bus. NOTE: Itinerary may change depending on weather and local conditions. Lunch is not included — a meal in the city before or after the hike is recommended. Departure 08:00 or 13:00. Minimum 2 persons; a single traveller is charged as 2 persons. RATE VALID: August 2026 – October 2027