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What is it?
Is this the best temple in Thailand? We think so. Shrouded by trees in the forested Suthep mountainside, Wat Pha Lat was originally used as a resting place for monks travelling all the way up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A prayer hall, stupa and pavilion surrounded by trees, streams and stone pathways; this temple is quite literally lush and an idyllic place for reflection. Or just taking in the city below.
Why we love it:
It’s not just the temple itself that’s impressive. The best way to reach the temple is by walking the Monk's Trail, an easy forest path that begins near Chiang Mai University and takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how speedy your hiking pace is. At times, it does close (especially after exceptionally heavy rain), but usually the path is open and actively used by monks and visitors almost every day. The fact that the trail is as old as the temple invokes some serious history vibes, while the temple itself wouldn’t look out of place in a hidden relic documentary.
Time Out tip:
With all temples, appropriate clothing and behaviour is a must here. There’s been a few cases of influencers acting up here, so don’t be that. And if you ask the monks nicely, you can join their sunset chanting.
101 Sriwichai Alley (access halfway up Doi Suthep by road, or behind the university via Monk’s Trail). Free, 6am-5.30pm