Wat Pha Lat | How to Visit This Sanctuary Above Chiang Mai
Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Charlotte
Wat Pha Lat is a hidden temple shrouded in the forest halfway up Doi Suthep Mountain, in harmony with nature. While crowds flock to the golden splendor of Doi Suthep at the summit, this moss-covered sanctuary sits quietly in the forest below, where ancient stone monuments bleed seamlessly into the surrounding jungle. Built in the 14th century as a resting place for monks on their pilgrimage up the mountain, Wat Pha Lat offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely peaceful temple experience surrounded by forest and moss and waterfalls, with dragon-carved staircases, and the kind of atmosphere that invites you to stay and contemplate. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite photos from this special spot, along with practical visiting information so you can plan your own trip.
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Our Visit to Wat Pha Lat
On a bluebird day in January, we made an unexpected stop at Wat Pha Lat temple after an early morning visit to the glittering gold Doi Suthep.
After clambering around in the crowds of Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat was like an expected breath of fresh air surrounded by nature.
Where Doi Suthep is dripping with gold and gems on every wall and rooftop, Wat Pha Lat is more modest and immersed in the surrounding jungle, some of the monuments slowly being reclaimed by moss and leaf and twig and the throes of time.
This temple was built as a resting place for monks on their pilgrimage to the Doi Suthep summit, and even for us travelers, the temple had plenty of spots to sit and rest our feet, and clear our minds.
As we wandered the temple grounds, we saw stray doggies sunning themselves in the footprints of sunbeams, and kittens winding around statues of elephants and buddhas.
One of my favorite parts of this temple visit was the short 20 or so minute walk along a small stream to a waterfall. This walk is a section of the Monk’s Trail, a 3.6 km (2.25 miles) trek that winds up the mountain from the base to Doi Suthep.
On the walk, the forest was cool, and the sounds of the rushing water inspired inner peace. From there, we made our way to an ornately carved white dragon stairway. While this stairway seemingly went to nowhere, it was impressive in its own right.
Before leaving, we popped into the temple outbuildings for a look at the larger buddhas. No monks were present that day, but it was still something neat to see.
For a temple with no entrance fee, we thought that this spot is 100% worth a visit. Compared to the chaos of Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat feels like what a temple should be, if you’re looking to find inner peace.
How to Visit Wat Pha Lat
Wat Pha Lat is about 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from the Chiang Mai city center. Most visitors arrive by motorbike or car with a driver. There’s no formal parking lot, so you’ll need to parallel park along the road.
If you’re an active person, it is possible to hike up to this temple along the Monk’s Trail, but it can be quite hot.
Practical Visiting Information
- Cost: Free entrance
- Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring and the optional walk to the waterfall
- Facilities: Very basic public restroom available
- Accessibility: Not super accessible, there are stairs and uneven ground
- Dress code: As with all Thai temples, cover your shoulders and knees. Bring a light scarf or cardigan if needed
- Best for: Travelers seeking a quieter temple experience away from crowds
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has so many cool things to do and see, so check out some of our other guides to help you plan your trip!
- If you’re already in the area: Be sure to visit Doi Suthep! Read our full guide to this golden temple.
- Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary: Check out our full guide to the Elephant Highlands Project by Elephant Nature Park.
- Climb the Sticky Waterfall: Learn everything you need to know on how to visit the Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall near Chiang Mai!
- Stay at a boutique hotel: Check out our review of our favorite boutique hotel in the Chiang Mai old town
