Wat Pha Lat
Wat Pha Lat
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
551 reviews
Excellent
442
Very good
87
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
9
Rajender
Ghaziabad, India64 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
The journey from chiang mai to this temple it takes about 40 minutes from city.the tuktuk or whatever u call charge about 500 baht for taking you and bringing back.he will wait for you for whatever time u take.flowers and candles are free if u wish u can donate.the city view from the hill is fantastic. The local shops are selling everything there.
The other way to climb is Rodeway lift takes 3 minutes and charge 100 baht for both way
The other way to climb is Rodeway lift takes 3 minutes and charge 100 baht for both way
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arie
Los Angeles, CA18 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Wat Pha Lat is one of my favorite temples that I visited in Chiang Mai. It may not have all the splash and “bling” of the better known wats, but this is exactly why I liked it so much. It is in a forest setting with a stream flowing near it and fewer tourists than the more famous wats. Make sure you don’t just look at the first two shrines when you pull off of the road; definitely go down the hill to where most of the temples are located.
Written May 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danjiro
Lake Forest, CA246 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
This temple is easy to overlook. I hiked up the monk's trail, and was delighted to come across this temple complex, located in the woods on the hill on the way up to Doi Suthep Temple. The other way to go is by vehicle, pulling off the main road up to Doi Suthep. The hiking trail emerges on the lower portion of this temple grounds, with an overlook deck, a river, some falls and a large serpent staircase on the other side. The temple structures on the grounds have a range of styles; some with western influence, (the white building with arches that covers a cave with a reclining Buddha) others are more simple, and some stupas looks ancient. All blend well into the natural environment. The designs are much more understated, I find appealing. The grounds have a bamboo tunnel stair case, a nice grass courtyard and other interesting landscaping details and figures. I was caught in a sudden burst of rain and seeking shelter there in the area around the courtyard, allowed me to appreciate some details I might have missed just hiking through.
Written January 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria K
Berlin, Germany152 contributions
Feb 2019
We stopped at Wat Pha Lat before going to Doi Suthep and it is the best temple we visited in Chiang Mai. It's really peaceful and beautiful. It is complete out of sight in the mountains so not a lot of people know about it. There are many statues and artifacts on the grounds and there were even two beautiful peacocks in the area. We heard that it is possible to hike the trail called the Monk's trail to this temple but I'm almost sure that at that time it was closed and there were also some small renovations going on. I highly recommend people to visit this temple, it is typically overshadowed by the popular Wat Doi Suthep but it shouldn't be.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sychim
Singapore, Singapore2,646 contributions
Jul 2022
Wat Pha Lat is not the grandest temple you will find in Thailand. There are no golden stupas and no high ceilings . But what it lacks in scale and grandeur, it makes up for in setting. Out of a lush green hillside overlooking Chiang Mai city sprouts a temple compound, a collection of buildings, next to a gentle stream, with quaint bridges, peaceful courtyards and beautiful sculptures. Some buildings date back centuries, others look like new additions. Yet, together, they all work. Walking around, you feel a sense of peace and tranquility. It really does feel like discovering paradise in the middle of a jungle. Absolutely gorgeous.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Batam, Indonesia217 contributions
Jun 2022
My husband and I enjoyed this temple very much as the gardens were as much a part of the experience as the temple itself. It had a peaceful simplicity that we thought was very fitting, perhaps easier to feel the spirituality of the place. Not as crowded as some of the larger temples, a real plus.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melkeet
Ipoh, Malaysia1,362 contributions
Jan 2020
We reach this wat after visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and is about 7 km from it. It is hidden within the forest, off the road leading up to Wat Doi Suthep. Our Taxi driver informed us, the tale of the white elephant, carrying a Buddha relic up the Doi Suthep, had rested here on its way up the hill. Wat Pha Lat was built at the sites where the elephant had rested on its way up.
There are a number of buildings in this hidden temple. It includes, an old Chedi in its ground and a Wihan with a Buddha sitting on a platform. All this structure are within well landscape grounds, in the forest. The place is quite and serene and is meant to be such, as it is a place of meditation for the monks. We spent about two hours exploring this place and relaxing at this site. Since the temple is a bit out of the way, it can be difficult to find a ride for the return trip, so it would be advisable to book a round trip and have the driver wait.
There are a number of buildings in this hidden temple. It includes, an old Chedi in its ground and a Wihan with a Buddha sitting on a platform. All this structure are within well landscape grounds, in the forest. The place is quite and serene and is meant to be such, as it is a place of meditation for the monks. We spent about two hours exploring this place and relaxing at this site. Since the temple is a bit out of the way, it can be difficult to find a ride for the return trip, so it would be advisable to book a round trip and have the driver wait.
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Outlander
10 contributions
Jan 2020
Has to be experienced, words do not describe. Can reach from a hiking trail below, or be driven to the temple area. Location is on Doi Suthep mountain and the more popular temple can also be reached by short hike or vehicle from this location. I suggest the hike up as it is beautiful. Wear hiking boots, it's rocky. Not too difficult, but will require some strength and balance. I'm not in great shape and I did it in sandals, however. The temple area looks like a place from a fantasy movie. Do not be discouraged by warnings about dogs. Yes, some are there and yes some may seem aggressive if you bother them. This is true for nearly every temple in Thailand though. Just ignore them if you are not good with dogs. Don't pet stray dogs anywhere in Thailand. I love dogs and had no problem though, they seemed to like me. A few are English Bull Terriers, so I suppose their appearance is scary to some people. But they seemed calm and minded the monk that takes care of them. Any temple in Thailand should be avoided at and after sunset if you are scared of dogs; they get more territorial and protective at this time. Overall, this was one of my favorite places in all of Thailand. Please be quiet and respectful if you visit. I saw many tourists dressed quite improper and behaving obnoxious and loud, which tarnishes the experience, and our image.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eleonora D
18 contributions
Dec 2019
One of my most favourite temples in Ching Mai. It may not be the most beautifully decorated temple but the sense of peace, tranquility and n that one get when visiting this temple is worth every cent! You have to take your time at this beautiful temple - the grounds are big and you can get drawn into the amazingly beautiful landscape around it. The waterfalls, the forest and you could spend hours just being! I have visited it and I will visit it again every time I go to Ching Mai. Beyond words beautiful place.
Written November 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sumith D
Ernakulam, India675 contributions
May 2019
It is off the beaten track. Around 30 minutes from Chiang Mai town, the temple has maintained an old world ambience. It is a monastery. You get some great views of the city and the whole place has a very traditional peaceful setting. Could be maintained much better. But a good place to visit so as to get an idea of the monastic life.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elana_K
Chicago, IL1,053 contributions
Is the hike up to the temple via the Monk's Trail worth it, or better off to be dropped off at the temple directly? I've seen mixed reviews. Some have said the hiking route is not very scenic. May be better off hiking somewhere else.
JDZatSF
San Francisco, CA1,026 contributions
This is a very subjective issue, but I very much enjoyed my 45-minute hike to the temple and I felt like it made my experience there more meaningful and enjoyable. Afterward, I caught a ride back to town.
Elana_K
Chicago, IL1,053 contributions
If you don't have your own transportation, what is the best/most reliable way to get a ride back to the city once you are done visiting here?
Sergio Teixeira
Rio de Janeiro, RJ255 contributions
What is the best way to get to this location? How much is the transfer? Would this place have a parking? What would be the cost?
Tuncay Ilege
Frankfurt, Germany1,277 contributions
You can use a shared Taxi for 120 Bhat or 500 Baht for a privat Taxi. There is a Parking available.
Tanuj M
New Delhi, India7 contributions
Is there a way to take the monk's trail up to wat phrathat doi suthep via wat pha lat?
Rachel W
Los Angeles, CA40 contributions
Yes, there's another trail right up the road from Wat Pha La. It's steeper and a bit more complicated than the Monk's trail. Take lots of water. There's a few blog posts if you Google Monk's trail.
Samgp
56 contributions
Hola, subes directamente andando desde Chiang Mai al Wat Pha Lat??Cuanto tardas??
Ciao a tutti,
tra due settimane sarò a Chiang Mai, volevo chiedere come arrivare al Wat Pha Lat..
tuk tuk? altri mezzi?
quanto è circa il costo della trasferta dal centro di Chiang Mai?
Quanto tempo devo calcolare per la visita?
grazie a chi mi risponderà..
allstargame
Pistoia, Italia319 contributions
Noi abbiamo contrattato per un taxi con cui fare un giro a disposizione per tutta la giornata, che ci ha portato anche al cimitero reale e al tempio della montagna con fermata per pausa pranzo ad un ristorante.
Contrattando si arrivano a prezzi decenti mi sembra sui 60 euro totali per 3 persone per tutto il giorno.
In tuk non è comodissimo perché e abbastanza fuori e la strada in salita e il prezzo magari non è poi così basso.
theodagmardevries
Amstelveen, The Netherlands16 contributions
Hi Matthias,
wij zijn volgend jaar januari weer voor een paar dagen in Chiang Mai en willen graag wat minder toeristische dingen doen zoals dit tempelcomplex.
Hoe is de weg naar de tempel, ik heb heuparthrose en kan niet meer hele steile wegen lopen.
Ik hoor het graag!
Vriendelijke groet, Dagmar
Matthias H
Antwerp, Belgium245 contributions
Hallo Dagmar,
Wij hebben gekozen om de wandeling door de jungle te doen naar deze tempel. De mensen van onze hostel hebben een taxi geregeld tot aan de voet van deze wandeling.
Deze is best stevig bergop en op smalle weggetjes. Als ik het goed heb kan je ook gewoon met een taxi via de gewone weg tot aan de ingang komen.
Groeten,
Matthias
Clicklisa
70 contributions
-What is the best time of day to visit as far as lighting for photography. Morning or late afternoon?
-I'll be going in November. If I was just going to hike up and then catch a ride down what is the latest you'd start on the trail? Sunset is about 5:50.
Thank you.
fitzcarraldo
Ko Samui, Thailand254 contributions
The grounds look down to the East and towards Chiang Mai so the direction that the sun rises. The sun sets behind Doi suthep mountain, which is behind the temple grounds. Both times of day are gorgeous, depending if you want pictures of the view down to Chiang Mai, or of the temple buildings themselves
laurenzakrin
Brooklyn, NY
I have read a handful of posts about packs of rabid dogs being aggressive at Wat Pha Lat.... Did you encounter this??
Robert R
Chiang Mai, Thailand363 contributions
I responded already but I thought I should mention that rabies is a terminal disease and dogs with rabies die within a few days. The disease causes mental deterioration and dogs with rabies are beyond any "pack" behavior, often completely unaware of their surroundings.
Some dogs are usually found at all of the temples, as are temple cats and temple chickens. I suspect whomever wrote the post about "mad dogs" was phobic about dogs, unaware of the nature of rabies, or both. IT's a great place to visit, close to Wat Doi Suthep which is great for sunrise, and has a waterfall on the grounds and is near another.
Wat Pha Lat (Chiang Mai) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Pha Lat
- We recommend booking Wat Pha Lat tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 39 Wat Pha Lat tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Wat Pha Lat:
- Best Day Trip Chiangmai City Temple+Doi Suthep+Wat Palad+Home Industries (From $83.70)
- The Best City Tour View Points Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Pha Lat (From $58.94)
- Chiang Mai City Tour with Doi Suthep and View Point (SHA Plus) (From $59.27)
- Chiang Mai City Tour with Doi Suthep and View Point (From $42.31)
- Half Day Doi Suthep Temple and short trekking on monk trail (Private Tour) (From $71.15)
- Hotels near Wat Pha Lat:
- (2.25 mi) BED Nimman Hotel
- (2.26 mi) Art Mai Gallery Hotel
- (2.30 mi) akyra Manor Chiang Mai
- (2.20 mi) ALEXA Hostel
- (1.90 mi) BED Changkian Adults Only
- Restaurants near Wat Pha Lat:
- (0.28 mi) Chiangmai Coffee Stop
- (2.02 mi) Uchi Japanese Gastro Bar
- (2.11 mi) KOBQ - Korean Barbecue Restaurant
- (2.38 mi) Pizza My Heart At Nimman
- (2.30 mi) Italics & Rise at Akyra Manor Chiang Mai
Wat Pha Lat Information
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