Wat Pha Lat
Wat Pha Lat
4.5
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- PaweenKlBangkok, Thailand137 contributionsRelaxing atmosphereBeautiful scenery with peaceful atmosphere. Many things to see here including a short trek with a small stream, view of the city and the temple itself. Worth a stop on the way to Doi Suthep.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 27, 2024
- ErkiBearLondon, United Kingdom388 contributionsBeautiful forest templeBeautiful forest temple which was very tranquil and relaxed. Lots of smaller temple buildings to explore and views of Chiang Mai from the river. Worth a stop on the way to the much busier Doi Suthep.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 15, 2024
- macedonboyGlasgow, United Kingdom186,307 contributionsHistoric Temple Now Renown as a Meditation RetreatThis temple is said to have been built where an elephant is said to have collapsed while being ridden by King Kuena, who was transporting Buddha relics to Doi Suthep. Originally, the temple was used as a stopping point to rest on their pilgrimage to Doi Suthep, but is now also renown as a meditation retreat. The grounds are surround by forest and the temples are much more muted in their decorations compared to other Thai templesVisited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 22, 2024
- Olivier L16 contributionsLittle wonder in the heart of the forestDo not miss. We loved this temple in the middle of the forest. Its statues are magnificent, the forest sings all around, we move from discovery to discovery as we progress and descend towards the valley. This peaceful place seems less visited than the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple which in our opinion is nothing exceptional if we compare it to the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Too many people and gold everywhere which offers no originality compared to the other temples. On the other hand, Wat Pha Lat is a little wonder in the heart of the forest! To visit without fail!Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 4, 2024
- So1708Biganos, France14 contributionsOur favorite place of Chiang Mai hidden in the middle of nature and the world.In our opinion the most beautiful place to visit in Chiang Mai. Hidden in the middle of nature this place is really peaceful and invites relaxation and meditation. There are few tourists, the buildings are very beautiful and the nature is beautiful. We can talk to the monks who live there. A little air of Bali...Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 13, 2024
- Siam Elephant SanctuaeyChiang Mai Province, Thailand40 contributionsWat Pha Lat is a hidden gem in Chiang Mai.Nestled in a lush green mountain away from the chaos of Chiang Mai’s city streets lies Wat Pha Lat, a jungle temple paradise. Jungle temples, as opposed to community temples that are found in the city, serve primarily as a calm place for monks to live and meditate. With old stone buildings, intricate carvings and statues, and plenty of breathtaking places to meditate, it’s clear why people claim Wat Pha Lat is a hidden gem in Chiang Mai.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 24, 2024
- Monica M102 contributionsWe strolled down the Monk's path between Wat Doi Suthep and Chiang Mai.The stroll took us around forty minutes to complete and was rather leisurely. Wat Pha Lat was a serene and lovely place. Wat Pha Lat is a much more challenging trek, so it's recommended taking a break here before continuing. The Wat is gorgeously tucked away among the surrounding waterfalls.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 16, 2024
- Danny Adventure TourChiang Mai, Thailand101 contributions"Wat Pha Lad" One of the most famous temple temple in Chiang MaiWat Pha Lad is the most famous temple in chiang mai from chiang mai city is 30 minutes by red taxi; gape car or motorbike. And also you can walk from wat fai hin (temple) to wat Pha lad walk about 45 minutes we would like to recommend to visit here. Danny AdventureVisited October 2024Traveled on businessWritten October 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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NAF22
Lisbon, Portugal213 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Clearly you find dozens of Wats in CM. One at each corner almost literally.
This one stays in the hills, 30’ by taxi from city center and is different from all the others in the city due to the nature context.
We loved everything about it.., it has a mystic context of ruins and preserved areas… buildings, rocks and nature… seems immersed in the jungle… water running around in small cascades and channels…
Beautiful context!
It is possible to reach by trail and some people do it. We got one of those red truck taxis… and paid 1200 bahts round trip, including a stop/visit also at the Doi Suthep temple (more 20-30’ ride up the hill)
My advice would be to start your CM visit by these 2 temples… and leave city center for later.
This one stays in the hills, 30’ by taxi from city center and is different from all the others in the city due to the nature context.
We loved everything about it.., it has a mystic context of ruins and preserved areas… buildings, rocks and nature… seems immersed in the jungle… water running around in small cascades and channels…
Beautiful context!
It is possible to reach by trail and some people do it. We got one of those red truck taxis… and paid 1200 bahts round trip, including a stop/visit also at the Doi Suthep temple (more 20-30’ ride up the hill)
My advice would be to start your CM visit by these 2 temples… and leave city center for later.
Written December 27, 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.
riolola
Finland41 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Much recommended if you’ve seen enough golden temples or need a break from the city hassle. Although on a Tuesday afternoon there were more people we expected so it wasn’t exactly a tranquil experience but very beautiful still and likely calmer than many other temple sites. A map of the area would have been nice as it wasn’t clear if each small path should be followed to cover the whole area.
We took a random songthaew from Old Town up the hill and back. The private return trip cost 500/2 persons so it was not the cheapest option but on a hot day we didn’t feel like hiking or searching for a shared ride. Our driver waited for us an hour at the parking lot, but if you need more time I’m sure that can be negotiated. An hour was ok for us to look around and take pictures but for a slow enjoyment or meditative experience, reserve more time.
We took a random songthaew from Old Town up the hill and back. The private return trip cost 500/2 persons so it was not the cheapest option but on a hot day we didn’t feel like hiking or searching for a shared ride. Our driver waited for us an hour at the parking lot, but if you need more time I’m sure that can be negotiated. An hour was ok for us to look around and take pictures but for a slow enjoyment or meditative experience, reserve more time.
Written December 12, 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.
Rajender
Ghaziabad, India58 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.
Valter M
Milan, Italy3,679 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Temple completely surrounded by forest, it is little visited despite its undeniable charm.
It is in fact built inside the forest, overlooking a small river and totally surrounded by trees, vines and lush nature. Statues of dragons, elephants and other mystical creatures characterize the temple, which is accessed by a staircase surmounted by two white dragons that rise from a waterfall that makes everything quiet and spiritual at the same time
It is in fact built inside the forest, overlooking a small river and totally surrounded by trees, vines and lush nature. Statues of dragons, elephants and other mystical creatures characterize the temple, which is accessed by a staircase surmounted by two white dragons that rise from a waterfall that makes everything quiet and spiritual at the same time
Written October 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.
Eug
Melbourne, Australia21 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
For me personally, it was the best temple in all of Chiang Mai.
I don’t get at all what the fuss is about all these major famous temples (in the old city), where you see a lot of golden paint, thousands of tourists (and as many donation boxes), and generally feels too commercialised.
This one, in comparison, feels humble, authentic, among beautiful nature and in perfect balance with surrounding environment.
Yes, people who love seeing shiny objects probably won’t like it.
Me personally, for example, saw nothing special or spiritual about famous Wat Doi Suthep…
I don’t get at all what the fuss is about all these major famous temples (in the old city), where you see a lot of golden paint, thousands of tourists (and as many donation boxes), and generally feels too commercialised.
This one, in comparison, feels humble, authentic, among beautiful nature and in perfect balance with surrounding environment.
Yes, people who love seeing shiny objects probably won’t like it.
Me personally, for example, saw nothing special or spiritual about famous Wat Doi Suthep…
Written November 5, 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.
Arie
Los Angeles, CA45 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, CA282 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, Germany156 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, Singapore2,403 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, Indonesia209 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.
What time does the temple close?
Written May 22, 2024
E’ possibile andare a piedi da Chiang Mai vecchia fino al Wat pha lat e poi ancora al Doi Suthep? O meglio farsi portare per questione di tempo?
Written February 25, 2024
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.
Written December 3, 2022
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.
Written December 4, 2022
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?
Written September 26, 2022
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?
Written January 7, 2019
You can use a shared Taxi for 120 Bhat or 500 Baht for a privat Taxi. There is a Parking available.
Written January 11, 2020
Is there a way to take the monk's trail up to wat phrathat doi suthep via wat pha lat?
Written August 20, 2018
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.
Written September 8, 2018
Hola, subes directamente andando desde Chiang Mai al Wat Pha Lat??Cuanto tardas??
Written July 31, 2018
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..
Written March 5, 2018
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.
Written March 9, 2018
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
Written November 12, 2017
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
Written November 12, 2017
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