Wat Pha Lat
วัดผาลาด
A small temple in the forest on the flank of Doi Suthep, where a stream flows over ancient shrines; reachable on foot via the Monk's Trail and quieter than Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Wat Pha Lat sits in dense forest halfway up Doi Suthep. It began as a rest-stop temple for monks and pilgrims walking up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Shrines, pagodas and stone guardian figures are scattered among moss-covered rocks and streams. The water spills over a rock bed to form a small waterfall, which is how the temple got its nickname “Waterfall Temple.” A platform behind the temple looks out over Chiang Mai city and is especially beautiful at sunset. The classic route is the Monk's Trail. Start from the trailhead behind Chiang Mai University and follow the forest path marked with orange cloth strips uphill for about 40–60 minutes to reach Wat Pha Lat. Fit hikers can continue uphill for another hour to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Admission is free, with opening hours of about 06:00–18:00. Wear long trousers and long sleeves. Trails are slippery after rain, so wear non-slip shoes and bring water.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Chiang Mai Zoo
- Chiang Mai University
- Wat Umong
- Baan Kang Wat
- Nimmanhaemin Road
- Wat Suan Dok
- Bhubing Palace