Monk’s Trail Trailhead
The Monk's Trail Trailhead is a hiking route near Chiang Mai that starts at a simple marked spot beside the road with parking for bikes and cars nearby. The path leads through a dense forest with shaded sections, gently climbing to Wat Pha Lat temple first, then continuing steeply upward to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep if desired.
The path connects to the history of Wat Pha Lat, where legend says a white elephant carried a sacred Buddha relic in the 14th century and rested at this site. This event made the location spiritually important, and a temple was later built on the same spot.
The path was once a route for monks walking into the city for daily alms, following old traditions through the forest. Today, most monks use a road, but the trail remains a meaningful walk for hikers seeking connection with the natural and spiritual surroundings.
The best time to hike is in the cooler months from November to February, ideally in early morning hours to avoid crowds and enjoy shade. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and cover your shoulders and legs before entering temples; wraps are available to rent nearby.
The trail was once marked only by strips of saffron cloth tied to trees to guide monks, but these have largely disappeared over time. Today, colorful banners replace these old markers, making the path more accessible while losing some of its original mysterious charm.
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