Wat Pha Lat
A serene, jungle-shrouded temple on the mountainside, far quieter than Doi Suthep and a highlight of the Monk's Trail.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Free via the paved road; ~100 THB foreigner if entering via the Monk's Trail / Pha Lat nature-trail section (Doi Suthep-Pui NP fee since Oct 2025); confirm locally
- Hours
- Daily, daylight hours ~06:00-18:00
- Best time
- Morning; lush and misty in green season (Jun-Oct)
- Time needed
- 45 min-1 hour
About Wat Pha Lat
This is the temple most tourists skip, and that's exactly why it's worth going. Tucked into the jungle on the mountainside between the city and Doi Suthep, it's far quieter and less polished, and that's the whole appeal.
You can drive straight up the mountain road, which is free, or hike in via the Monk's Trail, which takes some effort but is one of the better short hikes near the city. Since late 2025 there's been a national park fee to enter through the nature-trail side, so what you pay can depend on how you arrive.
Go in the morning, and if you can time a visit during green season between June and October, the whole place turns lush and a bit misty, which suits it well.
Highlights
- Jungle-shrouded mountainside setting
- Quiet alternative to Doi Suthep
- Monk's Trail hiking access
- Lush, misty green-season atmosphere
Tips
- Driving up the paved road is free, while entering via the Monk's Trail nature-trail section carries a small national park fee since late 2025, so confirm which route you're taking
- Go in the morning for cooler hiking conditions
- The trail hike takes real effort, so wear proper shoes
- Green season (June to October) gives the lushest scenery but can be muddy underfoot
How to get there
Grab/car up Doi Suthep road ~20-25 min, ~200-300 THB; or hike the Monk's Trail (~30-45 min uphill)