Hiking at Doi Suthep Wat Pa Lad Trail

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Walk on your feets within Doi Suthep area

Going hiking is something you cant miss when you arrive Chiang Mai. It may sounds exhausted to you, but its good for your health, both mental health and physical health. 

There are many hiking paths in Chiang Mai. You can choose whatever you like. But, if you dont know your way to go, lets take the path of Wat Pa Lad, the temple which is located in the area of Doi Suthep – Pui National Park. Going hiking at Doi Suthep Wat Pa Lad trail will be absolutely exciting.

hiking at doi suthep, hiking at doi suthep - pui national park, trekking at doi suthep, trekking at doi suthep - pui national park
hiking at doi suthep, hiking at doi suthep - pui national park, trekking at doi suthep, trekking at doi suthep - pui national park

In order to start Hiking at Doi Suthep Wat Pa Lad Trail, you may start from right behind Chiang Mai University, Suthep Road. Just keep walking until you reach a section. At that point, turn right and continue straight

After continuing straight for several minutes, you will find the two separated ways. The one you should choose is the left side, because the right side is the entrance of the locals’ village. You don’t have to worry about anything. Just walk leisurely. You don’t need to walk fast to get exhausted. Go slowly and see all natural environment around you. You can stop at some spots to take nice photos.

About 30 minutes later, you will arrive the real entrance of hiking trip. This is a wood area. You have to walk very carefully. All trees are around you. Don’t trip over anything.

hiking at doi suthep, hiking at doi suthep - pui national park, trekking at doi suthep, trekking at doi suthep - pui national park
hiking at doi suthep, hiking at doi suthep - pui national park, trekking at doi suthep, trekking at doi suthep - pui national park

It will be best if you wear a pair of trousers, a pair of shoes and a t-shirt, in order to go hiking. These items will make you move smoothly. Avoid all sexy clothes like shorts, sleeveless shirt and slippers. 

Trek through the wood, you will see how beautiful it is. All greenery surrounds you. You walk under the shades of the leaves.

Even the weather may be a little bit cold, you still want to apply sunblock on you face and body, because there is the sunlight partly.

hiking at doi suthep, hiking at doi suthep - pui national park, trekking at doi suthep, trekking at doi suthep - pui national park
hiking at doi suthep, hiking at doi suthep - pui national park, trekking at doi suthep, trekking at doi suthep - pui national park

On some trees, you will find yellow fabric tied on them. This is called ‘Tree Ordination’. What is it? It is a ritual done by Buddhist monks. They tie yellow fabrics around the trees. By doing this, the trees will be protected from all dangers, including being cut down and destroyed. If there is anyone try to destroy the trees, that person may possibly pass away, due to the belief.

After treking for a while, you will reach the entrance of Wat Pa Lad, which appears as a stone bridge. The bridge looks very old and rugged. It may have been liviing for centuries.

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wat pa lat, pa lat temple, important temples in chiang mai, attraction temples in chiang mai

Go on into the temple. Feel the nice cool atmosphere there. You may feel a little bit tired after your long-time walking. Therefore just stop at the temple, sitting relax nearby the streams and touring around the area for several minutes before resuming your trip. There are many valuable architectures that you should see. Most of them consist of many art styles, not only Thai style.

On your way back, it’s quite easy. Just walk along the descent of the mountain and that’s all.

Nearby Places

If you want to take a break from the city and spend part of your vacation exploring the more nature infused side of Chiang Mai, check out the zoo and aquarium.

A must see, on any visit to Chiang Mai, is the wondrous and holy temple of Wat Phra That which is located near the top of Doi Suthep (Mount Suthep). The temple is simply referred to as Doi Suthep by most people.