wat pha lat

Cajanet

Great to see, lots of monks around. Good insight into the history as the temple dates back to the 1400s.

sharonandmark

I love these places of worship despite being an atheist, I love the feeling of peace and tranquility from these beautiful temples/works of art, having a personal guide enhanced the experience for us, there was so much to see and the love our guide had for this temple showed through, an excellent day.

PocketBob

One of my best experiences in Chiang Mai. The temple and its surrounding buildings, plazas and statues, can be found on the hillside above Chiang Mai in a lovely, lush setting. I walked from near the Maya Shopping Center, through the University and then along a series of roads to reach the trailhead. From there, you follow the rocky and sometimes steep path up the hillside, guided along by swaths of orange monk robes tied to the trees. There is a waterfall, a view and a series of enchanting areas within the temple grounds to greet you at the end of your journey. The trek takes some effort but is worth it. On the day I visisted, I ran into a total of five other people ialong the path. It was serene and quiet at the top. Lovely place and a great change of pace from the bustle and crowds of Chiang Mai.

christiank600

Today for the first time in visiting Chiang Mai for the past 8 years I visited Wat Pha Lat - part way up Doi Suthep. The entrance is on the left as you go up and about 500M past the entrance to the National Park Waterfall on the right as you go up.The temple is built into the hillside and includes the waterfall visible lower down the mountain. It has a car park and toilets. It is a retreat and you are asked to be quiet. It was very quiet and has great views of Chinag Mai. I would recommend this on your way up to Doi Suthep.

9_Months_A_Nomad

Like other travelers, I had a hard time finding the trail to hike to this Wat. I found it by looking for the swaths of saffron robes that the monks had tied around trees along the way. If you don't want to hike up the mountain, note that the temple is easily reached by road. The temple is about half way up on the same road as to Wat Phra That Doi Sethup. It seemed that only Westerners were hiking up to see the temple. The walk up is beautiful, but that is only a taste of what is to come. This magnificent temple is not only set deep in the side of the mountain, but it has a waterfall running through it. I agree with other reviewers who noted that it is more peaceful, and less touristy than the hugely popular Wat Phra That Doi Sethup. Both temples should be visited, in my opinion. Visiting Wat Pha Lat was one of the highlights of my week in Chiang Mai.

annamM9637NI

Walk out of Chiang Mai towards the Chiang Mai Zoo and you will see signs towards a "nature path." Follow these signs up a big asphalt road and you will end up at a trail head. Follow the trail, which will be marked with stripes of orange fabric (the color of monk's robes). The path winds up through peaceful jungle to Wat Pha Lat, which has a waterfall running through it and features stunning views of Chiang Mai. We liked it much better than the overcrowded, touristy Doi Suthep. You can continue hiking up to Doi Suthep if you want -- trail gets very steep and is a bit tricky to find. Look out for the orange markers!

Paulos1884

I loved the style of this temple which blends in well with the natural surroundings. It was hard to find the start of the trail. The start of the trail, which is a really worthwhile 45 minute uphill walk through the forest, starts a couple hundred meters up the road from the entrance to the zoo. So maybe get red bus to the zoo entrance and start from there.

CyclistRick

We came across this on the hike from Chiang Mai (near the University) to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The hike is a nice, forested walk then, following a trail of orange cloths tied to trees, and then there a a cascade with a pair of nagas on a stair case going up to the temple area. This was the only place on the walk up the mountain where we encountered any people, and then only a few. The temple is beautiful and peaceful, much better for reflection and meditation than in the crowds and ruckus at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. We spent more time at this small temple then at the bigger one up the mountain as it was so peaceful. While you can drive or catch a ride up to this temple, I think it is much better to reach on foot.

sigak

The short hike up the Wat is fun and quite easy. There are a series of Wats and chedis on the side of a mountain, sitting atop a shallow waterfall and overlooking the city. Every time I have been (even in peak tourist times) it has always been very peaceful with few people. I would recommend to go here when you want to have a peaceful afternoon (and its totally free!). I would argue that this is my favorite place in Chiang Mai because it is so beautiful and relaxing.

Stephanecanal

On your way to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep you should stop to visit this temple; there is a river with a small waterfall running through the temple and an outstanding view of Chiang Mai.Wat Pha Lat is not very well known but you should ask the driver/guide to stop by this place.

jobst56

Actually I'd like to keep it a secret, but there's no secrets left in this world...Just find out yourself, wear good walking shoes, start at the head/end of Suthep Road and follow the orange ribbons tied to the trees.

Ceciliachip

Finding the entrance to the trail took me about 4 hrs with 5 different tuk tuks dropping me off at different locations. I know there is back door in chaingmai university and another way straight east of the main road. But in the end, i went through the bacl exit, suthep rd., of the zoo which means, i did buy a zoo entrance ticket. Anyway, you then will have to keep walking until youve reached the very last security gate of the zoo, turn right, walk another 1km to the red and white tower, turn left, walk until the path stops at 2 mini trail boards and that is where the trail starts. There will be orange Buddhist clothes tied to trees of the entrance, keep following the clothes to the left and eventually you'll get there. The hike up the mountain is about 2km. It's totally worth it! The temple is absolutely beautiful and still being used by monks. Not a lot of people know about this temple so no hoards of tourists or vendors (saw only 2 other visitors). It's really peaceful and the architecture is just stunning with a view of the city in the backdrop.

moesie

This little gem is so peacefull, no crowds, it was just us and the beautifull surroundings, feeling like you've just stepped back in time. Go! But don't go with to many people ;)

Giants2007

For me this was hands down the best. Great views, temple on the mountain, very peaceful. Make sure you explore the back and cross the rocks.

MennoOphelia

Sick of busses of tourists or do you feel like all temples are starting to look the same? Def go here.There are many discriptions how to get there. (45 minute hike) but the quickest way is to take a red bus to or from the Wat Doi Supthan temple. Somewhere in the middle of the mountain (doi) you will see three white big buildings (shrines). That is where you need to be. Behind the building is paved road ( left) that goes down and straight into the wat. (Ignore the barking dogs). The Wat is original and a bundle of different little areas to explore. Enjoy the silence and let it really soak in. Move towards the sound of running water and you will see a little stream of water. Follow that path, find a good place on the rocks near a little bridge and soak in the serenity. Feet in the water and you feel like heaven. If you truly want to hike back to the city, follow the path down for about 45 minuted. ( orange ribbons are along the path) you will find a highway that leads to Chiang mai zoo entrance 2. Keep following the road and it will bring you near Chiang Mai university.