A popular day hike from Chiang Mai city that leads through secondary forest to the famous Doi Suthep temple. The Monk's Trail version starts from Wat Palad, passing through serene forest and a quiet temple before ascending.
The Doi Suthep Loop Trail, commonly called the Monk's Trail, is a 4-kilometer forest route in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park connecting Chiang Mai's northern suburbs to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the iconic golden-spired temple perched at 1,685 meters on the slopes above the city. The most popular starting point is Wat Palad (also written Wat Pha Lat), a serene hillside monastery at approximately 800 meters elevation, reachable by songthaew (red shared taxi) from Huay Kaew Road for around 50–80 THB per person. From Wat Palad, the trail ascends steadily through secondary mixed-deciduous and lower montane forest, gaining approximately 400 meters over roughly 3 kilometers of well-worn dirt and rock path. The route is waymarked at junctions and passes through quiet forest with periodic views through the canopy toward Chiang Mai below. Long-tailed macaques are commonly encountered along the upper sections of the trail, and great hornbills and white-handed gibbons can sometimes be heard calling from the forest canopy. The trail is used by monks from Doi Suthep monastery as a walking route to the city—a practice giving it its popular name—and the path has an unhurried, contemplative atmosphere on quieter weekday mornings. The trail emerges near the Doi Suthep temple road, from where visitors can ascend the famous 306-step Naga staircase to the temple complex itself. National Park entry fees of approximately 30 THB apply at Doi Suthep. The full loop is typically completed in 3–4 hours including a visit to the temple. A songthaew from the temple area back down to Chiang Mai costs approximately 40–60 THB per person and departs frequently until early evening.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai
- Best season
- November to February (dry season; cool temperatures make the 400m ascent comfortable; avoid March–May heat and June–October muddy trails)
Highlights
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple
- Panoramic Chiang Mai city views
- Monk's Trail through forest
- Wildlife including gibbons and hornbills
Tips for visiting
- Start before 8 am to avoid the midday heat; the exposed sections of the upper trail become uncomfortably hot by 10 am from March to May
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip; the dirt trail has exposed roots and some loose sections that become muddy in the wet season
- Remove shoes at the shrine structures within Wat Palad; the monastery is active and respectful behavior is expected throughout
- Take a songthaew back down from the temple rather than descending the trail if the knees need a rest—they depart regularly from the temple road
- Carry at least 1 liter of water; no refill points exist on the forested trail section between Wat Palad and the temple
When to visit
November through February offers comfortable temperatures of 18–24°C for the climb; mornings before 9 am are cooler, less crowded, and provide better chances of seeing wildlife before the heat of the day.
Accessibility
The Doi Suthep Loop Trail (Monk's Trail) is not accessible to wheelchair users or strollers due to steep inclines, exposed tree roots, and uneven dirt surfaces throughout the forested section. Visitors with limited mobility can reach Doi Suthep temple by songthaew via the paved road from Chiang Mai without using the hiking trail.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Monk's Trail start?
The most popular trailhead is at Wat Palad (Wat Pha Lat), a forested monastery off Huay Kaew Road in northwestern Chiang Mai. Songthaews to Wat Palad depart from near Chiang Mai Zoo for approximately 50–80 THB.
Is there an entrance fee for the Doi Suthep Loop Trail?
The trail through Doi Suthep-Pui National Park does not charge a separate entrance fee. However, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple charges a 30 THB entrance fee for foreign visitors.
How long does the hike take?
The forested ascent from Wat Palad to Doi Suthep temple takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on pace. Adding a 30–45 minute temple visit and a descent makes the full experience 3–4 hours.
Can the trail be hiked solo without a guide?
Yes. The Monk's Trail is a well-marked popular route that does not require a guide. The path is straightforward and regularly used by hikers, students, and monks. Trail conditions are generally safe during daylight hours.
Are there food options at the Doi Suthep summit?
Multiple food stalls and small restaurants operate along the road below the temple steps, selling northern Thai dishes, fruit, and drinks at moderate prices—roughly 60–120 THB for a meal. No permanent food vendors operate on the forested trail section itself.