Hike MonkTrail Chiang Mai

Looking for the monktrail in Chiang Mai and want to know everything about the hike before you start doing this amazing hike through the forest and see temples surrounded by nature?

How long is the Monktrail?

The Monk’s Trail is about 4 km from the trailhead to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and 5 km if you start where Suthep Road ends. The first part takes you through the forest to Wat Pha Lat, the jungle temple about halfway. The second part is steeper: you cross the mountain road once and come out at the road below the stairs of Doi Suthep. We measured it on our hike in September 2023, taking it slow:

* Our time in September 2023, including photo stops.

Where to cross the road monktrail

When you’ve reached Wat Pha Lat temple. (see image) Take a break. After the break you keep walking stream upwards till you hit the road. Cross the road and walk left uphill. Just before the corner of the road you walk into the woods again, this 100/150 meter is probably the steepest of the walk.

Is there an entrance fee for the Monk’s Trail?

Yes, since 1 October 2025. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park now charges an entrance fee for the trail to Wat Pha Lat: 100 baht for foreign adults and 50 baht for foreign children, 20 and 10 baht for Thais. Bring cash. Wat Pha Lat itself has no separate ticket. The temple at the top, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, charges its own fee for foreigners.

When we hiked in 2019 and 2023 the trail was still free. Fee checked on 25 October 2026 in recent hiking guides and visitor reports; prices can change, so check at the trailhead.

Monk’s Trail GPX and elevation profile (free download)

This is the track of our hike on 1 September 2023, recorded with Strava: from the end of Suthep Road via Wat Pha Lat to the stairs of Doi Suthep, and back down the same trail. The GPX works offline in Organic Maps, OsmAnd, Maps.me, Komoot and on a Garmin; the KML opens in Google My Maps and Google Earth.

Download GPX: hike up to the temple (about 5 km)KML for Google
Up and back down the same trail (about 10 km): GPX · KML

We took it slow. The whole day took us 4 hours 27 minutes, but Strava counted only 3 hours 20 minutes of moving time. The rest was a 40-minute coffee break at the foot of the stairs and plenty of time for photos at Wat Pha Lat and the temple. Going up took 1 hour 55 minutes. Coming back down the same trail took about 1 hour 45 minutes, because the steep path is slow downhill too.

How fast can you hike the Monk’s Trail?

At an easy pace with photo stops it took us 1 hour 55 minutes to the temple, and that is a good pace to plan with. If you are fit you can go faster. In 2019 I sometimes ran the first part, from the end of Suthep Road to Wat Pha Lat, as training for Muay Thai, in about 20 minutes. Once I kept going to the top and reached Doi Suthep 44 minutes after the trailhead sign (that climb on Strava). There is no need to rush it, though: the jungle temple and the views are the reason to go.

Distances and times: our own Strava recordings. Heights: Copernicus DEM GLO-30 (© DLR e.V. 2010-2014 and © Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2014-2018, provided under COPERNICUS by the European Union and ESA), checked against SRTM and ASTER, not the altitude of the watch. Checked 25 October 2026.

Prefer to go up by bike? The road climbs to the temple (Doi Suthep cycling, 10.7 km) and on to the Doi Pui viewpoint: Doi Pui cycling: all the way up to 1,537 m (44 km, GPX).

How long will it take to hike the monktrail

Somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to get from the bottom of the trail all the way up to the stairs of Doi Suthep. We took 1 hour 55 minutes from the end of Suthep Road to the temple in September 2023, taking it slow with plenty of photo stops (42 minutes to Wat Pha Lat). Love to be active? try Wakeboarding in Chiang Mai too! Click her and learn more about how many days to plan in Chiang Mai?

How does Path/trail/track of the Monktrail look like?

Our 2023 hike in photos

How hard is the Monktrail in Chiang Mai

Of course that is different for everyone. I think most people can do it. Most important thing, dont go to fast! I’ve seen quite unfit people climbing doing the monktrail nice and easy and they made it all the way up to Doi Suthep. Take some good breaks, enjoy the views & go on your own pace.

Where start the Monktrail hike in Chiang Mai

This image shows the location where the monk trail starts, you can park your motorbike here or get a drop of by a taxi. See also the exact location on the map and click on the link to get the exact start location of the monktrail.

 

Click here for the Google Maps start point of the Monktrail in Chiang Mai

Tips for walking/hiking the monktrail

1. Start early when its fresh
2. Don’t start to fast
3. Wear proper shoes, at least sneakers
4. Go on your own pace
5. Bring at least 1.5 liter water per person
6. Take breaks
7. Enjoy the walk!
8. And enjoy the moment you made it to the top!

How to get down from the monktrail

There are a couple of ways to get down from Doi Suthep and the monktrail

1. Walk down again same way as you came up
2. Take a red truck down, depending on where you need to go its between 50 and 80 baht (2019 prices)
3. Take a grab back, its around 400-800 baht to get down (2019 prices). (depends very much on the time you order the Grab)

Sunrise at Doi Suthep

Once I walked all the way up in the dark with a little headlight to see sunrise at Doi Suthep. That was a fun experience with a beautiful gift, as you can see in the photo at the top of this page! Tip. if the sun is behind the clouds with sunrise, wait till the sun shows itself. That can be magical!

In September 2023 we came back by scooter for an early visit: at about 6:30 the temple was quiet and at 6:45 we had the naga staircase to ourselves.

What to bring on the Monktrail

Since this is a hiking adventure, it is vital to be prepared and well-equipped for the journey. Here are some things you might want to bring along:

1. Water: Carry plenty of water, at least 1.5 liters per person. The trail can get quite challenging and you’ll definitely need to stay hydrated.
2. Snacks: Energy bars, fruit, and other light snacks can help to replenish your energy during the hike.
3. Good hiking shoes: The path can get steep and slippery, especially after a rainfall. A good pair of hiking shoes with a solid grip will make the trail much safer and more comfortable.
4. Camera: You will encounter breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these moments.
5. Map or GPS: Even though the trail is fairly well marked, it can be helpful to have a map or GPS to ensure that you stay on the right path.
6. Sunscreen and hat: The Thai sun can be intense, so be sure to bring adequate sun protection.
7. Insect repellent: This trail passes through a forest, so it’s a good idea to have some insect repellent handy.

Respecting the Temples

Remember, the temples you encounter along the Monktrail, such as Wat Pha Lat and Doi Suthep, are sacred places for locals. It’s crucial to show respect when visiting. Here are some tips on how to behave respectfully:

1. Dress appropriately: This means no revealing clothes. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees.
2. Remove your shoes: When entering a temple building, always take off your shoes. This is a sign of respect in Thai culture.
3. Be quiet: Temples are places of worship, so keep your voice low and avoid unnecessary noise.
4. Don’t point your feet: In Thai culture, the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. It’s considered impolite to point your feet at people or sacred images, especially Buddha statues.

Best time to hike the Monktrail

The best time to hike the Monktrail is during Thailand’s cool season, between November and February. During this period, the temperatures are more bearable and the weather is generally drier, making the trail less slippery and the hike more enjoyable. Moreover, if you can start your hike early in the morning, you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glorious sunrise over Chiang Mai!

Stay safe on the Monktrail

While the Monktrail is relatively safe for hikers, it’s still essential to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines. Stick to the marked path and avoid straying into the wilderness. Be cautious of potential wildlife and keep a safe distance. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, the Monktrail in Chiang Mai offers an excellent mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty. The hike is rewarding, leading you to beautiful temples and providing magnificent views of the city. With the right preparation, respectful attitude, and adventurous spirit, your hike on the Monktrail will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.