Wat Phalat, Chiang Mai – A secret temple in the middle of Doi Suthep

When talking about Chiang Mai, many people probably think of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep first. But did you know that along the way up Doi Suthep, there is an old temple hidden in the middle of the forest, giving a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere like you have entered another dimension? That is “Wat Phalat” or Phalat Monastery, a small temple full of the charm of nature and Lanna architecture. Let’s get to know Wat Phalat. Wat Phalat is an old temple that is more than 500 years old, located on the way up Doi Suthep, only 10 kilometers from Chiang Mai city. It used to be a place for monks to practice meditation before being renovated later. The highlight here is its quietness, surrounded by forests and a small stream flowing through the temple, making it a place that is truly suitable for relaxing your mind. Wat Phalat Tourism 1. Hiking Trail up to Wat Phalat (Monk’s Trail) For adventurers, you can choose to walk up to Wat Phalat via the Monk’s Trail, a natural trail used by monks in the past to walk up Doi Suthep. The path winds through the shady forest with orange ribbons tied to the trees as a guide. The walk takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Lanna architecture and a peaceful atmosphere The temple is a Lanna-style architecture with an old wooden temple, a white pagoda, and a stone pavilion that blends in with nature. The most beautiful spot is the stone courtyard with a stream flowing through it, which gives the feeling of a temple in the Himmapan forest. 3. Chiang Mai City Viewpoint Behind the temple is a cliff where you can see a beautiful view of Chiang Mai from a high angle, especially in the morning and evening when the air is cool and the soft sunlight adds charm to the city view. Reasons to visit Wat Phalat ✅ Peaceful, shady, suitable for relaxing the mind ✅ A temple hidden in the middle of the forest, giving a mysterious and beautiful atmosphere ✅ There is a hiking trail suitable for nature lovers ✅ A beautiful and uncrowded viewpoint of Chiang Mai 📍 Location: On the road up to Doi Suthep, about 10 km from Chiang Mai city. 🕘 Opening and closing hours: 06:00 - 18:00 💰 Admission: Free (but you can make merit) 🚗 Travel: • Drive up Doi Suthep You will find the temple on the left before reaching Phra That Doi Suthep. • Take a red songthaew from Chiang Mai city. • Walk up via the Monk’s Trail (starting from behind Chiang Mai University).