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Everything You Need to Know about Monk’s Trail Chiang Mai

The Monk’s Trail is a spiritual and natural sanctuary that adds more mystery and adventure to your journey to Chiang Mai. It’s a lush nature trail filled with diverse flora and fauna, serene Buddhist temples, and relaxing streams.

This trail is mainly used by monks and pilgrims which earned it the name Pilgrim’s Path. It’s also an apt moniker because the trees along its footpath are adorned with monk robe markers.

The Monk’s Trail offers a perfect balance of natural and cultural experience, so it’s a must-visit for both serious hikers and casual travelers.

Where is the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai?

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The Monk’s Trail is on the western outskirts of Chiang Mai City. It’s west of Wat Fai Hin, northwest of Chiang Mai Provincial Land Reform Office, and southwest of Chiang Mai Zoo.

Things to Know

Location: Unnamed Road, Suthep Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Admission Costs: Free

How to Get to the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai

Taxi: The most convenient way to get to the Monk’s Trail from Chiang Mai is to book a taxi using the Grab or Bolt app. Your booked taxi will pick you up from anywhere in the city and take you directly to the trailhead.

Rental Motorbike: Another option is to self-drive a rental motorbike to the Monk’s Trail from Chiang Mai. Start by driving east from Chiang Mai Old City via Suthep Road and continue to Suthep Alley.

From there, look for the signboard pointing to “Nature Trail Phalad,” turn right in that direction, and turn left following the signboard pointing to “Palaad Tawanron.” Keep going until you reach the trailhead.

You must have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai. Motorbikes are convenient because they’re easy to park on the side of the road.

What to See and Do in Monk’s Trail Chiang Mai

Make your way through Mon Phawana Ground

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Mon Phawana Ground is the first landmark pilgrims see while hiking on the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai. It’s also called the Mindfulness Hill because it’s a reminder to visitors to be mindful of the monks who use this trail daily.

Though this is a hiking trail, everyone is still expected to wear temple-appropriate clothes. This hill is known for its tree-lined forest floor filled with fallen leaves and rocky terrain so expect a steep climb.

Check the spots where the structures of Wat Sam Yob used to be

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Wat Sam Yob is the only archaeological site along the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai, so it’s definitely a must-see for history buffs. Though this site doesn’t have standing structures, there are numerous remains of crumbled stone walls, foundations, stairs, and statues. 

But there are no information boards as well, so it’s up to you to piece together how the temple used to look. Still, you’ll find small stone shrines wrapped in satin fabric so be sure to avoid messing with the ruins.

Stop by the numerous streams along the trail

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The Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai is known for its numerous gentle streams. These outflows are great for quick rests during the hike thanks to their moving water’s soothing sound effect.

They’re also great for butterfly watching because these colorful winged critters spend most of their lifecycle near bodies of water. If you’re hiking with a dog, you can also let them cool down in the trail’s streams.

Observe the trail’s diverse flora and fauna

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The Monk’s Trail is one of the more flora and fauna-rich places near Chiang Mai City. In fact, it has a designated birdwatching spot where you can observe and listen to local bird species moving between the trees in the trail’s lush forest. 

Common bird sightings in the Monk’s Trail include babblers, minivets, barbets, and bulbuls. This trail is also home to wild animals like snakes, macaques, geckos, and more.

You can also observe a wide range of mushrooms and large tropical trees growing along the trail.

Admire Wat Pha Lat’s ancient architecture

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Wat Pha Lat is the biggest highlight of the Monk’s Trail hike. This forest temple offers a serene atmosphere and some interesting ancient structures, from the mossy stupa to the wooden prayer hall, timeworn shrine, etc.

Its temple complex is also brimming with foliage which is great for nature walks. Plus, there’s a calm stream where you can sit close and meditate.

Complete the second half of the trail to reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

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A hike in the Monk’s Trail won’t be complete without going through its second half leading to the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This portion is steeper and the trees along the way don’t have monk robe markers that hikers can follow.

Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward footpath so you won’t get lost unless you purposely head into the untrodden parts of the forest. Completing this trail is also worth it because of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep’s stunning architecture.

The temple is best known for its sweeping 306-step Naga staircase but you’ll also find a massive golden stupa, numerous gilded buildings, and countless Buddha images.

Where to Eat and Drink in Monk’s Trail Chiang Mai

Sri Suthep

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Address: 7/1 Moo 9, Suthep Subdistrict
Phone: +66 65 802 6348
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for coffee
Website

Sri Suthep is only 50 meters from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep’s car park, so it’s a convenient place to get coffee after completing your hike through the Monk’s Trail.

Their affordable selection of refreshments is also a plus.

This includes ice-cold milk tea, green tea, lemon tea, cocoa, and more. They also serve made-to-order Thai dishes like pad Thai, khao soi, pad kra pao, and larb moo.

Sansuk Coffee & Mae Si Khao Soi

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Address: Moo 9, Suthep Subdistrict
Phone: +66 99 383 8111
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for budget-friendly Thai food
Website

Sansuk Coffe & Mae Si Khao Soi is a fan favorite for tourists who frequent Wat Phra That Do Suthep and the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai. It specializes in affordable noodle dishes like khao soi, rice noodles with spicy pork, and stir-fried basil with egg noodles.

They also serve reasonably priced coffees, Thai teas, and Italian sodas. Moreover, it’s close to the temple’s car park so you don’t have to travel far after your hike.

Galae Restaurant

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Address: 65 Moo 1, Suthep Road, Suthep Subdistrict
Phone: +66 53 328 455
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for northern Thai food
Website

Galae Restaurant is a local food haunt near the trailhead of Monk’s Trail so it’s great for power meals before your hike. It also has a massive menu consisting of northern Thai dishes like red curry with sun-dried pork and kab moo with nam chim. 

This restaurant also offers separate healthy and vegetarian items. Their vegetarian dishes use plant-based meat substitutes, which is great if you want to avoid real meat without compromising the taste.

Where to Shop in Monk’s Trail Chiang Mai

Ton Phayom Fresh Market

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Address: Suthep Subdistrict
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for fresh food, Thai snacks

Ton Phayom Fresh Market is the closest traditional market to the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai. This place is packed with vendors selling fresh produce and Thai street food—you’re covered for snacks while shopping around. 

You can also find countless wrapped Thai snacks which are great to have while traveling or as souvenirs.

Royal Project Shop

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Address: Chiang Mai Outer Ring Road, Suthep Subdistrict
Phone: +66 53 226 872
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for organic products
Website

Royal Project Shop is a popular supermarket with reasonable prices. It’s under Thailand’s royal family, so expect high-quality organic products like fresh vegetables, fruits, dried goods, and local wines. 

One Nimman

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Address: 1 Nimmanahaeminda Road, Suthep Subdistrict
Phone: +66 52 080 900
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
Website

One Nimman is one of the closest trendy malls near the Monk’s Trail’s trailhead. This massive shopping center has a supermarket where you can shop for essentials like food supplies, toiletries, self-care products, and more.

There’s also a department store, so you’re covered for your other shopping needs. The mall’s numerous designer shops are also a plus.

Where to Stay in Monk’s Trail Chiang Mai

Villa Mahabhirom

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Address: 62 Moo 10, 13 Soi Karuna
Phone: +66 53 281 599
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Website

Villa Mahbhirom is an accessible upscale hotel in Chiang Mai. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Monk’s Trail, so it’s convenient for tourists who plan to hike there.

This hotel has traditional Thai-style villas with classy rustic interiors and furnishings. Each unit also comes with a private balcony en-suite bathroom with a marble interior and free-standing tub, plus all the essential modern amenities.

They also have suitable three-bedroom villas for families which add floor-to-ceiling windows and courtyards with plunge pools. There’s also an art gallery, spa, restaurant, and outdoor saltwater pool.

B2 Suthep Night Market Premier Resort

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Address: Moo 14, 99/9 Suthep Road
Phone: +66 52 000 500
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples
Website

B2 Suthep Night Market Premier Resort is a mid-range hotel offering relaxed rooms with teak wood interiors, traditional furnishings, and modern amenities. 

This hotel also has two outdoor pools with a poolside bar and a sun lounger-filled wooden deck. It also provides cooking classes and tours around Chiang Mai.

Moreover, it’s only a 6-minute drive to the Monk’s Trail so it’s definitely worth it. It’s also worth noting that most of its rooms are for two people, so it’s more suitable for couples.

Travelodge Nimman

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Address: 89 Chonlaprathan Road, Suthep Subdistrict
Phone: +66 52 090 111
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Website

Travelodge Nimman is a stylish hotel offering airy rooms with chic minimalist interiors and modern amenities. The hotel’s biggest draws are its prestigious facilities, from its artsy lobby lounge to its full-service spa and rooftop pool.

Its convenient location also puts you close to the trendy Nimman neighborhood which is filled with top-tier cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers. Plus, you’re only a 10-minute drive from the Monk’s Trail. 

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