Haze Buds CNX Recommend Hiking Wat Pha Lat Trail (Doi Suthep Hike: Monk’s Trail)
Looking for a way to escape Chiang Mai city for just a few hours? Instead of heading straight to the crowded Doi Suthep, try something different: the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat.
This peaceful hike is free, accessible, and takes you through jungle paths to one of Chiang Mai’s most enchanting hidden temples.
Where Does the Trail Start?
The trailhead begins just behind the entrance to Chiang Mai Zoo.
📍 GPS Coordinates: 18.797503, 98.942232
How to Get There
Walk along Suthep Road and follow the signs
Hop on your scooter
Take Grab/Uber or a taxi (around 100 THB from most parts of town)
🚫 Driving up the road to Doi Suthep is possible, but you’ll miss the adventure.
The Hike: What to Expect
Duration: 35–40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Footwear: Sandals or sneakers are fine, though it may be slippery after rain
As you climb, you’ll see saffron monk robes tied around trees, guiding you along the way. Informational signs dot the trail—sign #8 even suggests you take a break.
The trail forks a few times, but don’t worry—paths usually reconnect or lead to short dead ends.
Highlights Along the Way
Jungle sounds and the rush of waterfalls
Chance encounters with monks
Buddhist statues near the final slope
Shady resting points
Wat Pha Lat: The Temple on the Rocks
At the top, you’ll find Wat Pha Lat, which translates to “Temple on the Sloping Rock.”
Why It’s Special
A small waterfall flowing past the temple rocks
Panoramic views of Chiang Mai city below
Buddha statues and Lanna-style architecture
A balance of nature, history, and spiritual calm
🧘 This is a temple, so dress respectfully and keep noise levels down. Always ask before photographing people.
Travel Anecdotes & Local Tips
On one visit, I watched a tourist insist on photographing a woman sweeping the temple grounds. She looked uncomfortable until he finally stopped. The lesson? Always be polite and respectful when photographing locals.
On another trip, I discovered the Laughing Monk Statue—a quirky and joyful surprise that I had completely missed during my first two visits. Wat Pha Lat is full of these small details that reward repeat visitors.
And of course, being in Thailand, you might even find a small refreshment stand tucked in a corner of the temple grounds.
Relaxing after a hike
You can find a quiet place to relax. We recommend taking a break after a hike, or perhaps finishing with a relaxing massage.
Sometimes we seek a quiet place to unwind, both physically and mentally. If you’re a cannabis user, we have secret spots and cannabis strains perfect for hiking.
Cannabis and Hiking at Wat Pha Lat: A Chill Guide Without Disturbing Others
Why “Wat Pha Lat” is a Popular Destination
When talking about the closest hiking trail to Chiang Mai city, many people think of Wat Pha Lat, also known as the Monk’s Trail. This trail takes only 40–60 minutes from the base of Doi Suthep, leading you through lush green forests, small waterfalls, and cool streams before arriving at a quiet, ancient temple hidden in nature.
Unlike visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is often crowded with tourists, Wat Pha Lat offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking “slow happiness without the rush.”
Cannabis and Hiking: Why They Go Together
You may wonder, why is cannabis a good match for hiking? The simple answer is—it helps you focus on the present moment and immerse yourself more deeply in nature.
Forest scents + cannabis terpenes enhance your senses
Sativa strains boost energy, creativity, and positivity
A little Indica is perfect for relaxing breaks by the stream
So cannabis isn’t just about “getting high.” It’s about enhancing your natural experience.
How to Use Without Disturbing Others
The most important thing is “respecting others and the sacred space.” Since Monk’s Trail is a religious path used by monks, cannabis use should follow these mindful rules:
🚭 Don’t smoke in public – avoid lighting up on the trail where monks or other hikers pass by
🎒 Choose edibles or vape pens – discreet, less smell, and easier to manage
🪑 Find a private spot – if you must smoke, move away to a quiet corner
🧘 Focus on enhancing the experience – use small amounts, don’t overdo it
♻️ Leave no trace – don’t litter wrappers, edible packs, or joint butts
This way, you’ll enjoy your trip without disturbing anyone—and still respect the temple and nature.
Recommended Cannabis Strains for Hiking at Wat Pha Lat
To match the vibes, here are some top strains from Haze Buds:
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Amnesia (Sativa Hybrid) – boosts creativity and light energy, perfect for walking
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Durban (Hybrid Sativa) – refreshing and uplifting, great for forest trails
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White Wedding Cake (Hybrid) – adds joy and relaxation, perfect for resting by the stream
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Lavender Kush (Indica Hybrid) – ideal for ending the trip while enjoying Chiang Mai’s view in peace
Hiking Tips with Cannabis
Stay hydrated—cannabis may cause dry mouth
Bring light snacks like dried fruit, nuts, or munchies
Listen to Lo-fi or Reggae quietly with headphones (so you don’t disturb others)
Carry a small flashlight or power bank in case the hike takes longer than expected
Wat Pha Lat: The Perfect Destination
When you reach Wat Pha Lat, you’ll discover:
An ancient temple built during King Kuena’s era
Small waterfalls flowing across rocks around the temple
A panoramic view of Chiang Mai city
A peaceful atmosphere that invites meditation or simple relaxation
This is why Wat Pha Lat has become the #1 chill hiking stop in Chiang Mai. With mindful cannabis use, you’ll appreciate its beauty even more deeply.
Conclusion: Hiking with Cannabis + Mindfulness = The Perfect Trip
Cannabis doesn’t always have to mean “partying.” Sometimes, it’s a tool that helps us connect more deeply with nature and ourselves.
If you’re planning a hike on Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat, consider bringing cannabis along. Just remember: respect others, respect nature, and use it to enhance the experience—not to disturb.
Because in the end… “Mindful cannabis use = a truly happy hiking trip.” 🍃
Recommendations
The rules for using cannabis outdoors are: don’t create a nuisance with the smell, and don’t smoke in public.
If possible, avoid being seen smoking, Use away from people.
Looking for quality cannabis for hiking or chill adventures?
Visit us at Haze Buds CNX – Chiang Mai’s cannabis shop with strains for explorers, chill seekers, and medical users.
➡️ Find a Haze Buds near you
🔗 Visit us at : www.hazebudscnx.com
🔗 Location at : Haze Buds Old City
: Haze Buds Saturday Gate At Chiang Mai Gate
: Haze Buds Sridonchai — with 3 locations conveniently in the city.
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