Chiangmai Trekking with Piroon

The most prominent and famous temple of Chiang Mai at 1,685 meters above the city is a "must see" on your trip to Chiang Mai. We will drive you up the winding road "with a view" and towards the base of the temple where you can conquer the 306 steps of the Naga up to the temple or, if you are less good afoot, you can take a tram. Even if your are not too much into temples: the spectacular views across the city and beyond are worth the trip alone.

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Wat Pha Lat is a hidden gem of Chiang Mai, located just a few miles below Doi Suthep in the forest. This Buddhist temple is probably the most peaceful one can find in Chiang Mai. The temple site is unique and blends harmoniously into the natural environment on a cliff and borders a waterfall. The only way to reach Wat Pha Lat is the "Monk's Trail", marked by trees wrapped in the usual orange cloth used by the monks to get dressed, and leading moderately uphill for about 45 minutes. Once you've reached the temple, you'll realize that a 45-minute hike is a breeze, measured at the first sight of the staircase, which is decorated with two dragons and ending abruptly at the edge of the waterfall. It is simply amazing.

Note: we recommend wearing good shoes and bring some pieces of clothing to cover your shoulders and/or thighs in the temple

Wat Phra Singh is a First Class Royal Temple located at the end of the road that leads from Tha Phae Gate into the Old City - perhaps the busiest street in all of Chiang Mai. A unique Buddha statue also contributes to its fame: Phra Phutta Sihing, with its eventful history, became one of the city's most important figures and every year for the Songkran Festival the statue is carried through the streets of the city in a magificient procession and the faithful honor the statue by sprinkling water over it. The Viharn of Wat Phra Sing also captivates visitors with its incredibly detailed ornaments and golden paintings.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn (what a long name) is also known by the names Wat Phabatpuphadang, Wat Phrabuddhabat or Wat Doi and these absolutely spectacular temples and pagodas dotting the mountain peaks are most likely the most breathtaking in all of Thailand and were each carried up piece by piece by a local monk and a team of nearly 50 workers just over a decade ago and are since then clinging to the jagged cliff face at the top of a mountain, overlooking a sheer drop close to 1,000 meters below. Wat Chaloem might not be super popular with foreigners yet as it is not near the tourist hot spots, but it is well loved by Thais so on weekends or holidays it is a good idea to stay one night to be able to go early in the morning. You will not be disappointed and the 2,5 hour drive from Chiang Mai is well worth it.

Note: there is a guesthouse approx. 15 minutes near the Wat (Santisuk Hotel, approx. 700 THB, nice & clean, Link) if you want to stay overnight. No online booking - give them a call, the owners speak some English

Wat Chiang Man was built a year after the city was founded at the end of the 13th century on the site where King Mangrai had set up camp to coordinate the construction of the city from there. Next to the chedi are many ornate elephant statues that stand out for their sheer size and exceptional craftsmanship, and the fully wooded and worth seeing library, or the Ubosot, the most important place for ceremonies in almost every wat, draws visitors into its spell. Wat Chiang Man is located in the historic old town of Chiang Mai and is therefore very easily accessible from anywhere and worth a visit.

If you are interested in history and archeology, you should visit this ancient underground city, which is located about 5 km south of the old town of Chiang Mai. In 1986/87, the first excavations began, after previously some old panels were found, which led to the discovery of other hidden ruins of the city Wiang Kum Kam. Meanwhile, the remains of about 30 temples have been uncovered. The restored Wat Chedi Liam and Wat Kan Thom are still active temples today. If you like ancient sites, Wiang Kum Kam is definitely worth a visit.