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View all Chiang Mai toursChiang Mai: Doi Suthep & Wat Pha Lat by Local Red Truck
Discover two of Chiang Mai’s most iconic mountain temples on an easy, budget-friendly half-day adventure. Travel aboard a traditional shared red truck (songthaew) to Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat, enjoying a convenient, unguided experience that lets you explore at your own pace. With three daily departures to choose from, this flexible trip is perfect for travelers who prefer independent sightseeing without the hassle of arranging transportation.
Highlights
- Ride a local red truck for an easy, authentic Chiang Mai travel experience
- Visit the iconic Doi Suthep and enjoy sweeping panoramic views
- Discover Wat Pha Lat, a serene forest temple hidden in the jungle
- Walk an easy nature trail to Huay Kaew Waterfall
- Private or small shared unguided experience with three daily departures
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep & Wat Pha Lat by Local Red Truck: Key Facts
| Price | From $19 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Group size | Up to 10 people |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Choose from 4 available options
Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep & Wat Pha Lat by Local Red Truck
Private Transfer at 07:00 am
Private Transfer at 11:00 am
Private Transfer at 3:30 pm
Full description
Discover Chiang Mai’s mountain temples the easy, hassle-free way with three daily departures! Meet at the Discova Day Tour Shop and hop into a shared red songthaew - Chiang Mai's favourite local passenger truck - for a relaxed ride toward the forested foothills of Doi Suthep. If you’ve booked the private option, you’ll enjoy direct hotel pickup and drop off within Chiang Mai. Your first stop is Huay Kaew Waterfall, a peaceful escape just outside the city. Take a short nature walk, enjoy the cool forest air, and follow the easy trail that leads toward the next highlight.
Your journey continues to Wat Pha Lat, a serene jungle temple tucked quietly along the mountainside. Wander through forest paths, stone bridges, and gentle waterfalls as you explore the temple grounds at your own pace. There is no guiding, just time to take in the calm atmosphere, sculptures, shrines, and the lush forest setting that makes this temple so special.
Continue up the winding mountain road to the highlight of your trip: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most iconic temple. Climb the famous 306-step Naga staircase or take the cable car to reach the golden chedi at the top. Enjoy panoramic views from the terrace, wander around the temple complex, and take in the spiritual atmosphere of this 14th-century landmark.
After your visit, ride back to Chiang Mai in the same shared red truck. With flexible departures and no need for a guide or private transport, this unguided half-day trip is a simple, affordable, and convenient way to explore a waterfall, a jungle temple, and the city’s most famous mountain shrine.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Discova Day Tour Shop Chiang Mai: 10/3 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Transfer
Huai Kaeo Waterfall
Self-guided tour
Transfer
Wat Pha Lat
Self-guided tour
Transfer
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Self-guided tour
Transfer
Detailed Itinerary
- Shared Tour at 11:00 AM (Starting time: 11:00 am/Ending Time: 3:00 pm) Meeting time: 10:45 am.
- Shared Tour at 3:30 PM (Starting time: 3:30 pm/Ending Time: 7:30 pm) Meeting time: 3:30 pm.
- Meeting Point: Discova Day Tour Shop Chiang Mai: 10/3 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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- Private (Pickup Point: Any Hotel in Chiang Mai City) Pickup time: 7:00 am.
- Private ( Pickup Point: Any Hotel in Chiang Mai City) Pickup time: 11:00 am.
- Private( Pickup Point: Any Hotel in Chiang Mai City) Pickup time: 3:30 pm.
Experience the best of Chiang Mai’s mountain scenery, sacred temples, and peaceful forest landscapes on this convenient half-day adventure. Travel aboard a traditional shared red songthaew, the city's iconic local passenger truck, and discover three of the area's most popular attractions without the hassle of arranging your own transportation. With three departures available each day, this unguided tour offers the perfect balance of flexibility, affordability, and convenience, allowing you to explore each destination at your own pace. Travelers booking the private option can also enjoy the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off within Chiang Mai city.
Your journey begins at the Discova Day Tour Shop, where you'll meet your driver and fellow travelers before setting off toward the forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain. Leaving the busy streets behind, you'll enjoy a scenic drive into the cooler mountain air, passing leafy roads and beautiful natural surroundings.
The first stop is Huay Kaew Waterfall, one of Chiang Mai's most accessible natural attractions. Located at the base of Doi Suthep National Park, this picturesque waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers a refreshing escape from the city. Spend time exploring the peaceful area, listening to the sound of cascading water, and taking a short walk along the forest trail. The gentle path provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the region's natural beauty while capturing memorable photographs.
Continue deeper into the mountains to Wat Pha Lat, one of Chiang Mai's hidden treasures. Unlike the city's larger temples, Wat Pha Lat is tucked quietly into the forest, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the crowds. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, cross moss-covered stone bridges, and discover meditation areas nestled among towering trees and gentle streams. The temple's traditional Lanna architecture blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings, making it a favorite destination for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a quiet moment of reflection. Without a guide, you are free to explore every corner at your own pace and enjoy the tranquil setting however you choose.
The journey then continues higher up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most famous and revered temple. Built in the 14th century, this magnificent hilltop sanctuary is considered one of northern Thailand's most important religious sites. Upon arrival, climb the famous 306-step Naga staircase, decorated with intricate serpent railings, or take the convenient cable car to reach the temple entrance. Inside, admire the dazzling golden chedi, beautifully decorated shrines, intricate murals, and traditional temple buildings while observing local worshippers and Buddhist traditions. From the temple terrace, enjoy spectacular panoramic views stretching across Chiang Mai city and the surrounding countryside.
After your visit, simply rejoin your shared red truck for the comfortable journey back to Chiang Mai. There's no need to worry about mountain roads, parking, or navigating public transport—everything is arranged for you.
Whether you're visiting Chiang Mai for the first time or returning to explore beyond the city center, this affordable half-day trip offers an easy and enjoyable way to experience the region's natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Combining a waterfall, a hidden jungle temple, and Chiang Mai's most iconic landmark, it is the perfect introduction to one of northern Thailand's most memorable destinations.
Includes
- Shared roundtrip transportation by local red songthaew
- Short forest walk at Huay Kaew Waterfall
- Free-time exploration of Wat Pha Lat
- Scenic ride up Doi Suthep Mountain
- Visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Excludes
- Guide services
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Cable car ticket at Doi Suthep and other entrance fees
- Temple donations (optional)
- Personal expenses
Important information
Meeting point
Discova Day Tour Shop Chiang Mai: 10/3 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts