Thailand

Living in the shadow of its magnificent rival, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Palad (or Wat Pha Lat) remains unfairly unknown to travelers. A practical guide to the most beautiful forest sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

Wat Palad, a Buddhist monastery lost in the forest

At the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain, about twelve kilometers from downtown Chiang Mai, Wat Palad calls for a spiritual stroll. The magic begins as you reach the monk's trail and wander through this dense forest of trees draped in orange cords. (Wat Palad hasn't stolen its nickname, Jungle Sanctuary.) While the buildings may not look impressive, the stone Buddhas and the singing waterfall are truly worth it. The silence of the place frees the mind, and you will enjoy the company of monks praying, chanting mantras, and seeking alms, turning their backs on society to gain favor with the gods. A visit to Wat Palad can be done before or after ascending Wat Doi Suthep, perched atop the mountain. A haven of peace to satisfy your desires for escape and meditation during a brief stay in the Rose of the North!

Historical annals: the legend of the white elephant

The monument was founded in 1386. It originated from the imagination of a monk from Sukhothai named Maha Suman Thera. One day, while wandering in Phang Cha, our monk stumbled upon a bone fragment. He believed he had found the shoulder blade of the Lord Buddha. The news spread to the royal palaces. King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai was skeptical, but the King of Lanna believed it and urged him to deliver it personally. As the monk carried the relic across the country to the Lanna palace, it miraculously duplicated.

Following tradition, the relic was tied to the back of a white elephant, and the animal was released. Wherever the elephant stopped, a monastery would be built to house the precious relic. The elephant began to climb the mountain, resting along the way near a waterfall. The sanctuary near the waterfall is called Wat Palad, or Wat Pha Lat. When the elephant reached Doi Suthep, it knelt down, trumpeted three times, and then died. A second sanctuary was built on the summit, known today as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Today

While traveling on the Doi Suthep Road, the illustrious mountain to the northwest of Chiang Mai city, many pass by Wat Palad or Wat Sakithaka without noticing its presence or paying attention to it. Yet, the temple is not devoid of charm. The greenery of the trees, the tranquility and serenity of the place, and the kindness of the monks are all restorative for body and mind. Visitors can try their hand at meditation practice.

Tour of the Buddhist Sanctuary

Whatever your reason for visiting—whether for religious or adventurous purposes—Wat Palad will not disappoint you!

Put on your hiking shoes and follow Suthep Road, or the Monk's Trail. Walking is the most enjoyable way to reach Wat Palad. Deciduous vegetation stretches as far as the eye can see. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to spot oaks, magnolias, ferns, and other woody species. After about an hour of walking or less (depending on your physical abilities), the building appears.

Taking off your shoes, you will climb the stairs leading to the Buddhist monastery compound. The company of the monks makes this ascent much less arduous. Draped in orange robes, they walk in silence, sometimes reciting a prayer and sometimes meditating at the foot of a stone statue.

In addition to the sanctuary itself and the main buildings, there is a sacred cave hidden here in the cliff hollow. It served as a retreat for a local hermit. Carved Buddha statues can be seen inside.

A stone's throw from the sanctuary, there is a beautiful, sonorous waterfall. Pilgrims heading towards Doi Suthep used to stop at this fresh water source to quench their thirst and regain their strength before continuing their journey.

Practical information

Price and opening hours

There is no entrance fee to Wat Palad. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m..

When is the best time to visit?

Winter is the best time to visit Wat Palad. Temperatures are more moderate between November and February.

How to get there?

Located 11 km outside the city, Wat Palad is easily accessible by motorbike, private car, or taxi. Songthaews run between Chiang Mai University and the temple for 60 baht (1.7 euros).

Nearby attractions…

Enjoyed the walk at Wat Palad? Not far away, other sacred places are waiting to be visited:

• Wat Doi Suthep, located a two-hour walk from the previous temple,
• Wat Umong;
• Wat Phra Singh.