The Monk's Trail with Viewpoint Loop • Chiang Mai Trail Running

Distance: 6.5 kilometers

Elevation: 360m

Difficulty: Easy

What to expect on this trail?

The Monk’s Trail and Viewpoint loop is the perfect introduction to trail running in Chiang Mai. The uphill section at the start covers the infamous Monk’s Trail (also known as the Pilgrim’s Trail) going up to Wat Pha Lad. Then, after a short road section, you will end up at an amazing viewpoint offering amazing views on our beautiful city. From there it’s single track downhill goodness until you are back at the starting point.

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The Monk’s Trail with Viewpoint Loop in detail

The Monk’s Trail with Viewpoint Loop is located on the doorstep of the city, with Basecamp Trail Provision as a convenient starting and ending point. You’ll start off immediately with a bit of climbing as you make your way up a concrete road behind the Chiang Mai Zoo. It’s a great way to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing before you get on the first trail section.

The trail head is located near the Channel 7 antenna. You can’t miss it as there is a small parking space and a signboard. Going onto the trail the climbing continues as you make your way through the forest until you end up at the picturesque Wat Pha Lad. If you have never visited this temple, finding it in the middle of nature will be a very pleasant surprise! Take some time to relax by the waterfall, take in the views and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After that you’ll have to climb a very steep trail section to reach the main road above.

Climb across the guardrail to get onto the road and follow it up until you reach the viewpoint. If the weather is in your favor, the views over the city can be amazing here! If you’re not in a hurry, then the viewpoint is another great place for a stop. You can take a breather as you enjoy the views, or buy a drink from the local vendors.

The last part of the route is the section that is probably the least known, a fun downhill trail starting right from the viewpoint. To get on the trail, go to the right side of the viewpoint pavilion, and you will see some stairs heading down into nature (not the ones leading to the toilets!). Just follow the stairs and keep going and soon the trail turns into a single track. It’s a super fun and super fast section, perfect to end a nice, short trail run close to the city.

If you want to refuel after your run then Basecamp Trail Provision is the perfect place. They have food, drinks and even a shower room that is free to use!

Tips for this trail

This trail route is located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, which is subject to seasonal closures. Respect the rules, because you may be fined and get into trouble.
The route is accessible to all levels of runners, but shoes with good grip are recommended for the trail sections. Especially for the downhill good shoes can help a lot!
After reaching Wat Pha Lad, The Monk’s Trail (or Pilgrim’s Trail) continues all the way up the mountain to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep.

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