Wat Pha Lat — Attraction in Chiang Mai Province

Wat Pha Lat, also known as Wat Sakithaka, is a hidden gem of a temple located in the mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, as well as its lush jungle surroundings. Here's why it's worth visiting:

Natural Setting: Wat Pha Lat is nestled in the jungle, making it a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil environment for meditation and relaxation.

Scenic Trail: To reach Wat Pha Lat, visitors can take a short hike along a scenic trail that winds through the jungle. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Waterfall: Along the trail to Wat Pha Lat, visitors will also pass by a small waterfall, which adds to the natural beauty of the area.

Architecture: The temple itself is a beautiful example of traditional Lanna architecture, with intricate carvings and beautiful decorations.

Cultural Experience: Visiting Wat Pha Lat allows you to experience a more authentic and less touristy side of Chiang Mai. The temple is less visited than some of the more popular temples in the city, giving you a chance to explore at your own pace.

To get to Wat Pha Lat, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) or tuk-tuk to the base of the trail, which is located near Chiang Mai University. From there, it's a short hike up to the temple. The trail is well-marked, so it's easy to find your way. Overall, Wat Pha Lat is definitely worth a visit for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and cultural significance.

When visiting Wat Pha Lat, it's important to dress modestly out of respect for the religious and cultural significance of the site. Here are some guidelines for attire:

Cover Your Shoulders and Knees: Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. This means no tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or shorts that are above the knee.

Loose-Fitting Clothing: Choose clothing that is loose-fitting and comfortable, especially for the hike up to the temple. Breathable fabrics like cotton are a good choice, as the weather can be hot and humid.

Remove Your Shoes: As is customary in Thai temples, you will need to remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings. It's a good idea to wear slip-on shoes or sandals that are easy to remove.

Respectful Clothing: Avoid clothing with offensive or disrespectful imagery or messages. Opt for clothing that is clean and in good condition.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your visit to Wat Pha Lat is respectful...

Nestled amidst the lush embrace of Chiang Mai's mountains, Pha Lat Temple is no ordinary sight. It's a whispered secret, a serene sanctuary where ancient whispers mingle with the rustling leaves, and time itself seems to lose its grip. As I stepped through the temple gates, I was immediately captivated by the intricate dance of architecture and nature.

The buildings, crafted from a harmonious blend of Burmese and Lanna styles, seemed to organically rise from the verdant landscape. Ornate hand-carved designs, like whispers from a forgotten era, adorned every surface, while the moss-kissed stones whispered tales of time and devotion. But it was the cave-like structures, carved directly into the mountainside, that truly stole my breath away. They exuded an air of mystical charm, inviting me to step into a hidden oasis, a world untouched by the clamor of the modern world.

Walking through the temple grounds felt like stepping into a timeless painting. Sunlight dappled through the ancient trees, casting playful shadows on the weathered walls. The air was thick with the scent of incense and exotic flowers, a symphony for the senses. As I wandered, a sense of profound calm washed over me. It was a place where worries dissolved and anxieties softened, replaced by a quiet reverence for the beauty that surrounded me.

Pha Lat Temple wasn't just a visual feast; it was a whisper of history. Built in the 14th century as a resting point for pilgrims journeying to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, its very stones pulsed with the echoes of countless footsteps and whispered prayers. The unique blend of architectural styles, a testament to the cultural exchange between Burma and Lanna, spoke volumes about the region's rich and vibrant past.

But beyond the historical significance, Pha Lat Temple is a place of profound peace. It's a reminder that amidst the chaos of the world, there exist pockets of serenity, where the only sounds are the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. It's a place where time slows down, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves and the natural world around us.

If you're seeking an escape from the ordinary, a place to lose yourself in the embrace of nature and history, then Pha Lat Temple awaits. It's a hidden gem, a mystical oasis that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and...

This place left a mixed impression, perhaps my expectations were overstated, because I was really looking forward to a trip to this temple.

The temple at the entrance is impressive. It's quiet and solemn there. Then everything is not so good. At the entrance to the monks' path, a woman stopped me — they had already written about her in other reviews, and I became her next victim. She was outraged by my shorts (they were knee-length shorts made of thick fabric, and I had already visited other temples in them). She said in an aggressive manner that I couldn't go on like this, and sent me to the store nearby. Since I don't like conflicts and try to be respectful of people and rules, I went to this store and chose trousers. all the trousers in the assortment were too short for me, because I am quite tall, but I paid 600 baht for them (there were no price tags on any of the items, the seller called the price). The trousers are of good quality and I don't mind the money, but nevertheless it seems to me that in other stores you can find the same ones twice as cheap... I asked the clerk to let me inside the store so I could change, but he told me to just put my pants on top of my shorts right outside.

Anyway, I went on anyway. The territory is quite large, there is where to walk and what to see. Unfortunately, I did not feel cool, I was very hot. The forest is beautiful, the ancient parts of the temple complex are amazing. The newer buildings did not impress me, I did not feel a special atmosphere in them.

The waterfall is very pleasant, although it is more like a stream. the water in it is dirty and NOT INTENDED FOR BATHING, I suppose, but some people have done it. I saw a half-naked man and a woman in such a short dress that when she was sitting on the rocks, her underwear was visible, and this angered me to the depths of my soul.

There was no silence in this place either. There are a lot of people. It is impossible to meditate. In general, this is a beautiful place, but it is more a landmark than a place of...