The jaw-dropping mountaintop pagodas of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat near Lampang are still a secret to many tourists, so you can enjoy this hidden gem without crowds. Plus, getting there is an epic motorbike road trip through the Thai countryside that will take you far off the beaten path.
If you’re traveling in Thailand and are sick of the crowds of tourists (join the club!), we’ve got the perfect off the beaten path destination to add to your Thailand itinerary.
The white pagodas perched high in the cliffside near Lampang, known as Chaloem Phra Kiat Temple, are not super well-known in the tourist circuit (yet).
Not only are they breathtaking, but you can enjoy the view without being surrounded with elephant pants and selfie sticks that you find in popular tourist spots like Chiang Mai and the Thai islands. (When we were there, we only met one other foreigner. The rest of the visitors were Thai.)
There are so many fun and unique things to do in Chiang Mai, but renting a motorbike and taking a day trip to this incredible temple was our very favorite thing we’ve done while living in Thailand.
Just be sure to pack your sense of adventure because this day trip isn’t for the faint of heart.
First, we’re going to explain how to visit Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and what to expect. After, we’re sharing our exact route on a little-traveled road so you don’t miss out on the good stuff along the way!
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Day Trip Guide
What to expect at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat
While traveling in Thailand, you might feel a little “templed out”, and we totally get that. Temples start to blend together and they don’t feel all that special.
But there are a few exceptions; Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat being one.
There is nothing else in Thailand (or the rest of the world) quite like these stunning pagodas dotting the mountain top, and we can pretty much guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Arriving at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat
As you approach this temple, you will see a mountain looming in the distance with white pagodas shimmering on the cliffs.
Once you park your motorbike or car, you will be ushered to a ticket booth where you will be required to pay a 200 baht foreigner entrance fee (local fee is 20 baht).
Songthaew ride to the top of the mountain
You will also need to pay 60 baht (per person) for a round-trip ride in a songthaew to the top of the mountain. You’re not allowed to drive to the top yourself (and you won’t want to — trust us!).
While you wait for the truck to fill up (took us about 10 minutes), you can use the free restroom and fill up your bottle from a jug of purified water.
If you’re hungry, there are a couple shops and restaurants next to the parking lot.
When the truck is ready to go, be sure to hang on tight. The steep dirt path is quite an adventurous ride!
Climbing stairs to the pagodas
The driver will let you out next to a set of metal stairs and walkways, and this is where you’ll climb the remaining 800 meters to the top.
Expect the climb to take between 15 and 30 minutes depending on your fitness level and how many stops you take.
Once you make it to the top, you can explore and enjoy many different views.
Climb up the different sets of stairs and see panoramic views of the villages and countryside below. Plus, get up close to the white pagodas you came to see!
There are small worship spots, Buddhist relics and gongs that can be rung. Spend some time exploring and taking pictures of this incredible sight.
Tip: Be mindful of signs that ask you to remove your shoes. They are on many of the platforms but can be hard to see if you’re not looking.
When you’re ready to make your way back down to the parking lot, simply walk back down the stairs (much easier on the way down!) and wait for a truck to fill up before returning to your vehicle.
Looking for another adventure near Chiang Mai? Check out our guide to visiting the Sticky Waterfall (Bua Tong).
History of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat
Unlike many of the temples elsewhere in Thailand, these pagodas don’t have a long history.
In fact, they were completed in 2004 to commemorate 200 years since King Rama IV reigned over Thailand.
Along with a team of 50 worshippers, a well-loved monk from the area carried pieces of the pagoda up the mountain where they were assembled. This painstaking process took 2 years to complete.
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Hours
Ticket sales start at 7:30 a.m. and finish at 4:30 p.m., though visitors are allowed to stay at the top until 6 p.m. to watch the sun start to set.
On popular Thai holidays, the hours are extended by 30 minutes in the morning and the evening.
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Ticket Price
- 200 baht for a foreigner ticket (100 baht for a foreigner child)
- 20 baht for a Thai national ticket (10 baht for a Thai child)
- Plus, 60 baht per person for a compulsory round-trip ride from the parking lot to the top of the mountain and back down.
How to get to the Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat from Chiang Mai
The best part of visiting this collection of picturesque white pagodas is the journey: there are so many things to do and places to see along the drive from Chiang Mai.
From a charming riverside coffeeshop to traditional Thai villages to waterfalls and hot springs, this is the ultimate road trip in northern Thailand. We think this is one of the best ways you can experience the real Thailand, even if you have a short amount of time.
Let’s dive into exactly how you can visit Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Temple as a day trip from Chiang Mai on your own.
Day trip routes from Chiang Mai
One of the reasons this attractions is not more popular with foreign tourists is it’s a little difficult to reach.
There are no direct buses and finding a driver to take you there and back can be incredibly difficult.
That said, if you feel comfortable driving a motorbike or renting a car, it is not hard to navigate. There are a few routes that will take you to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat:
OPTION 1: The South Route, Highway 11
Large highway with many big trucks and no sightseeing opportunities, this is the fastest route to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.
OPTION 2: The North Route, Highway 4063 to Highway 1252:
This route is a mountain pass so it has many turns and some of the roads can be rough. It will bring you by Tabsadet Waterfall and many small hill villages. This is the route Google Maps will tell you to go.
Don’t make the mistake that most people make and drive straight to this temple. You’ll be on a highway and miss out on the spectacular road trip through the Thai countryside.
If you have time, a little experience driving a motorbike and a sense of an adventure, our suggestion would be to skip the routes above and follow our instructions below…
OPTION 3: The BEST Route, road connecting Ban Pang Kong (Highway 3005) – Ban Mae Kampong – Chae Son National Park:
Along this mountain road (which doesn’t have a highway number), you’ll come across incredible viewpoints, drive through traditional Thai villages and have the chance to stop off at waterfalls and hot springs. Need we say more?! This is the route we are going to describe below!
Tip: Download the app Maps Me, as this route is difficult to find on Google Maps.
Epic road trip to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat
We set off early in the morning with two good friends, our cameras and an adventurous spirit! We had little idea of what to expect on this spontaneous adventure, and we were absolutely blown away.
We were mesmerized by the beauty of the mountain roads that carve through the countryside and past villages and waterfalls. We found ourselves stopping frequently along the way because there was so much to see.
Here are the stops we would recommend you take along the way:
Stop #1: Coffee break at ForRest
Grab coffee and a sweet treat at The ForRest cafe just before the village of Mae Kampong.
Not only does this coffee shop have a spectacular setting next to a picturesque river, but the staff and owner are very friendly and speak English. The coffee is good and so was the chocolate lava cake we ordered!
Google Maps location: The ForRest
Note: If you miss this coffee shop, there are a few more along the way.
Stop #2: Mae Kampong Village
The village of Mae Kampong is small and quaint and you’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the country’s larger cities.
This is a great example of a village in the Thai countryside and it is worth at least slowing down to take in, if not stroll around for a while.
Google Maps location: Mae Kampong village
Stop #3: Mae Kampong Waterfall
This waterfall was a pleasant surprise along the drive and is well worth a stop. Walk up the stairs to the left of the waterfall to see the higher tiers. It really is a beautiful sight as the sunlight streams through the trees and hits the water.
Note: While Mae Kampong Waterfall was not crowded, there was a small group of people who arrived together, and we assume they were part of the Flight of the Gibbon zip-line tour which takes place nearby.
Google Maps location: Mae Kampong Waterfall
Stop #4: Mountain pass viewpoints
There are a couple marked areas to stop along the road, and we encourage you to take advantage of the epic mountain views.
Google Maps location: Mountain pass view
Stop #5: Chae Son National Park
We accidentally entered Chae Son National Park and were pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of hot springs ranging in temperature — from nearly boiling to a comfortable soaking temperature.
Entry fee: 200 baht per foreign visitor
We wandered past Thai families boiling eggs in the extremely hot pools and groups of Thai teenagers soaking their feet in the coolers pools while small children splashed around.
The group of 4 of us was quite the spectacle, as we were the only non Thai people in the park. Everyone was very friendly and curious.
There are a few restaurants in the park. Our meal was cheap (40 baht) a piece, though nothing special. It seemed like there were also little huts that you could stay in also.
Google Maps location: Chae Son National Park
Stop #6: Vibrant Flower Forest
Depending on the time of year, you may notice a cluster of trees with vibrant yellow flowers to your left about 2.5 km after the hot springs.
There’s a small pond and a few buildings here, and we just pulled over for a few photos. It looked like a scene straight out of the Wizard of Oz.
The property is owned by a resort (ฝ้ายคำรีสอร์ท), so make sure you are respectful. We drove on their driveway to take pictures of the flowers and they did not seem to mind.
Note: If you know the name of this tree, please let us know in the comments! We’ve tried searching for it, but can’t find the name!
Google Maps location: ฝ้ายคำรีสอร์ท
Stop #7: Wat Chaloem
You’re finally at your final destination, and even though the road trip is epic, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed by this final stop.
How to return to Chiang Mai
Now that you’ve reached your final destination, you have 2 options: You can either return straight to Chiang Mai or you can spend the night in Lampang and return the following day.
OPTION #1: Return to Chiang Mai
If you are visiting Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat as a day trip and need to return to Chiang Mai, we recommend taking highway 11 back to the city. It is faster than the mountain road on which you arrived and has streetlights.
This drive is not very interesting, but there are gas stations along the way and it is the most direct way back to the city.
OPTION #2: Stay in Lampang
Staying in Lampang is a great idea if you want to catch the morning light or stay for sunset at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. Plus, this will allow you more time on the journey so you don’t feel rushed!
BEST LOCATION CLOSE TO TEMPLES: The Little Earth Farm View — Located close to the Chae Son National Park (the one with the hot springs) is a wonderful setting with private rooms and a yurt. It’s a perfect getaway from the busy city. Check prices on Agoda (not available on Booking.com)
BEST COUPLE STAY: Baan Suchadaa Lampang Resort — With a pool, onsite restaurant and traditional Thai design, this hotel is a favorite among couples. Check prices on Booking | Agoda
BUDGET STAY: Kanecha’s Home — This colorful hotel has air conditioned rooms and a lovely garden patio. You can hire a bicycle and pedal into town or along the river. Check prices on Booking | Agoda
BEST HOSTEL: Memmoth Hostel — This hostel has a beautiful design, a comfortable common space and options for dorm beds or a private room. Check prices on Booking | Agoda
Bonus Stop: Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital
If you return to Chiang Mai the next day on Highway 11, consider making a stop at the Elephant Hospital. It is located just off highway 11 (you’ll see signs) between Lampang and Chiang Mai.
One of the most famous resident elephants here is name Mosha and was found when she was 7 months old missing a leg caused from a landmine explosion. The Elephant Hospital has crafted her a new prosthetic leg each year as she grows so she can lead a healthy life.
Learn about the other things being done at this hospital by making a stop here. Visiting hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. We really wanted to visit, but were too late in arriving.
OPTION #3: Continue on to Chiang Rai
Often left out of the average northern Thailand itinerary, Chiang Rai is an underrated destination with a jaw-dropping white temple, stunning landscapes and fewer crowds.
Plus, it’s the gateway to crossing the border into Laos via a boat ride on the Mekong Delta.
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat FAQs
Now that you know the route and the sights along the way, we’re going to answer all your questions so you’re totally prepared for this epic day trip!
How much time do you need to spend at the temple itself?
From parking your bike to returning to the parking lot, expect to spend between 1.5 hours to 2 hours exploring these beautiful mountain top pagodas.
How difficult is this drive?
While we wouldn’t recommend this drive if it’s your first time on a motorbike, it wasn’t as difficult as we expected.
The road is paved and well-maintained, but there are a couple places where it gets steep and narrow. Our advice is to take it slow and be especially cautious when coming around curves.
If you are unfamiliar with mountain roads, but don’t mind driving on highways, you could bypass the scenic drive (and skip all the attractions on the way) and take highway 11 (info above) the entire way. If you go this route, be careful of other drivers, as this highway is quite busy.
Important Tip: Be sure you have a full tank of gas before setting off on this journey. We didn’t see any gas stations until we were quite close to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. We made it with a full tank, but it was getting close to empty when we finally filled up.
What type of motorbike should I rent?
If there will be two people riding on the motorbike, we’d recommend renting one with a 120cc engine.
There wasn’t much to choose from when we showed up at the motorbike in the morning, so we were stuck renting a motorbike with a 110cc engine.
While it was fine most of the time, there were a few times when I had to jump off and walk up the hill because the bike couldn’t handle the weight of both of us. Aside from those 2 times though, the drive wasn’t too bad with the 110cc engine with two people riding.
Where can I rent a motorbike & how much does it cost?
There are plenty of motorbike shops around Chiang Mai. Expect to spend anywhere from 250 – 400 baht for the day, depending on the quality of bike and engine you choose.
If you rent it for a longer period of time, the cost per day will go down.
What should I bring?
- Wear clothing or pack layers (or a sarong) so that you can cover your shoulders and knees when entering the temple.
- I like keeping my phone in a waterproof case with a rope around my neck while on a motorbike so we can see directions but don’t have to worry about dropping it.
- Sunscreen is important, especially if you’ll be driving on a motorbike with skin exposed.
- Put all your essentials in a day pack.
- Snacks are good to have on hand.
How long does this full day trip take?
You can do it in one (long) day trip like we did, or you can spread this road trip over 2 days in order to see even more in this beautiful region and not feel rushed.
We left Chiang Mai at 8:45 a.m. (took us a little longer than expected to get our motorbike rental squared away), and we arrived back in Chiang Mai at 9 p.m. (Nearly a 12 hour trip). We made several stops along the way and enjoyed about 2 hours at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat in total.
Next time, we would rent our motorbike the night before and leave at 7 a.m. so we wouldn’t have to return in the dark. Or, we would spend the night in Lampang so we could enjoy sunset at Wat Chaloem (or sunrise the next morning) and stop at the elephant hospital (info above) on the way back to Chiang Mai.
How much does a day trip to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat cost?
We had one hell of a day exploring the Thai countryside, and it turned out to be really inexpensive since we did it on our own.
$22.24 per person (700 baht per person)
This includes motorbike rental and gas (2 people per bike), meals and snacks along the way, as well as National Park and Temple entrance fees.
Note: This does not include accommodation, so you’ll want to budge ta bit more if you plan to spend the night near Lampang.
WARNING: Don’t do this trip without Travel Insurance!
This trip is not without danger: Motorbike accidents are common in Thailand, so if you choose to take this road trip it is absolutely imperative that you have travel insurance.
This article walks you through how we select the best travel insurance policies.
Be sure to download our complete packing list for SE Asia! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your SE Asia vacation. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?
Are you planning a trip to Thailand?
We have TONS of resources on travel in Thailand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai (for all types of travelers!)
- Absolute Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Travel Guide: Thailand’s Famous Lantern Festival
- Visiting Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong) in Chiang Mai
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We want to hear from you!
Have you ever heard of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat? Have you been inspired by this epic road trip through northern Thailand? Let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
Heyyyy love the very detailed post sharing about Wat Chaleom Phra Kiat. I first came across this temple in 2021 when I was stuck in Thailand because of Covid. I saw it in a Thai movie “Joking Jazz 4G” and have always wanted to visit it ever since. I would actually love to stay on the mountain with the monks for a week or so, do you happen to have any way that I might be able to contact a monk from Wat Chaleom Phra Kiat?
Unfortunately, se do not have their contact information. We only visited for a day trip.
Great post and the slower path with all the views is definitely the way to go.
Driving in Thailand is different (not necessarily worse) from other countries. You need to understand how the locals drive. Also true about a very high accident rate for motorcycles. Travel insurance is a must, but wont cover you if you don’t have a valid license for the motorcycle or car. You need your local license and International license. And wear a proper helmet, it’s the law, even if many locals don’t.
Otherwise, enjoy the beautiful scenery and culture.
Yes, very true points! Driving a motorbike in Thailand is a pretty incredible experience because of the freedom it gives you to explore places you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see. But it is not without risk. So being as prepared and safe as possible is (in our opinion) a MUST. (Even though it’s still taking a risk.)
Hi Katie and Ben.
Thanks so much for the detailed info!! We did your trip in februari 2020 and it was great!!
As first timers on a scooter we thought it was not safe to do it alone so we got a guide to take us there. It was 2500 baht, not cheap but they took us everywhere, we stopped everywhere we wanted, took our time and all drinks, food, entrance fees, scooter rental, gas was included.
It was great and I definitely recommend it if you are unsure about your scooter or navigating skill.
Thanks again for the great info!! Best from Thailand 😀
I’m hoping to go next year if we have a bit more normality. Who did you use as your guide? I didn’t know this was an option, sounds a great way to still get to bike there but with a bit of a security blanket. Thanks
Hello Ben and Katie,
Thank you for this great article! I am looking at the map in the Map Me app and am a little confused. So, just to clarify are you saying that you simply took/can take hwy 3005 all the way from Chiang Mai to the temples? Thanks!
Hello! Thank you so much for this post! I’ll be in Thailand for two weeks starting Jan 3rd and have been reading your blogs and found great tips (solidified my choice to do a side trip to Pai).
So I am spending three nights in Chiang Mai before going to Chiang Rai for two (then heading to Pai for two nights). It sounds like instead of taking the green bus I could potentially rent a car, and do this trip along the way? Being from Los Angeles, I’m not motorbike savvy, but have plenty US mountain driving experience. Would you say this is a doable trip? Would I get to Chiang Rai by the evening/night?
Yes, you could do this trip with a rental car, but you will not be able to drive through the mountain pass and you’ll have to go on the highway. This could be done all in one day and then make your way to Chiang Rai, but it would be a long day.
Hey Ben and Katie – just wanted to say I did this trip yesterday with my parents (in a rental car). We followed your advised route and it was STUNNING. Just the drive alone was awesome. Well done for putting together such a great guide!
Couple observations which might be useful to folk:
– There’s also quite a cool series of waterfalls at Chae Son National Park (just upstream from the hot springs, a 1km walk from the parking lot). Helps make the 200 baht entrance fee seem less steep.
– Definitely recommend doing this trip over two days if you’re on motorbikes. We did it in one day in a car and the return drive was looooong and mostly in the dark. Wouldn’t like to have done that on a bike.
Hey Graham, good call on the rental car. That would be a good way to go. Did you mainly stick to the highway then? Thanks for the tip on the Chae Son waterfalls, might have to check those out next time. It does become a very long day or exploring so splitting it up between two days is a smart idea.
Hi Graham,
My boyfriend and I are looking to do this same day trip and in a rental car like you. I keep seeing that this route is not advised by car due to narrow roads and etc. Do you mind detailing which road/roads you took from Chiang Mai to the temples?
Thanks!
Hi guys!:)thank you for this great post! I would be grateful if you answer two questions.
1. Do you remember the name of the rental shop?
2. Did you have to leave your passport? I don’t want to do this and I wonder if any rental company will allow me to leave a cash deposit instead.
Hey, good questions. We rented our bike from the pop-up shop that takes over the Funky Grill during the daytime hours (in Nimman). We chose it because it was really close to our apartment. I believe we paid 300 baht for the day, which is pretty typical. You could probably find a bit cheaper or pay more. Honestly there are shops everywhere and they’re all very similar. So find one that your hotel/hostel recommends and check out their online reviews.
We left our passport (we don’t love doing it, but it’s very common when you rent bikes). Some shops will accept a deposit – maybe around 2,000 baht – and other shops will only take a passport, so just be sure to ask up front.
Have an amazing time. That was our favorite day trip from Chiang Mai!
Hallo Katie and Ben,
we are about to take a trip to northern Thailand, arriving at Chiang Mai airport in the beginning of January. What do you thing about renting a car instead of a motor bike? The problem is that we don’t know where to leave the luggage while travelling around. It definitely won’t fit on a bike. One option would be taking a rental car from one bigger town to another (example: Chiang Mai to Pai or Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai) and then renting a bike there to explore the surroundings. What do you think about that? We would love to get your input. Thank you
Erika
Hi Erika, great question. Renting a car is one option, but honestly, I would recommend taking a shuttle to nearby towns like Pai or Chinag Rai. There are 15-passenger vans that leave frequently (every 15 minutes or so) and you can easily have your hotel/guesthouse book it for you or you can call and arrange it yourself. They are super cheap (I think we paid under $5 each for a van to Pai). Then in Pai you can rent a scooter for the day for under $10. Hope that helps answer your question.
Happy travels!
Thanks for sharing this…it was an awesome trip, but I donˋt know how you guys did that in one day:). We did it in two and didn‘t manage to stop at all places you recomended. The ride through the mountains was super nice and the temple is epic.
Cheers,
Juri
Hey Juri, glad you were able to experience this special spot! Yeah, 2 days would have been nice! We started quite early in the morning and got back after dark. It was a long day, but so worth it 🙂
Thanks for this amazing guide! I’m about to go to Chiang Mai from the 5/9 to the 10/9 and I was thinking about visiting this stunning temple, something is telling me this would be one of the best experience I could have in Thailand, and reading what you wrote makes me more excited:)
I just wanted to ask you:
– is these temples opened also on saturday and sunday (that’s the most important question because those are the only days I can go and I wouldn’t be so happy to find the temples closed after that ride)
– you used maps.me to find that road, didn’t you? Is that enough?
Again, thanks! Robb
Hey Robb, Yes it is open during the weekend, 6:30 to 16:00. And Yes we did us Maps.Me to find the correct road to get up to the ticket booth. Hope you made it there safely!
This is such a well-received post as myself and 5 friends are visiting Chiang Mai in May. We will be in Chiang Mai 1.5 days (arrive May 13 @ 11AM, depart May 15 @ 11AM). We are currently debating Wat Chaloem or a day at Doi Inthanon.
While Doi Inthanon has a lot to offer, I believe Wat Chaloem is the more polarizing trip. The challenge I face is convincing my groupmates of this. I do not believe they will be very comfortable renting a car or motorbikes, as we are a young group (mid 20s) on our first travel expedition.
It’d be very helpful if you could answer some questions I have:
1. Is the scenic route possible to take in a rental car? (we are a group of 6)
2. To what extent did you attempt to hire someone to take you their and back? Was their simply no one willing to take the trip, or was the price they were asking too high?
Thanks again for the very informative account of your trip. You tell a great story!
Hi Rob, Sounds like you have a fun trip planned with your friends. I’ll answer your questions, but first I will mention if you only have a day and a half in Chiang Mai, if I were you, I would spend it exploring around the downtown, visiting Doi Suthep and exploring the temples in town.
We have a whole article dedicated to unique things to do in Chiang Mai. And if you have more time in Thailand (and if your schedule allows), I would recommend adjusting your itinerary and stay for at least 3 days in Chiang Mai.
To answer your questions:
1. The scenic route is only accessible by motorbike. There are some very narrow and steep parts that a car would not be able to fit through. If you are new to driving a motorbike, I would not recommend taking this route.
We looked into finding a guide to take us there and back, but we could only find one online and the price was outrageous. They wanted 6000 baht for the day and we would still have to pay for entrance to the temple.
Hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions.
Great blog. Fab sounding day trip. Tremendous detailed info for any question one would have. Thank you so much for sharing . Jan Goble 🙂
Thank you Jan. Glad you liked it! We highly recommend the adventure to Wat Chaleom Phra Kiat to any one who is able.