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Hiking the Monk's Trail Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

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If you're looking to escape the city, try hiking the Monk's Trail up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The two hour hike takes you through a jungle to Wat Phra Lat Temple before a strenuous hike uphill to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. 

Hiking to Wat Phra Lat Temple 

The entrance of the trail starts at the end of Doi Suthep Road, past Chiang Mai University and behind Chiang Mai zoo. We took a red truck (red songthaews) to this point (20 baht each). This can be confusing to explain to a driver, since he originally took us to the wrong place. Just make sure you say Doi Suthep Road! 

End of Doi Suthep Road

When you reach the end of Doi Suthep Road, go right and continue past the signs for Chiang Mai Zoo. From here, the road will take you uphill for 5-10 minutes. Along the way, you'll pass a building on your left. 

Hike past the signs for Chiang Mai Zoo.

The uphill road. 

Just keep walking on the road for a few more minutes and you'll reach the entrance of the trail. You know you're there when you see the red and white TV Tower on your right. There will be orange cloth wrapped around the trees to mark the entrance. 

Entrance of the Monk's Trail. 

The 30-45 minute hike to Wat Phra Lat Temple is a little rocky, but heavily marked. Monks frequent the trail, so it is well maintained. The trail itself isn't too difficult, as you can see many people hiking in sandals. 

Orange markers

Once you reach Wat Phra Lat Temple, you can enjoy a break on the rocks. The atmosphere is very serene and tranquil as the temple is situated in a jungle by a river. 

Hiking to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

To get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, it's going to take an hour and 15 minutes from this point. When you're ready, head back to the trail.

The trail will lead you up a steep section up to the road. Once you reach the road, head left along the rail. Look out for a yellow arrow painted on the road pointing across the street. Cross the street at this point and you should see an orange cloth marker on the tree.

This trail isn't as consistently marked, but well-travelled. So, watch out for any yellow paint markers on the ground. There's one section where you'll reach a fork in the trail. Take a left at this point. The trail will eventually turn into clay stairs until you reach the road, so get ready to walk up some steps. 

Beginning of the trail, after crossing the road. 

Clay steps

Once you reach the road, make sure to walk up the shoulder to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. We were advised against taking the trail to the right of the road due to aggressive wild dogs. However, it's up to your own discretion. 

Notes:

  • Make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks.

Happy Hiking! 

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Playing With Elephants: Ran-Tong (Save & Rescue Elephant Centre) in Chiang Mai

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Please do your research and find an elephant camp that is ethical for a meaningful volunteer contribution. Elephants should not be ridden with a saddle. 

Ran-Tong is one of the many elephant rescue camps located north of the city centre. Established in 2009, it's one of the newer camps that offers bareback riding, no riding, rehabilitation and elephant spa programs.

We opted for the no riding program where you spend your time with baby and younger elephants. In this program, you can play and wrestle, walk, prepare snacks (chopping sugar cane) and bathe the elephants. 

Our Experience

When we first arrived at Ran-Tong, we received a change of clothing, a hat and a satchel with a water bottle. We were then taken down to where the elephants were kept. From the first glance, you could see two younger elephants tied to a pole and the mama elephant in her pen. 

Baby Ran-Tong was extremely friendly and ran up to greet us. As the first baby elephant born, she was named Ran-Tong after the centre. At four months old, she was already 110 kilograms! You can definitely feel her weight when she wrestles with you or playfully sits on you. 

We spent some time getting to know baby Ran-Tong and learning more about the history of the centre. Our guide was quite knowledgable on elephants because he spent the last 18 years working with them. 

We were then put to work and taught how to cut sugar cane as a treat for the elephants. Be careful as the knives are pretty sharp. Sugar cane to elephants is like candy to us. Since it doesn't come naturally in their habitat, they should only eat it in moderation. 

After stuffing our satchel with these sweet treats, we were ready to walk them. The elephants knew what was going on and were a little too excited to walk with us. With their keen sense of smell, they would try to snatch the goodies from our bag. 

The short walk eventually led to a pond where you bathe the elephants. Like us, elephants don't like cold water. So, it was really hard to get the both of us into the water. After splashing the elephants, they accepted bath time and submerged themselves into the water. 

We then walked back to the main centre, changed out of our wet clothes and had lunch waiting for us. 

Notes:

  • We lucked out and had a small group of only four of us. We heard it can be as little as two people and up to about 10 people. 
  • We noticed that you don't really walk the elephants. It felt like it was more feeding than walking the elephants. 
  • The hostel we're staying at (Teeraya Boutique Guesthouse) has an affiliation with Ran-Tong, so we booked it through them. It cost us 1800 baht each for a half day (morning/afternoon). 
  • Remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, camera and a swimsuit! You will get pretty wet so consider wearing a swimsuit underneath.
  • You can purchase their photos on a CD (300 baht), USB (500 baht) or Dropbox (300 baht). We ended up buying the Dropbox, but we noticed the picture quality isn't that great since they're not professional photographers. 
  • Please note that the mama elephant is in her pen the whole time. Otherwise, she would be very protective of her baby and dangerous to us. Ran-Tong does not separate the mom and baby. Baby Ran-Tong was initially following us for the walk, but when Mom called her, she ran back home. 

Fun Elephant Facts:

  • Asian elephants have large brains like us! They also have an insanely large amount of muscles in their trunks - all 100,000 (and more?) of them.
  • Their major predators these days are bees and snakes. Asian elephants have thick skin but their blood vessels are closer to the top. Tigers are no longer in the wild.
  • Asian elephants perspire through their toes and sometimes their eyes. They will lose most of their fur as they learn to regulate their body temperature by throwing water and mud onto their backs.
  • Their growth rate and life span is similar to humans. 
 
 

Happy Volunteering! 

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Transit Guide: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

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From Bangkok's Mo Chit Station to Chiang Mai's Arcade Station, the bus ride takes around 10 hours and is the cheapest mode of transportation. 

There are three options for the bus:
-VIP (600-700 baht): adjustable massage seats, A/C, snacks and water, meal, wet towel, TV,  pillow, blanket and washroom. 
-First Class (500 baht):  adjustable massage seats, A/C, snacks and water, meal, wet towel, TV, blanket and washroom. The difference between VIP and First Class is that you get bigger seats and more leg room in VIP.
-Second Class (375-400 baht): adjustable seats and A/C.

We ended up taking the First Class bus because the ride was cheaper and shorter than the train. It wasn't too bad since we had recently gotten off a 12-14 hour flight, with similar conditions. When you purchase your tickets, you can choose your seats. We opted for the front seats on the second level. It offers a section to place your bags in front of you. Plus, you get a better view, which is nice if you get car sick. 

About halfway through the ride, the bus makes one stop at a restaurant for your free meal. You just have to show them your ticket at the food stand. There are different options you can choose from, but most were a broth-based noodle. As a heads up, the washrooms at the stop are squatting toilets, so be prepared. Also, remember your toilet paper! 

Once you get to Chiang Mai, it should only cost 40 baht/per person to get to the city centre! 

Notes:

  • If you take the last bus out of Bangkok, you can save on shelter accommodations for that night. 
  • You can also take the train to Chiang Mai, but it takes 14 hours to get there and costs closer to 900 baht for the second class sleeper. But, the view is much better and you can save on accommodation if you take the sleeper train. I personally got confused about how to purchase a ticket. Some sites explained that you needed to buy tickets in advance in person or online. If you purchase online, you'll have to pay service (200 baht) and PayPal (3.4 % + 11 baht) fees. You could also risk it and buy it when you get there, but it might be sold out. 
  • Flying is the most convenient method, but costs the most. It only takes an hour and 15 minutes to get there. It's a great option if you don't have the time. 

Happy Travelling! 

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Day 3: Alone in Bangkok (Cathy)

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After landing in Bangkok, I realized that Cee wasn't able to meet me at the airport because of the Bike for Dad event. 

So, I hopped on the Bangkok Transit System (BTS) and made my way over. Unfortunately, the stop I needed to get off was closed because of the event. I ended up getting off a few stops early and tried to hail a taxi, but none would take me because all the major roads were closed for the event. 

Long story short: I was stranded in Bangkok. 

Luckily, I met a fellow traveller along the way who let me tag along with him throughout the day. We then proceeded to get scammed by a taxi driver who took us to the wrong place, jumped back onto the BTS and then walked around the city to find his hotel. 

There, I was able to contact Cee to let her know where I was. Thankfully, the receptionist at the hotel was able to explain to the taxi driver how to get to my hostel. 

 
Thanks Joe! 

Thanks Joe! 

 

Day 3: Alone in Bangkok, Cee's Edition

Cee made it to Bangkok safely and accidentally explored the city while trying to get to me at the airport.

She made a feline friend, visited a public park, and got lost in the infamous Khao San Road for hours. Unfortunately, commuting was near impossible with Thailand celebrating a huge holiday and country wide "Bike for Dad" event in honour His Majesty the King.

To be continued!