Hiking Chiang Mai: Waterfalls, Wats, and Worthy Climbs

 Easy hikes,” they said. “It’ll be fun,” they said. And to be fair, they weren’t entirely wrong. But when you’re staring up a rocky trail that seems to climb straight into the clouds, “easy” feels like an inside joke you’re not quite in on.

First views of the wat at the top of the steps

One of the joys of traveling is connecting with people who lead you to unexpected adventures. During our stay in Chiang Mai, we were introduced to Keith, by David, our friend in Singapore,  continuing the chain of friendships. Keith is an avid hiker and a great guide to the area’s trails. He invited us to join his hiking group for four incredible treks that combined natural beauty, cultural discoveries, and just the right amount of challenge.

One last push up to the temple

The group itself was a fascinating mix of regulars and drop-ins, ranging from expats to native Thais. On one hike, we met Lorena and John, former cruisers who had sold their boat in Fiji and relocated to Chiang Mai. True to cruiser tradition, we discovered mutual friends and exchanged tales of anchorages, storms, and far-flung adventures.

A rare moment of a level part of the trails

The Trails

The hikes covered a variety of terrain, from rocky jungle paths to endless staircases leading to temples. One particularly memorable trek took us up a staircase of over 900 steps. The effort that went into constructing those stairs was obvious, and the occasional platforms provided much-needed breaks and incredible views.

Reaching the temple at the top felt like a triumph. But just as we caught our breath and admired the dragon sculptures snaking down the railings, thinking we were at the top the group continued around the back of the temple and led us to the trail leading even further up the mountain.

Waterfalls and Wats

Waterfalls are a favorite hiking destination for us—a perfect goal with a natural reward. One hike brought us to a serene temple where a small waterfall trickled beside a pond, its reflection shimmering in the still water. Another trek ended at a cascading waterfall, the sound of rushing water echoing through the forest as we soaked in the view.

On one hike, we joined part of Monk’s Trail, a popular path known for its connection to temples and scenic beauty. This portion of the hike was noticeably busier, a stark contrast to the quieter trails we’d explored earlier.

The Experience

Flyover of the hike to the waterfall

And here was our hike to the temple, click here for the fly-over

Above are the stats for the hike with our greatest elevation gain.

Each hike left us with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Whether it was climbing hundreds of steps, navigating rocky trails, or marveling at ornate temples, every trek offered its own rewards.

Keith and his group made these adventures even more special. With their guidance, we tackled trails we might not have attempted on our own. The camaraderie of the group, combined with the stunning scenery, made these hikes a highlight of our time in Chiang Mai.

The most appreciated views often come after the hardest climbs.