Wat Pha Lat, Chiang Mai (must see)

Wat Pha Lat is a beautiful, serene Buddhist temple seemingly hidden in the jungle. To get there, follow the trail ingeniously marked with orange fabric tassels wrapped around trees.

Buddhist statues mark the entrance to the temple. On the temple grounds, you'll find a peaceful waterfall flowing over sheetrock.

According to the legend, in 1355, King Kuena's white elephant stopped to rest at Wat Pha Lat's site. The elephant later died at the site of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The King ordered temples to be built at both sites. For centuries, the Wat Pha Lat temple was a resting stop on the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After a road was built in 1935, Wat Pha Lat became a meditation site and monk's residence.

Today's visitors will love the peace and serenity away from the hustle and noise of Chang Mai. Instead of listening to scooters and road noise, take in the sounds of nature.

On a clear day, you can see down to Chang Mai for a bird's eye view of the city.