The Doi Suthep day, explained

We run this trip twice a day: in the morning from 08:00 and in the afternoon from 13:00, about four hours each time. The morning is cooler; the afternoon lets you sleep in. The price is the same.

Wat Pha Lat, by van

There is no hike. The van takes the mountain road up to Wat Pha Lat, a quiet temple beside a waterfall, and you have twenty to thirty minutes to walk around it. Then we drive on up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and its long naga stairway.

Doi Pui, above the temple, is the highest point in the park at about 1,685 metres. On a clear day you see the whole valley.

Before you come

• Shoulders and knees covered: the temple is a living place of worship.

• Shoes with grip for the temple stairway.

• Eat something small before pickup. Water and a light snack are on us.

Bring a layer. It is cool up there even in April. We are back where you stay around midday, in time for lunch in the city.