CHIANG MAI — Wat Pha Lat, a Buddhist temple at the foot of Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, has urged visitors to respect the site after inappropriate behaviour by some tourists, including yoga poses and acrobatic photography inside the temple grounds.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on 18 January 2026, the temple said it had recently observed visitors performing acro-yoga, climbing on ancient structures and rocks, and wearing revealing clothing at the temple.
“Wat Pha Lat is a Buddhist temple and a sacred sanctuary, not a recreational park or a gym,” the statement said.
The temple stressed that it remains an active place of worship for monks and a historical site that requires respect from visitors.
According to the announcement, the following activities are strictly prohibited within the temple grounds: yoga or gymnastic activities, climbing on statues, pagodas, waterfalls or rocks, wearing swimwear or inappropriate outfits, and making loud noises that disturb the peaceful environment.
The notice was posted in both Thai and English to ensure that all visitors clearly understand the rules.
The temple warned that if disrespectful behaviour continues, the administration may be forced to permanently close the site to tourists in order to preserve its spiritual sanctity.
“We welcome visitors who come with respect,” the statement said, calling on the public to help keep the temple open by following the rules.
