BANGKOK, 6 November 2026: DMC Khiri Travel has earned independent recognition for the quality of its Chiang Mai Sacred Paths and Trails itinerary in northern Thailand.
The half-day guided trip to Wat Pha Lat temple on foot, then to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple by vehicle, has been certified by the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), which the Department of Tourism appointed to conduct the assessment.
Khiri applied to participate in the Thailand Tourism Standard programme, which led to the inspection. The institute’s Trekking Standard for Tourism (TTS 401:2016) certification is valid for Khiri Travel to use for this trip from now until September 2029.
In August, auditors from the Department of Tourism assessed the quality of the hiking experience, guide knowledge, safety procedures, Khiri’s management practices and commitment to responsible tourism.
In-depth audit
The Department of Tourism’s audit included interviewing staff about operational procedures, joining the hike, quizzing Khiri’s local guides, and reviewing how the DMC prevents accidents and responds to incidents. Among many lines of enquiry, the institute reviewed how the company collects and responds to customer feedback before, during and after the trip.
“The Wat Pha Lat hiking trail is one of our signature experiences in Chiang Mai, loved by our clients for its peaceful atmosphere, immersion in nature and cultural significance,” said Khiri Travel Chiang Mai office manager, Naphat Kasikitworakul. “The auditors from the Department of Tourism went deep into all aspects of the trip. It was a very involved process.”
Khiri Travel can now display the Thailand Tourism Standard logo when promoting this specific trail.
Wat Phra Lat — ‘monastery on the sloping rock’ — was founded by King Kuena of Lanna in the 14th century. The temple, at an elevation of 630 metres (2,070ft) in the hills just west of Chiang Mai city, was originally a resting place for pilgrims walking to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at 1,073 metres (3,520ft), deeper into the mountain range.
(Source: Khiri Travel)
