Welcome to Thailand’s gorgeous mountain world! The mountains of Thailand provide any explorer a breathtaking and unforgettable experience as they are tucked away among the verdant green woods and sparkling waterfalls. These mountains are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and varied flora and wildlife in the entire of Southeast Asia, from the towering peaks of Doi Inthanon to the hidden gems of Doi Pha Hom Pok. Thailand’s mountains are just begging to be explored, whether you’re an experienced climber or simply looking for a tranquil getaway from the rush of city life. So be ready to lace on your hiking boots and explore the breathtaking mountains of Thailand!
- Doi Inthanon
Famous for its waterfalls, trails, remote villages, sunrise/sunset and bird watching, Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. The highest mountain of Thailand is the highest peak at Doi Inthanon Mountain. Doi Inthanon National Park, also referred to as “The Roof of Thailand,” is located in the northern Thai province of Chiang Mai and spans an area of 482 km2. The park is situated between 800 and 2,565 metres above sea level and is a part of the Himalayan mountain range. Moreover, it features a wide variety of plant life, including dry evergreen, pine, mixed deciduous teak, and dipterocarp forests at lower elevations and moist evergreen cloud forests, sphagnum bogs, and moist evergreen forests at higher elevations (above 1,800 metres asl).
Hour: Daily, 5:30am- 6:00pm (The park is open all year, including on public holidays, the main trail of the park -Kaew Mae Pan Trail- is closed from June to October.)
Location: Ban Luang sub-district, Jom Thong, Chiang Mai
Transportation: By car: Doi Inthanon is 120 km. away from Chiang Mai downtown. The travel time there is about 2.5 hours. Private taxis: Total 2,700 Baht or one-way transfer from 1,300–2,000 Baht
Entrance Fee: Locals: adults 50 THB, children 20 THB. Foreign Visitors: adults 300 THB, children 150 THB. Cars: 30 THB. Bikes: 20 THB
2. Doi Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai
Hiking is the most famous activity here. Given its status as a wildlife sanctuary, it is one of the most stunning summits to hike to. There are many different species of flora, wildlife, and birdlife that aren’t often found in other regions of Thailand. If climbing Chiang Dao is your goal, plan an overnight hike and set up camp close to the summit to take in the sunset and sunrise. Due to its extreme fame, only a small number of visitors are allowed; therefore, advance planning is advised. With the summit trail being open just five months a year, the weekends are often booked out early on in the season. Although though it only takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach the summit of Chiang Dao, the trail is steep and rocky, which can be exhausting and where strong winds can blow. The hikers can go to a different peak from here as welkl.(Kew Lom Tai).
Season: November — March.
Hours: Prohibit to enter after 16:00
Location: Doi Luang Chiang Dao is situated in Pha Daeng National Park, about 50 kilometres from the Myanmar border and 72 kilometres from Chiang Mai city.
Transportation: Public buses depart from the old Chang Pheuak bus station (north of the old city) every 30 minutes for just 40THB per person. Buses arrive at the Chiang Dao bus terminal in the heart of the city after an about 90-minute journey.
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is 20 THB. The vehicle fee is 30 THB.
3. Doi Kiew Lom
This peak can be on the list directly from Doi Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai or can just be the first one a hiker chooses to come directly. The best time for this one will be early in the morning as you’ll be treated to a wonderful view of the sun rising above a sea of clouds and projecting warm light onto the mountain peaks.
Season: November — March, Prohibit to enter after 16:00
Location: Mae Tang, Chiang Mai
Transportation: Doi Kiew Doi is about 120 kilometres from Chiang Mai’s city centre by automobile.
Entrance Fee: Thai Visitors: adults 50 THB, children 20 THB Foreign Visitors: adults 300 THB, children 150 THB
4. Doi Ang Khang
Mae-Ngon District, Fang County, Chiangmai Province is where Doi Ang Khang is situated. Doi Ang Khang is about 1,400 meters higher than the sea level. It is surrounded by a series of 5-kilometers-long valleys. Doi Ang Khang often experiences temperatures ranging from 17.7 to 21 degrees Celsius. And in January goes down to -3 degree Celcius as well.
Doi Ang Khang is kind of a national park. As Doi Ang Khang is very large, therefore there are many minor tourist attractions around, mostly agricultural. This is a good opportunity of having the greatest sightseeing and learning about Thai agriculture and this place is used for agricultural researches as well.
Season: All year round (the Wild Himalayan Cherry blossom blooms in December to January)
Hour: Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang opens daily, 8:00–16:30
Location: Mae Yon sub-district, Fang, Chiang Mai
Transportation: — By car: Doi Ang Khang is 160 km. far from Chiang Mai Downtown. By van or bus: At Chang Puak Bus Station, 150 THB for van and 85 THB for a bus. Then it takes a minibus to the way up to the mountain.
Entrance Fee: For person:20 THB. Vehicle: 50 THB
5. Khao Mokoju
It is located in the provinces of Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet in Mae Wong, in the west of Thailand. The park’s highest mountain, Khao Mo Ko Chu, is one of Thailand’s highest at 1,964 metres. It is rocky and uneven.
The main tourist centre and the administrative offices are situated on the major road in the northern section of the park, close to some of the top sights. The nearest town centre, Khlong Lan, offers frequent public bus services to and from Bangkok, and is 16.5 kilometres from the headquarters. There are no public transportation options in the park, so private transportation is a must.
Visitors are advised to have insect repellents and leach socks during wet periods. There are some annoying flies called “Khun” on the local language.
Location: At 1,964 metres asl, it is the park’s highest mountain and is located 38 kilometres from the administrative centre.
Season: November to February
Fee: Locals: 100THB. Foreigners:200THB
6. Doi Pha Hom Pok
It’s one of the best managed and organized parks in Thailand. Doi Pha Hom Pok, which occupies the northwest corner of Fang district, has borders with Doi Ang Khan to the south, Mae Ai and Tha Ton to the east, and the Burmese frontier to the north and west.
Pha Hom Pok mountain itself, which at 2,285 meters is the second tallest peak in Thailand. there are extensive hot springs and a geyser around which the park headquarters and visitor center are located. The geyser, at more than 30 meters, is the highest in the country.
There are also mineral baths. While the outdoor mineral bath and sauna are both 20 baht for an infinite amount of time, a private mineral bath cabin costs 50 baht per person for a 30-minute soak.
A cave and a waterfall are accessible via a two-hour nature route. For the dawn and, during the winter, the “sea of fog” effect, it is advised to camp overnight on the summit. The visitor center rents out tents: 50 baht for one-person. For a few more baht, you can also have clean blankets, pillows, mattresses, and sleeping bags. For a day excursion, a 4WD costs 1,500 baht; for an overnight trip, it costs 1,800 baht. A guide is 300 baht per day.
Hour: Daily, 08:00–16:30
Location: Pong Nam Ron sub-district, Fang, Chiang Mai
Transportation: Doi Pha Hom Pok approximately 160 kilometres from the centre of Chiang Mai by automobile. The travel time there is about 2.5 hours. Next, the officer from the visitor centre will drive you the 18 kilometres to the campground.
Entrance Fee: Thai Visitors: adults 50 THB, children 20 THB. Foreign Visitors: adults 300 THB, children 150 THB. There’s also a 10 baht fee for bikes, 20 baht for motorbike, and 30 baht for a car.
FAQs
- Is an overnight stay to Doi Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai necessary?
No, it is not required, although it is advised. Even though visiting Doi Chang can be accomplished in a single day, doing so won’t allow one to fully appreciate its splendour. Moreover, early in the morning makes it simple to get to the next peak.
2. What are the typical seasons’ lengths?
The season often follows The season with lower temperatures is November to February (hot), while the rainy season is from June to October. The season is from March to May.
3. Do I need to bring additional clothing on a hike?
Absolutely, you should always have a jacket or similar items with you because sometimes the wind can be so powerful that it might make you shiver. Even though it may not always be necessary, preventive is important.
4. Are there local guides available? How much they charge?
Local guides are accessible at all times during the peak, and their rates vary. Typically, a person to carry your belongings will cost you around 1500TBH, while guides will cost you between 2000 and 4000THB.
5. Should I bring additional clothing with me when I go swimming in Doi Pha Hom Pok?
Sure, bring an additional set of clothes, and don’t forget to take off your metal jewellery because the water contains a lot of sulphur.
Is there a public transportation option from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon?
6.Who can you suggest if we want to rent a van?
You must reserve a ticket for a minibus from Arcade Station to Jomthong of Chieng Mai and charter touring for a minibus to Doi Inthanon if you plan to see Doi Inthanon. If you feel the need to rant while driving a van or motorcycle, I believe this is unacceptable unless you are an expert or have prior knowledge of the situation.
