Feb 10, 2022

Passing through Chiang Mai on your Thailand adventure and eager to escape the city centre for fresh air and hiking? The region offers no shortage of options! To help you choose, we present 3 sites for hiking from Chiang Mai. From jungle trekking to hiking through ethnic villages and climbing mountain peaks… you're sure to find something that suits you!

1. Doi Inthanon National Park

Situated around 100 kilometres from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park ranks among northern Thailand's most stunning natural sites. Within its boundaries lies lush jungle, countless rice paddies and plantations, spectacular turquoise waterfalls, and ethnic villages nestled deep in the mountains. The park is also renowned for sheltering abundant wildlife, including over 300 bird species. All compelling reasons why Doi Inthanon National Park draws hikers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.

Among the hiking trails, don't miss Doi Inthanon itself—Thailand's highest peak. Standing at 2,575 metres, it's affectionately known as the "roof of Thailand". Beyond the exceptional views its ascent offers, you'll also discover the famous twin pagodas of Phra Mahathat Napha Méthanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri. These mirrored structures with their majestic gardens were built in honour of King Bhumibol and Queen Srikit. As for the park's waterfalls (Sri Phum, Wachi Ratan, Mae Klang and Mae Pan), they're accessible both by car and on foot—such as via the Gaew Mae Pan trail. Of all of them, Mae Pan is the most dramatic, plunging 280 metres!

Beyond natural attractions, Doi Inthanon National Park is equally renowned for discovering ethnic communities such as the Hmong and Karen villages. During a trek, you might even spend one or several nights in one of these villages, such as the hamlet of Baan Ba Pong Piang (stronghold of the Karen people), where you can sleep in authentic bamboo huts and learn more about their way of life.

Set out on a day hike off the beaten path with our Trek through the Hill Tribes of Doi Inthanon

2. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Searching for a hike just minutes from Chiang Mai? Head to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park! Located on Chiang Mai's northern edge, just 13km from the city centre, this park is a true wildlife sanctuary. Among its inhabitants are common Southeast Asian species such as the Asian black bear, Temminck's cat, barking deer, muntjac, Assamese macaque, and numerous bird species.

While the park contains numerous hiking trails, the most famous are those offering ascents of the hills Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha and Doi Pui—the park's highest peaks. It's atop Doi Pui that you'll find one of the park's crown jewels: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Also known as the Sanctuary of the Golden Mountain, it draws Theravada Buddhist devotees and houses numerous treasures including a replica of the Emerald Buddha. Note that you can reach it on foot directly from Chiang Mai via the Monk's Trail, departing from Chiang Mai University.

During a hike in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, you can also pause to refresh yourself at its magnificent waterfalls. Among the most beautiful cascades to explore are Huey Kaew Falls (beloved by both tourists and locals for its accessibility), Mok Fah Falls (which emerges from a stone cliff and splits into two water torrents) and Dtaat Mook Falls (requiring a guide to reach via a 7km hiking trail).

3. Doi Ang Khang Massif

Wishing to venture beyond the beaten path and tackle relatively easy hikes near Chiang Mai? Head to the Doi Ang Khang Massif! With its picturesque landscapes, botanical garden, vibrant agricultural terraces and traditional Burmese tribes, this mountain station is well worth a detour…

Located at the far north of Chiang Mai Province, the Doi Ang Khang Massif site remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Yet it offers a wonderful opportunity to combine hiking with cultural tourism! Indeed, the region is home to numerous ethnic villages. We recommend stopping at Ban Khum village (where most shops are concentrated and where you'll find a market selling handicrafts from mountain peoples like the Lahu and Palaung), Ban Nor Lae village (home to the Palaung, an ethnic group that fled Myanmar), or Ban Khop Dong village (stronghold of the Lahu tribal community).

Finally, the Doi Ang Khang Massif is equally renowned for the Rama IX Agricultural Station, where land was once used as poppy fields for opium production. A visit is a must to discover its diverse crops: from orchards (plums, rhubarb, kiwis, strawberries…) to vegetable greenhouses, ornamental flowers, cacti and shrubs, not to mention the stunning Japanese garden with its bonsai collection! You'll be amazed to discover how many plant species flourish in this remote corner of Thailand.

Florine Dergelet

le bastard

June 8, 2022

Hello, First of all, thank you for your advice—it's already making us want to be there. If we base ourselves in Chiang Mai, how did you travel to the Doi Ang Khang Massif or Doi Inthanon National Park?

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Florine Dergelet

A freelance travel writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveller driven by a desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, travel isn't about ticking countries off a map, but rather weaving connections—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples and all manner of wildlife. Her philosophy? Advise travellers with integrity, raise awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to truly hear…