The adventurer’s hiking guide to Thailand’s trails

image via everysteph

Travellers around Thailand will surely enjoy this hiking guide to the best trails in the country. From the highest peak to beautiful waterfalls, nature lovers will love these exciting trails. With abundant rainforests abound, it is a great way to see the natural scenery while getting some physical activity. Don’t forget your mosquito spray and plenty of water, as some of these trails are, indeed, off the beaten path, leaving hikers to truly “rough it” in some areas.

Thailand’s Adventurer’s Guide To Hiking Trails

1. Doi Luang Chiang Dao – Daen Lae Range, Chiang Mai

As the third-highest peak in Thailand, Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a challenging hiking trek to ascend. Therefore, this one-day trip will be difficult for experienced hikers as a guide must accompany them. Hikers can glimpse the nearby Doi Inthanon piercing the misty mountains once they reach the summit.

Climbers can witness the sunset from the viewpoint, which guarantees a wonderful panorama. Hikers can choose to end their journey at a guesthouse, located near the base of the mountain if they find the ascent to be too strenuous. The entire area is shrouded in an eerie fog, which is best seen in the winter.

Difficulty: Hard

Duration: 1-2 days

Address: 273 Moo 5 Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai 5017

The adventurer's hiking guide to Thailand's trails | News by Thaiger

2. Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail – Ao Nang, Krabi

This trail is best to go on in the early morning to avoid the heat. As the Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail requires a lot of vertical climbing, it is best to bring a lot of water. Moreover, being unfit may not allow you to conquer this trail.

However, once you do get to the peak, this hour-long trail will leave you breathless, not only because of the climb but also for its view. At the top of the Dragon Crest Mountain, those more daring can try the risky task of sitting atop the tongue, where stunning views of Phang Nga Bay and Krabi can be had.

Difficulty: Hard

Duration: 1.5- 2 hours

Address: Nong Thale, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000

Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Trail Hiking Trail, Ban Ao Nang, Thailand
Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Trail Hiking Trail

3. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park – Phitsanulok Province

This national park features unique rock formations of The Lan Hin Taek. Thus, its name means “broken stone.” Here, hikers can also see the Lan Hin Pum, or “stone buttons” formation which was once used for recovering medical patients for its breeziness.

As the hike is considered moderate in difficulty, the 2-3 hour trek will surely be magnificent as cherry blossoms and other sites will be seen. To see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, it is best to conquer the trail from December to January.

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 2-3 hours

Address: Nakhon Thai, Nakhon Thai, Phitsanulok 65120

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

4. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail – Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

The view on this two to four-day walk to Thailand’s highest point is breathtaking. A moss-covered bridge is just one illustration of its beauty, along with the cloud forest that looms over the valleys.

Along the route, hikers can also witness twin pagodas and exquisite gardens. Because the trail is designated as simple, more experienced hikers may decide to continue in the direction of Doi Inthanon, where they can decide to set up camp for the night.

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: 2-4 hours

Address: Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai 50160

Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is a heaven on Earth for many
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

5. Phu Langka Forest Park – Phayao Province hiking guide

This charming forest park has the ideal vantage point to see mountain islands concealed in a sea of mist. When the fog fills the valley, it’s breathtaking as a whole itself.

The view on the five to six-hour walk is evocative of an old landscape picture, leaving hikers in wonder after they have completed it. Given the modest difficulty of the trek, it is advised to plan on spending the entire day there and make sure to pack enough food and water.

Difficulty: Moderate hiking guide

Duration: 5- 6 hours

Address: Pha Chang Noi, Pong District, Phayao 56140

Phu Langka Forest Park : Phayao Tourist Destination Reviews @ Thailand
Phu Langka Forest Park

6. Khao Mokoju – Mae Wong National Park

As its name is from the Karenic language of northern Thailand, “seems like it would rain” definitely is an accurate description of the peak’s scenery. Mokoju looks like a large cloud of fog from the top, as the actual peak is above the clouds, sitting at 1,964 metres above sea level. The trail takes at least a half day of walking through a forest and then more days climbing steeply up the peak.

As the difficulty level is considered hard, hikers are required to contact park rangers in advance before climbing. Moreover, there are restrictions as to the time of year when hikers can attempt the climb, with November to February being ideal. Trekkers need to prepare and bring everything with them as the park only provides a camping area.

Difficulty: Hard

Duration: 3-5 days

Address: Pang Ta Wai, Pang Sila Thong District, Kamphaeng Phet 62120

The adventurer's hiking guide to Thailand's trails | News by Thaiger
Image via Thailand Tourism Directory

7. Secret Buddha Garden – Koh Samui hiking guide

This beautiful garden, also known as the Tarnim Magic Garde, sits atop Khun Nim Peak (Pom Mountain) on the tropical island of Koh Samui. The area once belonged to a retired durian fruit farmer who sculpted Thai Buddhist mythological angels and mythical statues to adorn the land. The garden is on top of a big hill, so it is recommended that you wear good shoes and bring plenty of water as it is rated a moderate difficulty level. Thus, hikers will find the 2-4 hour long trail that leads them through dense forests and steep hills. What’s different about this trail, is that the end features a private hilltop garden.

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 2-3 hours

Address: Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140

The Fascinating Secret Buddha Garden In Koh Samui
The Secret Buddha Garden

8. Erawan Waterfalls – Kanchanaburi Province

This moderate hike leads to an impressive 7- 7-level waterfall and is a popular spot for swimming. The pool also features a fresh fish spa, with friendly fish that will nibble at your feet. The half-hour hike is located in the Erawan National Park, in which Erawan is the name of a 3-headed elephant, ridden by the deity Indra. Hikers can choose to climb to higher levels, but the path, indeed, gets harder.

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 30 minutes hiking guide

Address: Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi 71250

Erawan National Park (Erawan Waterfall) in 2019 - The Lost Passport
Erawan Waterfalls

Nature lovers will surely find that trekking up mountains and through jungles is an exhilarating experience. Moreover, seeing the untouched, natural beauty of the country is something that most hikers will never forget. From exotic wildlife to fog-covered mountains, choosing to conquer an area by foot is worth the journey.

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Ann Carter

Ann Carter is an award-winning journalist from the United States with over 12 years experience in print and broadcast news. Her work has been featured in America, China and Thailand as she has worked internationally at major news stations as a writer and producer. Carter graduated from the Walter Williams Missouri School of Journalism in the USA.

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