If you’re looking for an adventure and to explore nature, then you’ll want to check out the hiking trails in Chiang Mai. The area offers a variety of trails for different skill levels and interests. From challenging and secluded hikes to more popular and accessible trails like the Monks Trail to Wat Pha Lat. National parks like Doi Inthanon National Park offer great hiking experiences with the chance to see beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. All these hikes provide an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area and to have an adventure while enjoying nature and often encountering local ways of life.
Huay Tung Tao Lake
This Huay Tung Tao hike is a 6.9-kilometer trail that takes hikers around the forested area of the Huay Tung Tao Lake in the Mae Rim area of Chiang Mai. This hike is perfect for those looking for a challenging and secluded hiking experience. The path is not well-maintained, making it suitable for experienced hikers who are comfortable with rugged terrain. Along the trail, hikers will have the opportunity to see various wildlife and numerous waterfalls. It is important to bring all necessary amenities as the trail is not frequently travelled. The best time to visit is from November to March, and the duration of the hike is around 6 hours. The difficulty level of this hike is hard.
Doi Suthep, Including the Monks Trail to Wat Pha Lat
The Monk’s Trail to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a hiking trail in Chiang Mai that ends at the famous temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The trail starts behind Chiang Mai University and is indicated on Google Maps. The stretch of the trail to Wat Pha Lat is an easy and short hike, but it is recommended to wear good shoes as the surface can be uneven. Along the trail, hikers can see the beautiful temple of Wat Pha Lat and the remains of Wat Sam Yot. The trail from Wat Pha Lat to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is more difficult and steeper, it is recommended to wear good hiking shoes and be aware of hazards caused by erosion in the rainy season. After the hike, hikers can see the private house and then the Monk’s quarters of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
⮕ Click here to book an organised Doi Suthep hiking trip
Doi Luang, Chiang Dao
The Doi Luang Chiang Dao hike is a 16.7-kilometer trail that takes hikers through the raw nature of Chiang Mai. To access the trail, hikers will need to take a 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai to Doi Luang Chiang Dao. This hike is best done as a 2-day trip due to the limited resources along the trail. Hikers should bring camping gear and enough food for the duration of the hike. The main attraction of this trail is the wildflowers that grow in the forest, and Doi Luang Chiang Dao peak, the third-highest peak in Thailand, known for its limestone cliffs. Other attractions along the trail include hot springs and jungle temples. The trail can be visited throughout the year and the duration is 2 days. The difficulty level of the hike is hard.
⮕ Book an organized 3-day trek through Chiang Dao mountains
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the city and offers a great hiking experience. The park is known for its moist evergreen cloud forests and offers the opportunity to see the highest mountain in Chiang Mai. The park features various hiking trails, some of which are open throughout the year, and some that are only open during a particular season. The trails offer the chance to see waterfalls, ethnic people, and monkeys. One of the must-see trails is the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, which is open during the winter months. If you want to explore the park, you may need a guide. The park can be visited throughout the year and the difficulty level of trails varies from moderate to hard. It’s an excellent place for hiking and having an adventure while enjoying nature, waterfalls, and different ethnic people. It’s a great place to explore and discover the natural beauty of Chiang Mai.
⮕ Click here to book an organized trek at Doi Inthanon National Park
Mae Wang National Park
Mae Wang National park is one of the best places to indulge in hiking in Chiang Mai. Some trails begin from the Shan village and lead to the Karen village, providing hikers with an opportunity to experience the local culture and nature. This hike is accessible to all levels of hikers and provides a balance of adventure and tranquility. The park offers the chance to explore the forests and the natural wonders it holds, including the famous Pan Chor Extended Loop. The park can be visited throughout the year, with duration varying from 1 to 2 days, and the difficulty level of the trails ranges from easy to moderate.
⮕ Book an organized hiking tour at Mae Wang National Park
Mae Taeng River
The Mae Tang river hike is a great option for those looking for an easy hiking experience in Chiang Mai. The trail is located close to the Mae Tang river and can be done as a day trip, but hikers who want to explore more can spend 2 to 3 days on other trails in the area. The trail is relatively easy and does not include steep areas, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. Along the trail, hikers can enjoy the beautiful forested area, waterfalls and the opportunity to swim or go bamboo rafting in the river. There is also a tribal village nearby where hikers can interact with the locals and learn more about their daily lives. The trail can be visited throughout the year, with duration varying from 1 to 3 days and difficulty level is easy.
⮕ Book an organized 2-day tour including a hike around the Mae Teang Area
