10 Top Trails to Go Hiking in Thailand

• Chiang Mai Hiking Trails
• The Daredevil Hike, Khao No
• Mae Sariang Trek
• Hiking in Pai
• Chiang Dao Hike
• Soppong Hiking
• Doi Chang Cliff Hike
• Hang Nak Mountain Nature Trail
• Trail to Kew Mae Pan, Chiang Mai
• Hike to Khao Luang Peak

1. Beautiful Chiang Mai Hiking Trails

Hiking trails of Chaing Mai are quite popular among tourists from all over the world. Even if you are an amateur trekker, experiencing hiking in Thailand in Chiang Mai will be an experience of a lifetime.

Best Hike Trails in Chiang Mai

The Chiangdao and Maetang regions in Chiang Mai are best known for its excellent forest covers and valleys, and here, you will be able to see some most beautiful tribal villages with different ethnicities. The Baan Pha Dang Trek, Muang Kurt to Huay Kukap Trek and Lisu Tribe Trek are the most popular hiking options in this area.

Highlights: The tallest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, lies in the southwest part of Chiang Mai and Chiangdao Peak is one of the major highlights in the hiking trail there.   Tips: Always get in touch with a tour operator while booking your hiking trail with adequate experience in the field.

2. The Daredevil Hike, Khao No

Khao No is a steep trek but not too terrifying when you reach a specific position. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this is the perfect hiking option for you in Thailand. But for the ones with the fear of heights, should skip this one! The steepness of the trek varies from easy to moderate; however, the whole experience will depend upon your overall physical fitness.

Tips: The hiking trail is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and you can choose a time according to your feasibility.

3. The Soothing Mae Sariang Trek

Mae Sariang is an easy trek, perfect for the amateur hikers. This beautiful hidden town in the Northern region of the country is famous for the treks and in case you wish to seek some peace and solace from the hustle-bustle, you need to experience this.

Highlights
Within this hike, you will get to explore the local tribes and their cultures. You can stay with them and try some regional cuisines. The lovely waterfalls, the pretty rice fields and the enchanting forested hills will take your breath away! You can either book your stay in the guest house or stay at a local’s home.
Tips: You can take a bus directly to this spot from Chiang Mai and reach there in 5 hours. Also, you can go on a hike in this region all year round.

4. The Backpackers’ Delight of Hiking in Pai

As the name suggests, hiking in this Mae Hong Son Province of Thailand is fantastic for the backpackers. Hiking experience in Pai cannot be expressed in words. No matter whether you are an avid hiker or a novice in this genre, in case you wish to get soaked in nature’s lap, you must not give this a miss! The hiking is easy to moderate and hence, you won’t have to worry about any steep ranges.

Highlights: Pai region is enveloped with gorges, hot springs, rivers, waterfalls, canyons, caves, and so much more.
Tips: You need to take a bus or a cab from Chiang Mai to reach Pai, which is around 150 km away from the former.

5. Stay up at the Chiang Dao Hike

Chiang Dao is the region of one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Chiang Mai region of Thailand.

Highlights
While trailing through the mountain ranges, you will pass through some magnificent tea plantations, refreshing rivers, engaging criss-cross trails, jungle canopies and much more. You can also pay a visit to a small village which is nestled perfectly in the middle of a few tall trees.
Tips: It’s better to stay up there for a night as the one-way trek usually takes 6-7 hours to reach the top.

6. Cave Exploration in Soppong Hiking

Soppong, an easy trek is a little off-beat and hence, a must-experience one in Thailand! Here, you will not only be able to hike but also do some cave exploration and kayaking.

Highlights
The jungles of Soppong are mysterious, and you will be intricately taken away from the dust-laden cityscapes, into the lovely meadows, open blue sky and paddy fields. You can also meet and greet the local tribes who will welcome you with their local beverages. You can even spend some time shopping in the local market before heading for the actual trek. Tips: Soppong lies in the middle of Pai and Mae Hong Son. It’s better to take a group of friends or fellow hikers along with you in this beautiful hiking trail.

7. Defy Gravity in the Doi Chang Cliff Hike

This one’s a little challenging and equally rewarding for the hikers. However, if you are an amateur, you better stay away from this one! The Doi Chang Cliff hiking trail is situated in the little-known Doi Chang Cliffs of Thailand, and the real trek begins after a challenging motorbike ride uphill. The roads are not maintained well and hence; you cannot drive a car up there. Once the bike ride ends, you need to walk uphill up to the temple on one side of the mountain. After this, the real challenge comes when you need to scale through the cliffs. You need to ensure that your body is kept close to the formations as you go up.

Highlights
If the weather is permissible, you will be able to see the natural beauty around. At the top, you will get to see a Thai flag, where you can click some pictures and then start coming down till the parking space of your motorbike.
Tips: This trek usually takes a whole day and hence, it’s better to pack lunch and keep some right amount of water along with you.

8. The Picturesque Hang Nak Mountain Nature Trail

If you are in Krabi and putting up in the Ao Nang area, then this nature trail is not to be missed at any cost. Here, you will experience some of the most beautiful views which are worth capturing in your camera. The trek is a short one, and hence, around 2 litres of water for one person is enough for this hiking trail. The areas are correctly marked, and thus, you won’t get lost in the middle of it. Hang Nak is a slow and steady trek with just a little bit of ascent in the middle of it.

Highlights: The Hang Nak Mountain Nature Trail a 4-hour round trip and a very well-marked trail which makes it easy for the amateur hikers as well.
Tips: It’s preferable to go on this trek early in the morning to avoid the mid-day heat and humidity in the atmosphere of Thailand.

9. The Famous Misty Trail to Kew Mae Pan, Chiang Mai

Also known to be the Roof of Thailand, this place is a viewer’s delight. If you are a nature lover, you should go on this hike in the Chiang Mai region of Thailand. It is an easy trek with some stairs, and it’s around 2.7 km up until the viewpoint.

Highlights: In case you are visiting in December, you can see the red azalea which is locally termed as ‘Thousand Years Red Rose’.
Tips: After finishing the beautiful trek, do not forget to stop to see the two magnificent pagodas on top of the summit at the Great Holy Relics Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri.

10. Hiking at Khao Luang Peak

Last but not least, the peak of Khao Luang in Southern Thailand is unmatched. The summit is around 1385 meters above sea level, and a hike here will fully satiate your hiker soul! The beauty of this hiking trail is breathtaking, and even if your legs shake due to tiredness, you must not miss this one at least! The level of this trek is moderate to extreme, depending upon your hiking experience in the past.

Highlights: The rocky trails of the Khao Luang Park lead to the dense forests and a night camp in the meadows is just perfect for experiencing the beautiful sunrise the next morning.
Tips: November to March is the best time to go on a hiking expedition on this beautiful trail in Thailand.