Thailand's diverse landscapes offer a wide range of hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking in Thailand ranges from moderate to extreme moderate ascensions, along riversides and even through thin and thick vegetation. Hiking trails here take you through many villages, National Parks, dams, and much more! Here’s a list of some of the most stunning trails in Thailand.
Hiking Destinations in Thailand
1. Chiang Mai
Hiking trails of Chaing Mai are quite popular among tourists from all over the world. Even if you are an amateur trekker, hiking in Thailand in Chiang Mai will be an experience of a lifetime. The Chiangdao and Maetang regions in Chiang Mai are best known for their excellent forest covers and valleys, and here, you will be able to see some of the 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.
Trail Difficulty: There are trails for all levels of hikers, including beginner-friendly routes and more challenging treks for seasoned hikers.
Tips: Always get in touch with a tour operator while booking your hiking trail with adequate experience in the field.
2. Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon, located near Chiang Mai, is Thailand's highest mountain and part of Doi Inthanon National Park. The park boasts breathtaking scenery, including temperate forests, waterfalls, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Highlights: Hikers can explore a network of well-maintained trails, visit the Royal Twin Pagodas, and enjoy panoramic views from the summit. The park is known for its birdwatching opportunities.
Trail Difficulty: Trails range from easy walks to moderate hikes. The trek to the summit can be strenuous.
3. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok, in southern Thailand, is a pristine rainforest with limestone cliffs, rivers, and an ancient lake. The park offers hiking amidst towering trees and opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Highlights: Explore the jungle on guided hikes, take a boat ride on Cheow Lan Lake, and visit the iconic limestone karsts.
Trail Difficulty: Trails vary in difficulty, with options for both novice and experienced hikers.
4. Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is known for its emerald-green, terraced waterfalls, each with a unique pool for swimming. It's located near Kanchanaburi, west of Bangkok.
Highlights: The park's hiking trails lead to the seven tiers of the Erawan Waterfall. The hike offers opportunities for swimming in crystal-clear pools and enjoying lush, green surroundings.
Trail Difficulty: The hike to the upper tiers can be moderately challenging, but lower tiers are accessible to most visitors.
5. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai, Thailand's oldest and one of the most accessible national parks, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features dense forests, grasslands, and diverse wildlife.
Highlights: Explore well-marked trails, discover waterfalls, and keep an eye out for wildlife like gibbons and elephants. Don't miss the spectacular Haew Narok Waterfall.
Trail Difficulty: Trails range from easy walks to more strenuous hikes. There are options for different fitness levels.
6. 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 a fear of heights, you 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.
7. Mae Sariang Trek
Mae Sariang is an easy trek, perfect for amateur hikers. This beautiful hidden town in the Northern region of the country is famous for the treks, and if 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.
8. Pai
As the name suggests, hiking in this Mae Hong Son Province of Thailand is fantastic for backpackers. No matter whether you are an avid hiker or a novice in this genre, if 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.
9. 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.
10. Cave Exploration in Soppong
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.
11. 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.
12. 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 that 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.
13. 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.
14. 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 on 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.
Best Time for Hiking in Thailand
The ideal time for hiking in Thailand varies by region. In the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai), the cool, dry season from November to February is best. In the south (Phuket, Krabi), the dry season from November to April is recommended.
What to Pack
- Comfortable Footwear: Invest in sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
- Lightweight Clothing: Wear moisture-wicking, breathable clothing to stay comfortable.
- Rain Gear: Pack a waterproof jacket, especially if hiking during the rainy season.
- Backpack: A daypack with essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and extra clothing.
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from insects, especially in jungle areas.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Water and Snacks: Carry enough water and energy-boosting snacks.
- Navigation Tools: Maps, GPS, or a smartphone with GPS capabilities.
- Camping Gear (if camping): Tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment.
- Permits: Check if you need any permits to enter national parks or protected areas.
Safety Tips
- Always inform someone about your hiking plans and expected return time.
- Respect the local culture and environment.
- Be mindful of wildlife and avoid feeding animals.
- Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.
Hiking in Thailand is the perfect way to explore Thailand beyond its world-famous beaches. After all, a vacation to any part of Thailand is always a delight, and when it comes to the ‘not so famous’ hiking expeditions, Thailand again takes the cake!