10 Best Hiking Destinations in Thailand in 2025

Bangkok Airways Round Up

• Thailand offers a variety of amazing hiking destinations suitable for hikers of all levels, such as Kew Mae Pan—where you stroll along the ridge of a mountain and appreciate the sea of clouds, to multi-day hikes, such as Doi Luang Chiang Dao—where you trek through a steep valley and camp overnight—or Khao Sok National Park—one of the oldest rainforests rich in biodiversity. 
• The best times to hike in Thailand are during the dry and wet seasons. From November to February (dry season), the weather is pleasant and the chance of seeing sea fog is high. From May to October (wet season), the forests are lush and the waterfalls are spectacular, though hikers should be cautious of slippery trails and flash floods.

Thailand is home to countless scenic trails and beautiful nature worth exploring. Along the way, you may encounter distinctive wildlife, walk past sparkling rainforest rivers and waterfalls in the lush surroundings, and be left in awe of the majestic view from mountain peaks overlooking a huge blanket of fluffy clouds below your feet.

Bangkok Airways has gathered the top 10 hiking trails across Thailand, from the northern region to the coastal trekking route in the south, suitable for hikers of every level.

10 Best Hiking Trails in Thailand 

1. Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai

Located in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon, also known as “The Roof of Thailand”, is the country’s highest peak at 2,565 meters above sea level. Hiking this mountain is suitable for beginners, as the trail to the summit is a short, easy walk through a mossy forest located just a few hundred meters from the parking area. 

At the highest point, enjoy the cool breeze of fresh air and the breathtaking view of verdant hills and endless mountain ranges. Do not miss the iconic twin pagodas situated only a few kilometers from the summit, where you can appreciate the beauty of Thailand’s ancient architecture. 

Since Doi Inthanon is a popular tourist attraction, there are also other places worth visiting: 

• Mae Ya Waterfall: A 260-meter cascade where powerful water plunges over multiple tiers. Enjoy exploring the stunning scenery and swimming in a pool at its base.
• Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail:  A 2.6-kilometer route where you will experience the serenity of nature and the beauty of large golden paddy fields belonging to the villagers of Mae Klang Luang.
• Inthanon Royal Project: A research center featuring charming garden exhibitions where you can learn about Thailand’s sustainable agriculture and the lives of local farmers.

You can read more information about the top attractions in Doi Inthanon here Explore Doi Inthanon: A Bucket List for Nature Lovers

2. Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai

If you crave something much more adventurous, Doi Luang Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai is highly recommended. Despite being the third highest mountain in Thailand with a height of 2,225 meters above sea level, its steep, rocky trail makes the hike one of the most fascinating destinations among challenge seekers. 

There are two main trails to choose from at Doi Luang Chiang Dao: 

• The 8.5-kilometer Den Ya Khad trail is more comfortable and more popular. 
• The 6.5-kilometer Pang Wua trail is steeper and more challenging to trek through. 

During the hike, you may encounter rare plants and animals, such as Parrot Flower, a species that can be found only in Doi Luang Chiang Dao, The Goral, one of Thailand’s endangered species, and even the ammonite fossils that are over a hundred million years old. 

Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with a picturesque view of a sea of mist and layers of verdant mountain peaks. Only 100-150 hikers are allowed per day during the hiking season, which runs from November to February, so make sure to secure your booking in advance.

3. Doi Mon Jong, Chiang Mai

Another famous hiking trail in Chiang Mai is Doi Mon Jong, a beautiful landscape rising 1,929 meters above sea level. The 4–5 kilometer trail features a huge golden meadow along the ridge, serving as a popular photo spot for travelers. Some highlights you will find fascinating include the summit, whose shape resembles a lion’s head, and rare bird and flora species found only in the highlands. 

After 3-5 hours of trekking, if you reach the peak in the early morning while the sky is still dark, you will be able to catch an unforgettable scenery of the sunrise over the surrounding multi-layered hills covered in a thick layer of clouds. The trail consists of both flat terrain and steep routes with numerous ups and downs, but it is still manageable for amateurs.

4. Kew Mae Pan, Chiang Mai

Situated in Doi Inthanon National Park, Kew Mae Pan, at an elevation of 2,200 meters, is a must-try trail for nature enthusiasts. This well-known destination is a 2.8-kilometer loop trail, suitable for easy to intermediate level hikers thanks to its clear signs and well-maintained boardwalks. 

For the first half of the trail, stroll through a misty, dense forest filled with dreamy bird songs and walk past a small waterfall, where you can take a break and feel the cold breeze coming from the splashes. 

For the second half, walk along the mountain ridge to reach Station 9, the famous viewpoint for observing the sunrise casting its first light over the thick clouds below. You might also be lucky enough to find the Red Azalea, known as the queen of Doi Inthanon, which blooms only once a year from January to March. Do note that the trail is open only from November to May every year.

5. Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai

Nestled in Chiang Rai, Phu Chi Fa, literally translated as “a mountain that points to the sky”, gets its name from the pointed peak, which is the main highlight of the area. It is a hiking trail with a summit of 1,628 meters above sea level that also serves as a natural border between Thailand and Laos. It takes only about a 30-minute walk to reach the summit, and it is recommended to start hiking 40 minutes before sunrise if you want to catch the first light of a new day. 

The trail is slightly challenging to trek, as the path towards the peak is mostly dirt mixed with slippery mud and tall grass without any handrails. The view from the top, however, will be captivating enough to make your fatigue go away. Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular sight of the mountainous forest wrapped in the sea of clouds dyed golden by the sunrise, which can usually be seen from late November to early February.

6. Doi Langka Luang, Chiang Rai

For anyone looking for a less touristy hiking spot, head to Doi Langka Luang in Khun Chae National Park, Chiang Rai, where you will find an underrated 17-kilometer natural trail that features uneven landscapes and a number of refreshing waterfalls. Thanks to its significant difference in altitude and forest types, you can encounter a great diversity of evergreen plants and exotic animals, such as civet, muntjacs, slow lorises, crested serpent eagles, and coppersmith barbets. 

Once you reach the summit, standing 2,000 meters above sea level, sit back and take your time admiring the mesmerizing view of the blanket of clouds that stretches over the horizon. 

The trail, which usually takes 2-3 days to complete, ranges from moderate to advanced difficulty, as it is located in a remote area with multiple steep valleys and little to no facilities. On the other hand, this means there will be a few tourists, and you will get the best peaceful moment of your life. Getting a local guide is highly recommended.

7. Huai Nam Dang National Park, Mae Hong Son

Huai Nam Dang National Park in Mae Hong Son is home to an exceptional hiking trail, which is much less crowded compared to other mainstream hiking destinations. It is where adventurers across the country come to find their ultimate trekking experience in a dense jungle and mountainous area. 

Some highlights you can find here include the Pong Dueat Geyser Hot Spring, where the  water temperature reaches 70-80 degrees Celsius. Another highlight is Doi Kew Lom, a laid-back mountain peak with a gorgeous morning sea of clouds, and also home to the famous wild Himalayan cherry, also known as The Sakura of Thailand, which only blooms between January and February.

Apart from the challenging hike, you will also get to ride a bamboo raft along the peaceful river and connect with local people from traditional villages, who welcome visitors with heart-warming smiles and hospitality. 

While most hikers opt for a two-day expedition, you can go for a three-day option to maximize your travel experience. Since Huai Nam Dang National Park is in a remote region, there are only two ways to stay overnight: camping in a tent or staying in a homestay.

8. Khao Luang, Sukhothai

Highlands and steep mountains are not found only in the upper northern region but also in the lower north, such as Sukhothai city, the first kingdom of Thailand. With an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level and a length of 3.7 kilometers, Khao Luang, located in the Ramkhamhaeng National Park, is the highest point in the province. 

Khao Luang mainly consists of four different peaks, but the most famous one is the Narai Peak, where you can watch the sun rising over a mountain range and the whole of Sukhothai city. After hiking up and down for 3-4 hours, you will finally reach the summit, where you can take photos of the breathtaking view of the surrounding cliffs and floating clouds from the top.

9. Khao Ngon Nak, Krabi

Krabi is widely known for its beautiful beaches and tropical islands in southern Thailand, but you might have barely heard of Khao Ngon Nak, located in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, Krabi—a 3.7-kilometer trail that offers a great hiking experience, which will linger in your memory forever. Get lost in the beauty of nature as you step into the jungle, making you feel like traveling back to the prehistoric age. 

During a 2-hour hike, you will first have to go through a steep trail with huge tree roots blocking the way. Once you almost reach the viewpoint, the trail will become much easier with fewer obstacles. The highlight of the trip is the overhanging rock, where you can take a break and snap photos of yourself or your friends striking cool poses. From the viewpoint, enjoy the view of enormous limestone cliffs, the blue ocean, and even the famous beaches, like Ao Nang and Railay Beach.

10. Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani

Southern Thailand is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife species, especially in Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, as the region is mostly covered by an ancient rainforest. Therefore, hikers have a high chance of encountering wildlife during the expedition, such as a family of gibbons, a flock of hornbills, and rare reptiles. 

For beginners, a half-day tour is recommended. For more experienced hikers, a full-day tour is ideal, taking you deeper into the lush jungle and across small streams along the way. Besides, you will get to see many amazing natural formations, including limestone cliffs, ancient forests, and breathtaking waterfalls. With all these features combined, Khao Sok can truly be considered a perfect hiking destination for nature and animal lovers.

Q&A about Hiking in Thailand

Explore More Travel Destinations in the Mountains of Thailand

• Must-Visit Mountains in Chiang Mai for Nature Lovers
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Chiang Mai’s Most Breathtaking Temple
• Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat: Lampang’s Breathtaking Floating Pagoda
• Ramkhamhaeng National Park: Where Every Step Leads to Serenity
• Khao Phanom Bencha National Park: Krabi’s Best-Kept Secret

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