3 hiking sites near Chiang Mai

If you're visiting Chiang Mai during your trip to Thailand and want to get out of the city to enjoy some fresh air and go hiking, you'll find no shortage of options in the region! To help you choose, here are 3 hiking sites near Chiang Mai where you can trek through the jungle, visit ethnic villages, and even climb some peaks—something for everyone!

1. Doi Inthanon National Park

Located about 100 kilometers from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most beautiful natural sites in northern Thailand. It boasts lush jungle, numerous rice fields and plantations, stunning turquoise waterfalls, and ethnic villages nestled in the mountains. The park is also renowned for its diverse wildlife, including over 300 bird species, making it a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Don't miss hiking up Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak at 2,575 meters, known as the "roof of Thailand." Apart from breathtaking viewpoints along the ascent, you'll discover the famous twin pagodas of Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri. These mirrored structures with majestic gardens were built in honor of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Among the park's waterfalls (Sri Phum, Wachirathan, Mae Klang, and Mae Pan), Mae Pan stands out at 280 meters high and can be accessed by car or hiking via the Gaew Mae Pan trail.

Beyond natural attractions, Doi Inthanon is a gateway to exploring ethnic communities like the Hmong and Karen villages. During a trek, consider staying overnight in one of these villages, such as Baan Ba Pong Piang, where you can sleep in authentic bamboo huts and learn about their way of life.

Embark on an off-the-beaten-path trekking day with our Hill Tribes of Doi Inthanon trek.

2. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

For a hike just a stone's throw from Chiang Mai, head to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park! Located north of Chiang Mai, only 13 kilometers from the city center, this park is a sanctuary for wildlife. It's home to Southeast Asian species like the Asiatic black bear, Temminck's cat, barking deer, muntjac, Assam macaque, and numerous bird species.

While the park offers several hiking trails, the most famous ones lead to the summits of Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui, the highest peaks in the park. Doi Pui is where you'll find one of the park's main attractions: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, also known as the Golden Mount Temple. A significant site for Theravada Buddhism, it houses treasures like the replica of the replica of the Emerald Buddha. You can hike there directly from Chiang Mai via the Monk's Trail, starting from Chiang Mai University.

During a hike in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, take breaks to cool off at its magnificent waterfalls. Noteworthy cascades include Huay Kaew Waterfall (popular for its accessibility), Mok Fah Waterfall (emerging from a stone cliff and splitting into two streams), and Dtaat Mook Waterfall (requiring a guide and a 7-kilometer hiking trail).

3. Doi Ang Khang Massif

If you're looking to venture off the beaten path and enjoy relatively easy hikes near Chiang Mai, head to the Doi Ang Khang Massif! With its picturesque landscapes, botanical garden, colorful crops, and traditional Burmese tribes, this mountainous station is well worth a visit.

Located in the far north of Chiang Mai province, the Doi Ang Khang area is less frequented by tourists but offers a unique blend of hiking and cultural tourism. The region is home to numerous ethnic villages. Visit Ban Khum, the hub of commerce with a market where Lahu or Palaung hill tribes sell their handicrafts; Ban Nor Lae, where Palaung people reside; or Ban Khop Dong, home to the Lahu tribal community.

Doi Ang Khang is also known for the Royal Agricultural Station, formerly used for opium poppy fields. A visit here reveals diverse agricultural practices, from orchards (plums, rhubarb, kiwis, and strawberries) to vegetable greenhouses, ornamental flowers, cacti, and shrubs, not to mention the beautiful Japanese garden with bonsai trees. You'll be amazed at the variety of plant species thriving in this remote corner of Thailand.

Florine Dergelet