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All the adventure lovers ought to read this one! Because it is time to gear up for some enthralling trekking in a lesser known city of Thailand. Letting you go international and take the offbeat path, Chiang Mai trekking in one-of-a-kind experience that lets you embark and witness the beauty of different landscapes. Be it the mountains or the rivers, jungles or the waterfalls, Chiang Mai trekking is all about satisfying your adrenaline rush.

10 Best Chiang Mai Trekking Sites

Hence, here’s a list of ten trekking sites that one must explore on your next trip! Go off the beaten tracks in Thailand and explore the natural wonders of nature on this less trodden path in Chiang Mai in Thailand. Chiang Mai Trekking sites are going make you fall in love with Thailand and its awe-inspiring beauty. Let’s have a look at some of the best sites for trekking.

1. Trek Over Mae Taeng River

Boating view

It is one of the jungle treks where you cross a river, move through varied terrains and experience amazing things along the way making it one of the best treks in Chiang Mai. The time taken is depending upon your speed as the distance is not that much. But the waterfall along the way, the river will entice you to stay there for few minutes at least. And also the fact that the websites and online sites suggest its difficulty level to be of moderate level. You could move there at any time of the year.

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2. 3-Hour Waterfall Trek

3-Hour Waterfall Trek

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This is a fairly easy and pretty much desirable for a fun trek when the whole family is around. The waterfall gives you and option to revive yourself in the soothing yet chill waters making it one of the best treks in Chiang Mai. Various tour operators get you the facility of changing your clothes, bathing using hot waters, etc. the round trip takes around 3 hours until you come back to the starting point. It is an easy level trek and should be tried as the terrain is also not very challenging or varying.


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3. Jungle Trek

Camping view

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Amongst the best Chiang Mai trekking, this one is an engaging trek as it requires a total of 6 hours and may be more depending upon your itinerary. You can spot a fascinating village named by Lahu. It is very pretty and is on the way to this jungle trek of yours. Further, you would come across another village and a series of refreshing waterfalls all your way. These could be your relaxing or break time to regain your spirits and walk ahead. The level of the trek is moderate requires a lot of your energy and time.

4. Endurance Trek

Trek View

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For an enduring Chiang Mai trekking, this trek is for testing your spirit of walking all over 14 kms of distance, the moment you start this journey, after few hours you could feel and spot yourself on a high altitude. The level keeps rising and takes about 6 hours to reach the end point. There are scenic beauties along your way uphill, as you get to spot orchards, farms, etc. it is one of the difficult treks on this island.

5. Muang Kurt To Huay Kukap

Elephant ride view

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This trek has to offer its trekkers a plethora of visual treats. Anything you would wish to be sighted from a hill top is all trekking along with you. While trekking, greenery is a must and obvious thing to see, and with that are the breath-taking, fantabulous painting like scenes to view. It is an interesting 600 mtr trek and gives you a glimpse of the hill tribe culture. And then there is a creek to soothe and relax.

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6. Samoeng Area

Samoeng Area

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If you are wishing to plan for a trek in somewhere between November to march, this trek is surely your bait. It does not take hours or a day but it will take you to walk, stop, halt, walk and be back, making it a two day trip. So a trek within a trip or vice versa is what this place offers you. You could observe the variety of natural and green vegetation, the different birds and animals in there. This trek begins from the samoeng area and ends at the mae wang area.


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7. Mae Wang

Mae Wang in Thailand

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This area could start off your another trek with easy, happy and cheerful mood. This is in sync with the beautiful natural setting and bountiful natural views. To the ones who aren’t aware, mae wang has a mae wang national park to boast of. Also since this is a village so the village lifestyle could be another interesting thing to know while trekking. You could visit here at any part of the year.

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8. Mountain Doi Inthanon

Mountain Doi Inthanon

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A trekking without a mountain is just like a walk in your colony. So this trek to the mountain offers you the exact feel of having trekked. Its highest peak is located in the southwest side of the city. If you hire a local guide, they would cost around 200 baht and more for the walk towards the park there.

9. Mae Tang Area

elephants view

It is one of the most easiest treks and most loved by tourists as it is available round the year. It has got everything a deep, engaging nature walk would offer. The smooth rills, the mae tang river, the entertainment activities are all like a magnet to this place. The best part of this trek is the adjustment for the time required.

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10. The Baan Pha Dang Trek

The Baan Pha Dang Trek

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It starts from this place and ends at huay kukap area. It has varied terrains and numerous villages pass by. You could enjoy the hill tribe culture you get to see while crossing different villages. It just requires 3 hours so an easy one to go.

Best Season For Chiang Mai Trekking

Trekking in Chiang Mai, for adventureous experience in Thailand

While Chiang Mai is the ideal destination for trekking and trekking enthusiasts to explore the wilderness and get a chance to experience a slice of nature, it’s best to know the perfect time to visit the adventure capital of northern Thailand for trekking and indulging in this exuberant activity. It is a meeting place for backpackers and globetrotters who like to take joy in sharing their common interests and love for trekking and adventure sports in general.

Gear up and pack your bags for an adventure up in the northern territory of Thailand. The best time of the year for trekking in Chiang Mai is all year round. Before planning your trip, consider the areas you’re visiting and then jot down a timeline to visit.

What Are The Three Seasons For Trekking In Chiang Mai?

beautiful state of Meghalaya

However, Chiang Mai has three seasons in general, dry and cool season, wet season and hot season.

1. Dry Season

The dry season begins around October and lasts until March and is usually the best time of the year to go trekking in Chiang Mai as the climate is moderate with no extreme temperatures. The gentle breeze during this time makes it easier to do the climb and enjoy the breathtaking views.

2. Summer

The hot season begins around April and lasts until june. This is the hot and humid weather that trekkers usually try to avoid. The temperatures might shoot up to 40 degrees, and trekking can get challenging. It’s generally best advised to avoid trekking during this weather.

3. Monsoon

Lastly, the wet season which is the peak monsoon season begins in June and lasts until halfway through September. It can be a daunting task to trek during this time, but at the same time it’s not impossible. Some trails get really beautiful and the weather becomes nice and breezy making it ideal for a trek.

Tips For Trekking

Chiang Mai

While it’s good to plan your trip in the best season to go trekking, it’s always better follow some safety tips to make things easier and efficient. So, here’s a quick checklist for you:

  • Always carry the proper gear for trekking and pack extra layers as it tends to get chilly during the night or early in the mornings in higher altitudes
  • Opt for comfortable clothing which are not too tight as it can get suffocating
  • Always wear trekking shoes or good hiking shoes with good grip
  • Always carry a water bottle with you to remain hydrated
  • Carry Sun cream to avoid getting tanned or sunburned
  • Carry an insect repellant to avoid mosquito bites or any other insects
  • Always carry a first aid kit so you can tend to small medical emergencies

Further Read: 10 Places To Visit In Chiang Mai For Getting Close to Nature and Your Spiritual Self!

Wanderlust kicking in? Browse through some of the best Thailand tour packages with TravelTriangle and plan the best trek of your life. And make sure to add Chiang Mai trekking to your bucketlist which will leave you with lifelong memories to cherish. Adventure is out there!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking In Chiang Mai

What are the best trekking spots in Chiang Mai?

There are multiple trekking spots in Chiang Mai that are excellent for trekking. Some of them are Mae Taeng River, Waterfall trek, Jungle trek, Endurance trek, the trail from Muang Kurt to Huay Kukap, Samoeng Area trek and many more.

How long does one take to cover the waterfall trek in Chiang Mai?

The trip to the waterfalls in Chiang Mai is pretty straightforward. It takes around three hours for anyone to go and return from the starting point. The path is not that problematic, and hence you will be able to visit quite easily.

What happens in the Jungle trek in Chiang Mai?

The jungle trek in Chiang Mai is comparatively easy as it allows you to visit a village named Lahu amid the jungle along with waterfalls. The whole trip does not take much time, and within six hours, you will return to the starting point.

How long does the Samoeng trek in Chiang Mai take?

The trek is comparatively long. You will have to start from the Samoeng area, and the destination of the trip is to the Mae Wang area. It takes around two days to return to the starting point.

How much does a trekking trip to Mountain Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai cost?

The trekking trip to Mountain Doi Inthanon costs around 200 baht for a person.

How many days are enough to explore Chiang Mai?

If you keep three days in your hand, you would be able to explore the entirety of Chiang Mai quite easily.

What should you pack for a trekking trip to Chiang Mai?

You should not forget to pack running shoes that are lightweight, sunglasses, caps and hats, raingear, shorts, light cotton t-shirts and other essential items.

When is the apt time to visit Chiang Mai?

You should go trekking in Chiang Mai from November to April. Thailand is mostly quite hot, but during those months, the weather will be comparatively better.


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Category: Chiang Mai, Thailand, treks

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