When we talk about Thailand we need to keep in mind that it basically consists of two broad geographic areas i.e. larger area, which is the main section in the north and a smaller area, which is a peninsular extension in the south. Northern Thailand, however is geographically characterized by several mountain ranges which is the part of the hills extending from the Shan Hills in bordering Myanmar to Laos, and the river valleys which cut through them. Likewise most of the Thailand portion, northern Thailand has a tropical savanna climate with precisely wet and dry seasons in the mountain regions. There are many mountains in Thailand with beautiful and serene picturesque views to look for.
6 Best Mountains In Thailand
If you thought Thailand was just about beaches and unending sea then you were so wrong! There are a few Mountains in Thailand which offer the most stunning views and are surely the best for hiking. Let’s take a look at those, shall we?
1. Doi Inthanon
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Famous for its waterfalls, trails, remote villages, sunrise and sunset, and bird watching, Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular mountains in Thailand. Known as “The Roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon National Park covers an entire area of 482 km in Chiang Mai province north of Thailand. The park is part of the Himalayan mountain range with elevations ranging between 800 and 2,565 meters above sea level. It also has a vast range of flora consisting of moist evergreen cloud forests, sphagnum bog on higher elevations (over 1,800 meters asl), and dry evergreen, pine, mixed deciduous teak and dipterocarp forests on the lower elevations.
Timings: Daily, 5:30 am- 6:00 pm (The park is open all year, including on public holidays, the main trail of the park -Kew Mae Pan Trail- is closed from June to October.)
Location: Ban Luang sub-district, Jom Thong, Chiang Mai
How to reach: Doi Inthanon is 120 km. away from Chiang Mai downtown. It takes around two and a half hours to get there by car.
Entrance Fee: Locals: adults INR 116, children INR 46.79. Foreign Visitors: adults INR 701, children INR 350, Cars: INR 70, Bikes INR 46.79
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2. 2. Doi Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai
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Hiking is the most famous activity at Doi Chiang Dao mountains in Thailand. It is a protected wildlife sanctuary, hence making it one of the most beautiful peaks to go hiking for. One can encounter various types of flora and fauna and birdlife which aren’t easily found in other parts of Thailand. If hiking to the summit of Chiang Dao is the aim one should take an overnight trip and stay in a camp near the peak to enjoy the sunset and sunrise. Being extremely famous, the limited number of the entrance is permitted hence one shall plan ahead of time. Chiang Dao’s summit is only a 20–30-minute climb but it’s a steep, rocky trail that can be a bit tiring and winds can get very strong.
Best time to visit: November — March.
Timings: Prohibit to enter after 4:00 PM
Location: Located in Pha Daeng National Park, 72 km north of Chiang Mai city and just 50km from the Myanmar border is Doi Luang Chiang Dao.
How to reach: Public buses depart from the old Chang Pheuak bus station (north of the old city) every 30 minutes for just INR 93.59/person. Journey time is approximately 90 minutes and buses arrive at the Chiang Dao bus station in the center of town.
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is INR 46 and the vehicle fee is INR 70.19
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3. Doi Kiew Lom
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Doi Kiew Lom is a natural choice for hikers. The best time to visit this spectacular locale will be early in the morning as one can treat eyes with the magical hues of the sun rays peeking through the mountains One of the best mountains in Thailand, do stop here and relish the beauty of nature.
Best time to visit: November — March, Prohibit to enter after 4: PM
Location: Mae Tang, Chiang Mai
How to reach: Doi Kiew Doi is 120 km far from Chiang Mai downtown. It takes around two and a half hours to get there by car.
Entrance Fee: Thai Visitors: adults 116 INR, children 46.79 INR Foreign Visitors: adults 702 INR, children 351 INR
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4. Doi Ang Khang
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Doi Ang Khang is located in Mae-Ngon District, in Chiangmai Province. The mountain peak stands tall at 1,400 meters higher than the sea level. The region is surrounded by a series of 5-kilometers-long valleys. The average temperature of the place is somewhat around 17.7 to 21 °C . During the months of January temperature goes down to -3 °C as well. Doi Ang Khang is also a nature park one of its kind. With plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and learning about Thai agriculture and this place is can be touted as one of the best mountains in Thailand.
Best Time to visit: All year round (Preferably from December to January)
Timings: 8:00 Am–4:30 Pm
Location: Mae Yon sub-district, Fang, Chiang Mai
How to reach: Doi Ang Khang is 160 km. far from Chiang Mai Downtown and can be reached by van or bus. At Chang Puak Bus Station, 351 INR for van and 198 INR for a bus. Then it takes a minibus to the way up the mountain.
Entrance Fee: For person: INR 46.79, Vehicle: 116 INR.
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5. Khao Mokoju
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It is situated in Mae Wong, West of Thailand in Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet provinces and is one of the well known mountains in Thailand. The park is rugged and hilly with the highest peak Khao Mo Ko Chu standing 1,964 meters above sea level. The headquarters is 16.5 km from nearby Khlong Lan town center where public bus services from Bangkok does operate several times a day. There are no public transportation options in the park, so private transportation is a must. Visitors are advised to have insect repellents and leech socks during wet seasons to avoid annoying flies and other insects.
Best time to visit: November to February
Location: Located 38 km from the headquarters, it is the highest peak of the park at 1,964 meters asl.
Entrance Fee: Locals: INR 233. Foreigners: INR 467
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6. Doi Pha Hom Pok
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This mountain peak covers the northwest corner of Fang district and is bordered to the south by Doi Ang Khan, to the east by Mae Ai and Tha Ton and to the north and west by the Burmese frontier. Pha Hom Pok mountain itself stands at 2,285 meters is the second tallest peak in Thailand. There are extensive hot springs and geysers around the region along with mineral baths for relaxation which makes it one of the very famous mountains in Thailand. A two-hour nature trail from here takes you to a cave and a waterfall. It is suggested to camp overnight on the summit to catch the sunrise and, in winter months, the “sea of fog” effect.
Timings: Daily, 08:00 Am–4:30 Pm
Location: Pong Nam Ron sub-district, Fang, Chiang Mai
How to reach: Doi Pha Hom Pok is 160 km. away from Chiang Mai downtown. It takes around two and a half hours to get there by care. Then, the Visitor Center officer will take you to the campground around 18 km. far.
Entrance Fee: Adults 116 INR, children 46.79 INR Foreign Visitors: adults 702 INR, children 351 INR
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Be it any part of Thailand, the beautiful mountains in Thailand spear majestic views in every arena. But the Northern province of Thailand boasts of splendid peaks which are the crowning jewel for the entire country. With a breath of fresh air along with the essence of natural touch, paying a visit to the incredible mountain views along with hiking trails is a must on your trip to Thailand. The perfect time to visit the area is in the winters from November to February. The delightful view of mountains covered with beautiful mist truly will bound you to stay there forever.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mountains In Thailand
Is it necessary to have an overnight trip to Doi Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai?
No, it is not necessary, but advisable. Going to Doi Chang can be done in just one day as well, but that surely won’t give a person the beauty of everything present there. Also, it gets easy to travel to the next peak early in the morning so. What are the usual season durations?
The season mainly goes like The rainy season is June to October season with cooler weather is November to February (hot) season is from March to May Do I have to carry extra clothing for hiking?
Yes, you should always be carrying a jacket or that kind of stuff because at times the winds are very strong to give you chills. Though it may not require always, prevention is needed. Are there local guides available? How much they charge?
Yes local guides are available at every peak and their charge varies, usually, a person who will carry your things will charge around 1500TBH, and guides will charge 2000-4000THB. Do I have to carry extra clothes for bathing in Doi Pha Hom Pok?
Yes, do carry one extra pair of clothing and don’t forget to remove the silver pieces of jewelry as the water is high of sulfur. Is there a mode of public transport to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai? If we want to rent a van, who can you recommend?
If you are going to Doi Inthanon, you must book the ticket for a minibus from Arcade station to Jomthong of Chiang Mai and charter touring for a minibus to Doi Inthanon. If you need to rent a van or motorcycle, I think inappropriate in case of experience or experts because raining fog windy except to challenge. Does the tents in Doi Ang Khang have washrooms?
No, they don’t have. How long is the journey from Chiang Mai by car to Doi Inthanon?
Approx. 1:30-2 hours.
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