Best Trails and Hikes in Thailand

With a diverse range of landscapes, from lush jungles to misty mountains, Thailand is a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts.

Wondering which trails suits you best and where to start? Keep reading for helpful tips and suggestions.

1. Doi Inthanon National Park (Chiang Mai)—The Tallest Peak in Thailand

Located 60 kilometers (37 miles) southwest of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is famed for housing Thailand's highest peak (2,565 meters / 8,415 feet). Its cool climate, diverse ecosystems, and well-maintained trails make it a hiker's paradise, offering an immersive escape into nature.

The park features cascading waterfalls, such as the multi-tiered Wachirathan and serene Sirithan, ideal for mid-hike relaxation. As you ascend to the summit, you would be treated to breathtaking vistas of mist-shrouded valleys, terraced fields, and distant mountain ranges. Wildlife enthusiasts would also find opportunities to spot some wild animals, such as sunbirds, and macaques.

With a diverse range of trails that cater to beginners and seasoned hikers alike, you would find a route that suits your preferences. The following are the main trails:

1. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (the most popular one for first-timers)

• Length: approximately 3.1 kilometers (1.9 miles) loop
• Hiking level: Moderate
• Hiking hours needed: 1-2 hours round trip.

Features: Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is a scenic trek that takes you through lush montane forest, hilltribe villages (the Hmong and Karen) and picturesque valleys. This moderate trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of varying fitness levels. Remember that this trail is closed during the rainy season from June to October, due to its risk of flooding and foggy condition.

2. Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail

• Length: approximately 360 meters (0.2 miles) loop
• Hiking level: Easy
• Hiking hours needed: 20-30 minutes

Features: The Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail is a short and easy loop trail that offers a close-up look at rainforest. This wheelchair-accessible trail is perfect for families and those seeking a gentle stroll surrounded by nature.

3. Doi Inthanon Summit Trail

• Length: approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) one way
• Hiking level: moderate to challenging
• Hiking hours needed: 2-3 hours one way

Features: The Doi Inthanon Summit Trail takes you to the peak of Thailand's highest mountain. This moderately challenging trail rewards hikers with the iconic Royal Twin Pagodas surrounded by beautiful gardens and sweeping panoramic views from the summit. The trail includes steep sections and uneven terrain, making it suitable for more experienced hikers.

2. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park—Housing the Most Sacred Mountaintop Temple in Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, a trek up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is another popular choice, offering a rewarding ascent and panoramic views of the city below. As you traverse the trails, you would encounter picturesque cascades, such as Monthathan Waterfall and Huay Kaew Waterfall, providing a refreshing break amid nature's tranquility.

And Doi Suthep-Pui National Park boasts a diverse array of trails that cater to varying hiking levels and preferences.

1. Wat Phra That Hike/Monk's Trail (the most popular for first-timers)

• Length: approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) one way
• Hiking level: moderate
• Hiking hours needed: 1.5-2 hours one way.

Features: The Wat Phra That Trail is a well-known path that spans from the base of Doi Suthep to the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This moderate hike features robes-marked along the path and some steep climbs and rough terrain. You would get rewarding viewpoints of Chiang Mai city along the way.

2. Huay Kaew Waterfall Trail

• Length: approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) one way
• Hiking level: easy
• Hiking hours needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour one way.

Features: The Huay Kaew Waterfall Trail is a short and leisurely hike that leads to the tranquil Huay Kaew Waterfall. This easy trail is perfect for a quick nature walk or a peaceful retreat in the park's serene surroundings.

3. Doi Pui to Doi Suthep Trail

• Length: approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) one way
• Hiking level: challenging
• Hiking hours needed: 4-5 hours one way.

Features: The Doi Pui to Doi Suthep Trail is a strenuous trek that connects the peaks of Doi Pui and Doi Suthep. This challenging trail involves steep ascents, rocky paths, and dense vegetation, offering adventurous hikers a rugged and rewarding journey through the park's elevated terrain.

3. Khao Sok National Park—Towering Limestone Cliffs and Emerald Green Lakes

Situated in southern Thailand near Phuket, Khao Sok National Park is a natural wonderland that attracts hiking adventures with its ancient rainforests, limestone cliffs, rugged trails, and mesmerizing caves.

Besides hiking, Khao Sok offers opportunities for night safari boating or kayaking across Cheow Lan Lake, and living in its unique accommodation, such as tree houses and floating bungalows.

There is a diverse network of trails that cater to a range of hiking levels and interests in Khao Sok National Park. See the following:

1. Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail (the most popular for first-timers)

• Length: approximately 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) round trip
• Hiking level: easy to Moderate
• Hiking hours needed: 1-2 hours round trip

Features: The Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail is a relatively easy hike that takes you to the picturesque Ton Kloi Waterfall. The trail winds through lush vegetation, offering opportunities to spot birds and butterflies along the way. You could enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the waterfall upon reaching the destination.

2. Bang Hua Rat Trail

• Length: approximately 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) one way
• Hiking level: moderate
• Hiking hours needed: 2-3 hours one way

Features: The Bang Hua Rat Trail is a scenic moderate hike, offering stunning views of limestone cliffs, meandering rivers, and diverse wildlife. The trail leads to a panoramic viewpoint that overlooks the emerald canopy of the park.

3. Prajomklao Rachanusorn Trail

• Length: approximately 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) one way
• Hiking level: challenging
• Hiking hours needed: 4-5 hours one way

Features: The Prajomklao Rachanusorn Trail is a strenuous hike that leads to the peak of Khao Sok's highest mountain. This challenging ascent rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including emerald lakes and rugged cliffs. The trail requires stamina and good physical condition due to its steep and rocky terrain.

4. Khao Yai National Park— Thailand's Oldest Park and Near Bangkok

Nestled in the lush landscapes of central Thailand, near Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's oldest and one of the most renowned national parks, it beckons hikers with its majestic waterfalls, dense ancient forests, and an abundance of wildlife.

Khao Yai offers a myriad of hiking trails that cater to all levels of hikers, from leisurely strolls to moderate treks. See the following:

1. Dong Tiew-Nong Pak Chi Trail (the most popular for first-timers)

• Length: approximately 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) one way
• Hiking level: easy
• Hiking hours heeded: 1-1.5 hours one way

Features: The Dong Tiew-Nong Pak Chi Trail offers a leisurely hike through open grasslands and wetlands, providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and various bird species. This easy trail is perfect for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.

2. Haew Suwat Waterfall Trail

• Length: approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) one way
• Hiking level: easy
• Hiking hours needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Features: The trail leads to the iconic Haew Suwat Waterfall, featured in the movie "The Beach." This short and easy hike offers an up-close view of the cascading waterfall, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to enjoy a refreshing nature walk.

3. Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall Trail

• Length: approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) round trip
• Hiking level: moderate
• Hiking hours needed: 2.5-3 hours round trip

Features: The Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall Trail leads to a picturesque waterfall nestled within the park. This moderate hike winds through verdant forests and rocky terrain, providing hikers with a tranquil retreat in nature and a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfall.

Related Reading: Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: how to choose

5. Erawan National Park—Seven-Tiered Waterfall

Located in Kanchanaburi near Bangkok, Erawan National Park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, known for its emerald pools and cascading waterfalls. There you could explore the park's lush forests, sparkling waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

The highlight of the park is Erawan Falls, the seven-tiered waterfall that cascades down limestone cliffs, creating a series of emerald-green pools. Each tier has its own unique charm, with opportunities for swimming and relaxation.

Erawan also offers a range of hiking trails that cater to different levels and interests.

1. Erawan Falls Trail (the most popular trail for first-timers)

• Length: approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) one way
• Hiking level: easy
• Hiking hours needed: 1-2 hours one way

Features: The Erawan Falls trail is the most popular one, with well-marked paths leading to each of the seven tiers. This easy hike meanders through the forest alongside the cascading falls, offering opportunities to stop and admire each tier.

2. Pha Nam Tok Trail

• Length: approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) round trip
• Hiking level: moderate
• Hiking hours needed: 2-3 hours round trip

Features: The Pha Nam Tok trail is a moderately challenging hike that takes you to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding landscape. This trail includes some uphill sections and rocky terrain but rewards hikers with panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment at the summit.

3. Lan Ka Luang Cave Trail

• Length: approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) round trip
• Hiking level: challenging
• Hiking hours needed: 3-4 hours round trip

Features: The Lan Ka Luang Cave trail leads hikers through the forest to a hidden limestone cave. This moderately challenging hike involves uneven terrain and a rewarding exploration of the cave's chambers. Hikers should be prepared for some steep sections and rocky paths on this trail.

Best Time for Hiking in Thailand

The ideal hiking season in Thailand is during the cool, dry months (November to February), when temperatures are mild (15–28°C/59–82°F), rainfall is minimal, and trails are at their most accessible. This period is perfect for exploring northern destinations, such as Doi Inthanon National Park or Chiang Mai's mountain trails, where crisp mornings and clear skies enhance panoramic views of mist-covered valleys and terraced rice fields. Coastal and southern hikes such as Khao Sok National Park, are also best enjoyed during this window, avoiding monsoon downpours.

Rainy season (July–October): Slippery trails, leeches, and sudden storms make hiking hazardous, especially in jungles. Some trails may be closed during the rainy season.

Hot season (March–June): Opt for early-morning hikes in higher elevations, such as Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, as lowland areas could exceed 35°C/59–82°F. Please note that in northern Thailand, the burning of crop stubble by farmers from March to May leads to air pollution, which is unfavorable for hiking, especially near Chiang Mai.