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Hiking in Thailand 15 Best Trails

Hiking in Thailand: 15 Best Trails

| Last Updated: March 2024

With its numerous unspoiled islands, pristine beaches, and abundant rainforests, Thailand has no shortage of gorgeous hiking trails! Whether you’re gunning for lush jungles or the highest peaks, you’re likely to find a place that fits your needs.

Here’s the kicker: you don’t even have to travel far from the city to find a good hiking spot. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, pack your bags and put on your hiking shoes as here are the best hiking trails in the Land of Smiles!

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park – Monk Trail

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Address: Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Admission Cost: 100 baht

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 7.2 km (uphill, out-and-back)

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Start/End Point: From Doi Suthep’s foothill to its summit

This mountain trail in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park (doi suthep national park) is arguably one of the best places for hiking in Thailand thanks to its abundant wildlife and beautiful temples. It’s a two-part trail that leads to Wat Pha Lat and the popular Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

On the first half of the hike, you’ll see plenty of monk robe trail markers which makes it easy to traverse. You won’t see more markers once you pass Wat Pha Lat but this next half is straightforward, so it’s impossible to get lost on your way to the summit.

Sure, the path becomes steeper from this point onward but most of the trail is shaded so it’s a forgiving hike overall. A tour guide isn’t necessary for this trail since locals and tourists usually hike this path to visit and pay respects to the temples.

Dragon Crest Mountain – Ngon Nak Nature Trail

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Address: Nong Thale, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Admission Cost: 200 baht

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Distance: 3.7 km (uphill, out-and-back)

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Start/End Point: From Phi Phi National Park Checkpoint Mu Ko to the mountain summit

Dragon Crest Mountain’ Ngon Nak Nature Trail is one of the best, if not the best, hikes Thailand has to offer. It’s a physically challenging uphill trail taking you through numerous jungle paths, wooden stairs, and rope-supported slopes.

There are easy-to-follow signs along the way, so it shouldn’t be too challenging for physically gifted hikers. Plus, the stunning cliffside view from the mountain’s summit definitely makes the strenuous journey worth it.

In fact, the view from the protruding rock at Dragon Crest Mountain is one of the most photographed spots in Krabi.

John-Suwan Viewpoint

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Address: Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

Admission Cost: 50 baht

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 0.5 km (uphill, out-and-back)

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

Start/End Point: From the viewpoint’s car park to its summit

This popular Koh Tao viewpoint is a must-visit if you love hiking trails that lead to breathtaking scenery. It passes through numerous forest areas and a coconut plantation, so expect the trail to be dotted with scores of trees for most of the hike.

That makes it ideal for birdwatching and plantlife spotting activities. It’s also one of the more forgiving hikes in Thailand since it’s doable for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

Moreover, John-Suwan Viewpoint is dog-friendly, so you can take your fur baby with you as long as it’s on a leash. Just know that you’ll find massive rocks on your way to the summit which some may rank as a moderate hike.

Doi Inthanon National Park – Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

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Address: Doi Inthanon National Park, Ban Luang, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand

Admission Cost: 150 baht

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.1 km (loop)

Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours

Start/End Point: At the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail car park

If you’re looking for a great hiking spot in Northern Thailand, there’s Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. This popular trail consists of a circular path along the highest peak of Doi Inthanon National Park.

It’s an elevated trail, so expect a colder climate, foggy mountainscapes, numerous wildflowers, and local birds. Though this short and looped trail is one of the easiest hikes you’ll have in the countryside, there’s a way to make it a bit more challenging.

For example, you can hike the 11-kilometer paved road from the park’s entrance to this trailhead instead of going there by car. This gives you the best chance to spot the national park’s wildlife and plantlife, so we think it’s definitely worth a shot.

Khao Sok National Park – Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail

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Address: Khao Sok National Park, Phanom District, Surat Thani, Thailand

Admission Cost: 200 baht

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Distance: 12.7 km (out-and-back)

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Start/End Point: From the Khao Sok National Park entrance to the waterfall

For more experienced hikers, the famous Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail in Khao Sok National Park is worth exploring. It’s a trail through a lush tropical jungle, so expect to see overgrown plants and fallen tree branches along the way.

If anything, that makes it a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Shops and restaurants are available at the trail’s starting point, so you prepare before embarking on the long hike through this out-and-back path.

However, some parts of the trail are off-limits even if you paid the entrance fee. You can only complete the hike to the waterfall if you book a tour guide that can give you access to the remaining half of the trail.

Long Beach Trail

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Address: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Admission Cost: Free

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3 km (out-and-back)

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Start/End Point: From Phi Phi Bayview Resort to the beach

If your ideal hike is through a beach road with a refreshing ocean breeze, try the Long Beach Trail in Koh Phi Phi Don. Along this beachside trail, you’ll pass through Viking Beach and numerous resorts so there’s plenty to do along the way.

The best time to hike here is during the low tide because you can walk through the island’s sandy and rocky coastline. It’s doable even with sandals, but it’s better to wear hiking shoes to prevent unwanted slips.

Most of the path on this trail is peaceful with little to no activity so it’s perfect if you prefer to avoid crowds. That’s why going to Long Beach is one of the more relaxing hikes in Thailand.

Phu Kradueng National Park

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Address: หมู่ที่ 1 บ้านศรีฐาน Si Than, Phu Kradueng District, Loei 42180, Thailand

Admission Cost: 400 baht

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Distance: 9.5 km (uphill, out-and-back)

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Start/End Point: From Phu Kradueng National Park entrance to the summit

The nature trail from Phu Kradueng National Park’s entrance is one of the more challenging hikes on our list. It’s mostly an uphill climb, so expect a journey that’s hard on your knees.

This hike is perfect for experienced hikers, backpackers, and campers. There are flat trails along the way with numerous shops and accommodations, so you’ll have plenty of chances to rest in the middle of your hike to the summit.

Upon reaching the top, you can set up camp at the campsite and enjoy the amazing scenery. If you want more challenge, you’ll also find more trails at the summit which leads to other waterfalls and viewpoints within the park’s borders.

Koh Jum North Trail

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Address: Nuea Khlong District, Krabi, Thailand

Admission Cost: Free

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.7 km (out-and-back)

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Start/End Point: From Khao Pu to the island’s northern road

This trail in Koh Jum is perfect for hikers who want a peaceful escape from the crowds in the more busy places within Krabi. You most likely won’t find other tourists around this area, so you can explore this jungle trail to your heart’s content.

Expect to see numerous animals, bugs, birds, and overgrown plants along its thick jungle areas. That makes this route challenging to hike even though it’s mostly straightforward with only a few winding paths.

Its endpoint is a cliffside summit with an excellent aerial view of the ocean and the island’s vibrant mountainscape.

Phi Phi Viewpoint 1

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Address: 163 Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Admission Cost: 50 baht

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.3 km (uphill, out-and-back)

Duration: 40 minutes to 1.5 hours

Start/End Point: From the Blu Monkey Phi Phi to the viewpoint’s summit

Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 is a well-known destination for hikers who frequent the Phi Phi Islands. This trail is perfect for beginners since it’s an easy-to-follow uphill path through paved roads and concrete stairways. 

This viewpoint is more of a park, so expect to see locals and other tourists as you make your way to the summit. It’s definitely worth visiting if you want a first taste of hiking in Thailand.

For experienced hikers, continuing to Phi Phi Viewpoints 2 and 3 will provide a good amount of challenge.

Prasat Phanom Rung

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Address: หมู่ที่ 7 114 Ta Pek, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram 31110, Thailand

Admission Cost: 100 baht

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1 km 

Duration: 2+ hours

Start/End Point: From the temple’s car park

Prasat Phanom Rung is one of the most unique hiking spots in Thailand. It’s a historical site, so it’s the place to be if you want a laid-back experience that doesn’t involve traversing dense jungles and steep hills.

The total length of the pathways within this site is approximately 1 kilometer, but expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring its ancient ruins and landmarks. A guided tour is a solid option if you want to learn more about this temple’s history.

Otherwise, it’s perfectly fine to explore the temple grounds without a guide if you only want to admire the fantastic structures.

Um-Phang Wildlife Sanctuary – Thi Lo Su Waterfall Trail

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Address: Nong Luang, Umphang District, Tak 63170, Thailand

Admission Cost: 200 baht

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.5 km (out-and-back)

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Start/End Point: From the Um-Phang Wildlife Sanctuary entrance to the waterfall

Hiking in Thailand’s Um-Phang Wildlife Sanctuary gives you the best chance to explore unspoiled attractions like the Thi Lo Su Waterfall. The path to this stunning cascade is short and easy since you can drive a car to the trailhead.

There are overgrown plants along the jungle trail but the overall hike is straightforward. It would take you up to 6 hours to reach Thi Lo Su Waterfall if you started the hike from the sanctuary’s main entrance.

It’s a good challenge for advanced hikers, but it’s not worth it if your primary goal is to visit the waterfall.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea Krabi)

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Address: 35, Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Admission Cost: Free

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Distance: 0.8 km (uphill, out-and-back)

Duration: 20 to 50 minutes

Start/End Point: From the temple’s base to its summit

Tiger Cave Temple is another straightforward hiking trail that’s perfect for hikers of all levels. However, it might be physically challenging for some due to the temple’s multiple staircases which make up a total of over 1,200 steps.

This temple has an impressive golden Buddha image, so it’s definitely worth the long climb. It’s also an active temple, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing if you plan to ascend to the summit.

Phra Pradaeng Loop (Green Lung)

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Address: Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand

Admission Cost: Free

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 12 km (loop)

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Start/End Point: From Bang Krachao Pier

Phra Pradaeng Loop, also known as Green Lung, is a verdant oasis at the heart of Bangkok. It’s famous for the numerous suspended walking and cycling trails scattered all over the area.

These are narrow pathways, so you can only traverse them on foot or on a rental bicycle or motorbike which are available at Bang Krachao Pier. It’s so narrow that one bicycle has to stay still on the side while the other passes through slowly.

Only some suspended trails have guardrails so you must exercise caution when traveling in a two-wheeler. Some notable attractions in Green Lung include Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market and Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden.

Khao Yai National Park – Haew Suwat Waterfall Trail

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Address: Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Admission Cost: 400 baht

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 3.1 km (uphill, point-to-point)

Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours

Start/End Point: From the Khao Yai National Park entrance to the waterfall

If you love to do a bit of camping and birdwatching, the easy-to-follow trail to Haew Suwat Waterfall is a great place for these activities. Located in Khao Yai National Park, it gives you the best chance to spot over 280 recorded bird species!

However, it has some dangerous riverside areas, so you must pay attention to the markers warning about crocodiles. For your safety, it’s best to book a tour guide from the park so you won’t wander to the crocodile-infested areas.

Also, some parts of the trail have overgrown plants and fallen trees which may bump the hike’s overall difficulty.

Bottle Beach Hiking Trail

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Address: Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

Admission Cost: Free

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 6.6 km (uphill, out-and-back)

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Start/End Point: From the trailhead near Haad Khom Viewpoint to the beach

For the adventurous, the steep route from Haad Khom to Bottle Beach (bottle beach) is one of the most challenging hikes Thailand has to offer. From the trailhead, the hike will take you through steep and flat rocky forests and mountain paths.

Though it’s a tricky hike, that makes it more appealing to experienced hikers. It also helps that the beautiful Bottle Beach is waiting for you at the end of the trail.

There are plenty of trail markers and blue-colored hanging signs along the way, so finding your way to the beach will be a breeze. Behind Bottle Beach 1 Resort, there’s a dirt road to Bottle Beach Viewpoint which we think is definitely worth the extra hike.

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