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10 Best Chiang Mai Mountains to Ignite Your Sense of Wonder Without Fail
Chiang Mai is known for a lot of things, but if you ask me, I think its biggest draw is its beautiful peaks. Nothing beats an adventurous hike with breathtaking scenery at the end when you need to forget about the stressful city life for a day or two.
With hundreds of mountains to its name, the opportunities for unique hiking and camping experiences in Chiang Mai are endless. To be honest, the only real challenge is tracking down the perfect mountains to consider adding to your itinerary.
Well, that’s where we come in! Our team already narrowed down the best Chiang Mai mountains, complete with all the important details you’ll need for an infallible nature adventure. Read on!
Doi Inthanon
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Address: Doi Inthanon National Park, Ban Luang, Mae Chaem District
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 53 286 729
Admission Costs:
- 300 baht (Adults)
- 150 baht (Kids)
Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Chiang Mai so it’s widely popular among serious mountaineers. This tall mountain stands at approximately 8,415 feet above sea level so expect cold temperatures around its summit all year round.
This mountain is well-known for its sea of mist so hikers and campers climb its peak before dawn to witness the breathtaking sunrise and cloudy mountainscapes. It’s also within a national park, so the trail leading to its summit is rich in flora and fauna.
The mountain’s nature trail is particularly great for birdwatching because it has over 500 recorded bird species. This includes rare and endangered species like the green peafowl, Japanese thrush, greater spotted eagle, silver oriole, and more.
Pro Tip:
Doi Inthanon is a touristy mountain, so it might not be the best option if you want to enjoy nature without worrying about huge crowds. Otherwise, avoid visiting from November to February because these months bring in the crowds.
Doi Suthep
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Address: Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Suthep
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 53 210 244
Admission Costs:
- 100 baht (Adults)
- 50 baht (Kids)
Doi Suthep is an accessible and recognizable mountain near Chiang Mai City. Tourists frequent this mountain because it has some of the province’s most popular attractions: Monk’s Trail, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, MonthaThan Waterfall, Wat Pha Lat, etc.
Moreover, this mountain has an impressive 5,499-foot elevation, so expect a breathtaking view of Chiang Mai’s city center from its highest point. It’s also known for its forested rolling hills filled with deciduous and tropical evergreen trees.
Plus, the mountain’s verdant forest trail is home to numerous wild animals, from monkeys to birds, lizards, and more. Tent areas and cabins are also available around the mountain if you like to set up camp for the night, stargaze, or watch the city lights.
Pro Tip:
An easy way to reach Doi Suthep’s summit is to board a taxi or songthaew to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This temple is built next to the mountain’s peak, so a tiring hike isn’t necessary to enjoy the mountain’s breathtaking scenery.
Doi Chiang Dao
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Address: Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Dao District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 63 651 5181
Admission Cost: 200 baht
Doi Chiang Dao, also known as Doi Luang Chiang Dao, is one of the more popular Chiang Mai mountains. This limestone mountain is within the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary so it’s a fan-favorite among hikers, campers, and animal enthusiasts.
Here, you can enjoy many outdoor activities, from nature hikes to camping, animal spotting, stargazing, and more. There’s a campground near the mountain’s peak so you’re covered for accommodation and have quick access to its awe-inspiring views.
It’s also worth noting that Doi Chiang Dao is approximately 7,299 feet above sea level which makes it the third highest mountain in Thailand. Expect chilly temperatures and thick clouds of mist if you hike to its peak at daybreak.
Pro Tip:
We recommend visiting Doi Chiang Dao on weekdays to avoid large crowds of hikers.
It’s only open to the public from November to February so the limited availability attracts hundreds of daily hikers on average, especially during weekends.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that there are no proper toilet facilities in Doi Chiang Dao’s campground, so it might not be ideal if you aren’t comfortable with the compulsory rental toilet kits offered at the sanctuary’s office.
Doi Ang Khang
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Address: Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Mae Sun, Fang District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 5396 9492
Admission Costs: 300 baht
Doi Ang Khang is one of the more romantic mountain destinations in Chiang Mai. This mountain boasts an impressive elevation of approximately 6,325 feet with a stunning panoramic view of cloudy mountainscapes and vast plantations.
However, this mountain is best known for its abundant Himalayan cherry blossom trees. These charming trees fill Doi Ang Khang with gorgeous pink blossoms—great for romantic nature walks and picnics.
It also has a royal agricultural station where you can admire numerous colorful flower beds. There’s also a large campsite with restaurants, cafes, shops, and bathroom facilities so you’re covered for everything you might need while camping.
Pro Tip:
For the best experience, we recommend visiting Doi Ang Khang bloom from January to February to witness the pink blossoms of its Himalayan cherry blossom trees.
Doi Pui
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Address: Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chang Phueak
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 53 210 244
Admission Costs:
- 100 baht (Adults)
- 50 baht (Kids)
Doi Pui is the highest peak in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, so it’s well-known among mountaineers who frequent Chiang Mai. This 5,528-foot mountain is great for camping because of 2 key attractions: Doi Pui Camping Area and Doi Pui Nature Trail.
The Doi Pui Nature Trail, in particular, is worth checking out if you’re an animal enthusiast. There, you can spot a broad range of local wildlife, from macaques to gibbons, barking deer, wild boars, and more.
Meanwhile, the camping area is great for pleasant strolls and picnics because of its vibrant flowerbeds, lovely Himalayan cherry blossom trees, and stunning city views. Its visitor’s center also has an eatery, a welfare shop, and several bathrooms.
Pro Tip:
If you plan on camping in Doi Pui, avoid going there from May to October because the mountain’s camping area is temporarily closed during these months.
Mon Jam
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Address: Mae Raem, Mae Rim District
Operating Hours: 24 Hours (Monday – Sunday)
Mon Jam is arguably the most popular mountain in Mae Rim District. It’s within the Mong Nong Hoi village area, so expect to see breathtaking terraced slopes filled with colorful winter flower fields and vast strawberry and coffee plantations.
It’s also a well-known tourist destination so there are many chic cafes where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and admire the mountain’s million-dollar scenery. Plus, its numerous glamping sites and hotels let you soak in its iconic sea of mist.
This 4,593-foot Chiang Mai mountain’s most notable attractions are the Ban Mai Intersection Viewpoint, Plai Fa Strawberry Farm, and Nong Hoi Royal Project Vegetable Development Center.
Pro Tip:
For the best experience, we suggest visiting Mon Jam between November and March during its annual strawberry harvest season.
Doi Mon Chong
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Address: Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, 383 Mon Chong, Omkoi District
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
Contact Number: +66 92 938 9962
Doi Mon Chong is an off-the-beaten Chiang Mai mountain for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s inside the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, so it’s the ideal place for spotting rare and exotic tropical plants and wild animals.
This includes near-extinct goat antelopes, wild elephants, and numerous local bird species. The mountain’s steep hilltop trails and windy cliff roads also provide a serious challenge that skilled hikers will definitely appreciate.
Moreover, its unique location and imposing 6,328-foot elevation lets you soak in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Chiang Mai and Tak’s cloudy mountainscapes.
Pro Tip:
It’s best to avoid Doi Mon Chong during the dry season from November to May because the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary is prone to seasonal wildfires which results in its temporary closure.
Also, you must pre-register ahead of time via the sanctuary’s official website before your planned visit.
Doi Kham Fah
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Address: Pha Daeng National Park, Mueang Haeng, Chiang Dao District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 53 046 371
Admission Costs:
- 100 baht (Adults)
- 50 baht (Kids)
Doi Kham Fah is one of the more underrated mountains in Chiang Mai. This mountain is approximately 5,662 feet above sea level, so expect postcard-perfect views of numerous other limestone mountains and lush hilltops within Pha Daeng National Park.
It’s also known for its beautiful cliffside tent area fully equipped with a scenic viewing deck and clean bathroom facilities. Plus, the numerous Siamese sakura trees scattered around its summit add a romantic atmosphere which is great for couples.
These trees only bloom from December to January, so consider visiting during these months if you’re planning on a romantic trip. The mountain’s most notable attraction is its sunset viewpoint which you can reach by hiking through a boulder-strewn uphill trail.
Pro Tip:
The dirt road leading to the mountain’s summit and visitor’s center is steep, so we recommend driving a powerful motorbike or 4WD vehicle to get there. It’s also worth noting that the mountain is closed off temporarily from July to September.
Also, keep in mind that you must book Doi Kham Fah’s tent area or bungalows beforehand if you plan to stay there for a multi-day visit. Booking must be done via the DNP website.
Mon Long
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Address: Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim District
Operating Hours: 24 Hours (Monday – Sunday)
Mon Long, also known as Doi Mon Long, is a scenic mountain peak northeast of Mon Jam. It stands with a 4,757-foot elevation that offers a panoramic view of Mai Village, Pong Yaeng Village, and other areas within Mae Rim District and Samoeng District.
Aside from its breathtaking summit, Mon Long is also important to the locals because it has a historical shrine dedicated to the brave warrior king Khun Luang Wirangka. The shrine has his golden statue carrying a spear in a throwing posture.
The steep dirt trail leading to Mon Long’s peak is doable on foot, but you can also drive a car or motorbike to save time.
Pro Tip:
There are no facilities at the summit so you must bring everything you’ll need if you plan to pitch a tent for the night. This includes food and drinks, sleeping gear, a portable toilet kit, a light source, and more.
Doi Pha Hom Pok
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Address: Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Mae Ai District
Operating Hours:
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday)
- 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 2562 0760
Admission Costs:
- 300 baht (Adults)
- 150 baht (Kids)
This Chiang Mai mountain in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park is definitely a must-see because it’s Thailand’s second-highest peak. Doi Pha Hom Pok boasts a 7,496-foot elevation with vast rugged terrain and dense cloud forests.
The mountain also has promising nature trails leading to stunning viewpoints, charming waterfalls, and numerous unique-looking fungus-infected trees. However, its scenic peak and campsite are its standout features.
The campsite, in particular, is spacious so there’s plenty of space for pitching tents. It’s also fully equipped with bathroom and shower facilities, a welfare shop, and a charging station, so you’re covered for everything you might need while camping.
Pro Tip:
Doi Pha Hom Pok’s peak is approximately 3.5 kilometers from the park’s headquarters, so be sure to start your hike around 4 a.m. if you like to get there in time to witness the beautiful sunrise.
