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Here's what we found when we visited Doi Ang Khang (+ Insider Tips!)

Here’s what we found when we visited Doi Ang Khang (+ Insider Tips!)

| Last Updated: May 2024

Did you know that Doi Ang Khan was notorious as a haven for the drug trade and opium cultivation? Now, you could say this mountain in Chiang Mai is a renewed spirit, as it’s now at the forefront of agriculture technology. 

We can’t help but be amazed how this mountain straddles both sides of the Burmese-Thai border. Given its location, its hectares and hectares of natural beauty are dotted by amazing flora and fauna (and tons of interesting activities!).

Well, we’re getting ahead of ourselves here. So to give you what you need to know for an unforgettable experience in this mysterious mountain, we’re letting you in on the best things we did when we dropped by Doi Ang Khang!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Nearest Airport: Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport (133 km)

Welcome to Doi Ang Khang

Doi Ang Khang is a mountain in the Fang District of the province of Chiang Mai. With a height of 1,928 meters (6,325 ft) above sea level, this is the 15th tallest mountain on Planet Thailand and home to an agricultural station that covers 318 hectares. 

Renowned for its temperate weather and breathtaking vistas, Doi Ang Khang is often referred to as the “Little Switzerland of Thailand,” offering a slice of alpine paradise with its misty peaks and lush valleys.

The mountain is home to over 1,000 bird species and you’d easily be blown away by the natural beauty of the area on your ascent, not to mention the stunning sunset/sunrise amidst all sorts of adventure that awaits. 

Where is Doi Ang Khang?

Where is Doi Ang Khang

Doi Ang Khang is tucked away in the northern tip of Thailand, close to the Myanmar frontier. 

It’s surrounded by the quaint village of Arunothai to the north, the dense forests along the Myanmar border to the west, the pastoral expanses of Chai Prakan to the east, and the rugged highlands of Fang district to the south. 

Best Time to Visit Doi Ang Khang

The best time to visit Doi Ang Khang in Chiang Mai is between December and February. During these months, this mountain experiences optimal weather conditions which is great for hiking nature trails, camping, and sightseeing.

The Himalayan cherry trees around Doi Ang Khang also bloom during this time, so it’s perfect if you want to take your boo on a romantic walk. Best of all, the agreeable weather conditions mean you can enjoy exploring the mountain from dawn to dusk.

Otherwise, you can also visit this mountain until March if your goal is to visit its strawberry farms or go on birding trips.

How to Get to Doi Ang Khang

Rental Car: Driving a rental car is the most reliable way to get to Doi Ang Khang from Chiang Mai or its neighboring provinces like Chiang Rai and Phayao. A driver’s license and International Driving Permit are required to rent a car in Thailand.

From Chiang Mai City, drive north via Chotana Road or Highway 107 until you reach the checkpoint in Chai Prakan.Turn left from the checkpoint to Route 3001 and keep driving until you can make another left turn to Highway 1249. 

Keep following this highway to reach Doi Ang Khang.

Private Taxi: If you can’t drive in Thailand, another solid option is to hire a private taxi. It’s more expensive than renting a car, but you don’t have to worry about which route to take to Doi Ang Khang, securing the car rental requirements, or paying for gas.

For this method, you can book a driver via the private taxi companies in Chiang Mai or ask a public taxi driver for a full-day service.

Bus-Taxi: Commuting to Doi Ang Khang via bus and taxi is a cheaper alternative if you don’t mind transferring between public vehicles. From Chiang Mai City, you can find buses that run daily trips to Phrao Town.

At Phrao Town, you can find a taxi that can take you to Doi Ang Khang. Don’t forget to negotiate with taxi drivers for a better deal.

Plane: If you’re traveling from faraway locations, your best option is to fly to Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport. We suggest flying here because it’s closer to Doi Ang Khang than Chiang Mai International Airport.

From the airport, you can easily find a taxi that can take you to Doi Ang Khang. Though this is a more expensive method, it’s definitely worth it compared to the 7- to 9- hour travel time by land.

What to See and Do in Doi Ang Khang

Stop by the Doi Ang Khang Junction Checkpoint

Media credit: lidpom

Address: Mae Ngon, Fang District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

This military checkpoint at the junction of Highway 1249 serves as a scenic rest stop for people traveling to and from Doi Ang Khang. That means you can already observe and capture photos of Doing Ang Khang’s lush forests and stunning mountainscapes here.

You can even set up a tent at the small camping area at the checkpoint, which is nice if you’re already tired on your journey. There’s also a wooden gazebo where you can sit and rest while enjoying the scenery.

Or you can stand at the tiny observation deck next to it to capture photos of the hilltops south of the checkpoint. Just know the checkpoint has no nearby shops, so you must have packed food if you want to stay the night here.

Check out the scenery in Sai Fah Doi Ang Khang Viewpoint

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Address: Mae Sun, Fang District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

Sai Fah Doi Ang Khang Viewpoint is perfect for tourists looking for a comfortable place to set up camp. This viewpoint provides lighting and wooden tent areas which work great against the cold temperature in Doi Ang Khang.

Aside from that, you get access to free warm water and you can find a small shop that offers grilled pork for 500 baht. It’s also worth noting that while admission is free, you must pay 90 baht to set up your tent at this campsite.

They also don’t allow campers to make noise past 10 p.m., so it’s ideal when you’re trying to get a good sleep. Our favorite part about this viewpoint was the excellent hillside view of Doi Ang Khang’s foggy mountainscapes during cold mornings.

Eat your fill at Doi Ang Khang Campground

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Address: Tambon Mae Sun, Fang District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: 02 562 0760 3

Website: https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=1977

Admission Cost: Free

Doi Ang Khang Campground is arguably the best campsite in Doi Ang Khang, especially when it comes to food. It has an on-site cafe and restaurant, so it’s perfect for travelers who don’t have a supply of food, snacks, or drinks.

At night, you’ll even see local food trucks and stalls selling numerous food options, from meatballs to sukiyaki and grilled pork. But that’s not all—you also get access to two free bathrooms and a hot bath facility which costs only 60 baht.

This campsite is also your best option when traveling without camping and sleeping gear because they offer rental tents, pillows, mattresses, and blankets. If you have a tent, you only need to pay 30 baht to use the camp area instead. 

Enjoy the stunning view from Mon Sone Viewpoint’s observation deck

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Address: Mae Sun, Fang District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: 02 562 0760 3

Website: https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=1977

Admission Cost: Free

The place to go for stunning sunrise and sunset views is Doi Ang Khang. Going to Mon Sone Viewpoint also gives you the best view of the surrounding cloudy mountainscapes in the morning.

That’s why it attracts local and foreign campers who frequent Doi Ang Khang. Plus, it’s part of Doi Ang Khang Campground, so you can get your camp gear there if you want to spend the night here.

After all, Mon Sone Viewpoint is also an excellent spot for stargazing when the night sky is clear. This place gets plenty of visitors, especially during weekends, so we recommend booking a tent reservation ahead of time

Hike to Doi Ang Khang’s highest point

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Address: Mae Sun, Fang District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

A visit to Doi Ang Khang isn’t complete without climbing its highest point, especially if you enjoy hiking. Its peak is 1,928 meters above sea level, so expect to get a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the lush forests and cloudy hilltops in the Fang District.

The trailhead to Doi Ang Khang’s highest point is near the helipad of the military base next to Doi Ang Khang Campground. It’s an 800-meter uphill hike through a lush nature trail, so be sure to wear proper hiking boots.

This trail is straightforward and you’ll see trail markers along the way, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. It can take between 15 and 20 minutes to reach Doi Ang Khang’s summit.

Stroll around Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station’s Himalayan cherry trees

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Address: หมู่ 5 ต.แม่งอน Fang District

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 53 969 476

Admission Cost: 50 baht

Strolling around Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station is one of the more romantic experiences you can get out of Doi Ang Khang. This arboretum is packed with vibrant Himalayan cherry trees that make you feel like you’re in a romantic movie scene.

You’ll even find wooden benches under the cherry trees, which is perfect if you want to watch the cherry blossoms fall. The scores of Himalayan cherry trees are also excellent backdrops, so be sure to capture plenty of photos! 

These cherry trees bloom from December to January, so only visit this place during these months if your goal is to see the sakura flowers.

Admire the colorful flower beds in Garden 80

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Address: Fang District, Chiang Mai 50110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: 50 baht

Garden 80 is a vast flower garden that every tourist in Doi Ang Khang must visit at least once. It’s in the northern portion of Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station, so you don’t have to pay another entrance fee if you already paid at the station’s entrance.

If you like taking photos of flowers, you’ll enjoy going through the numerous flowerbeds in this garden. Aside from winter flowers, this garden also grows vegetables and crops that thrive in Doi Ang Khang’s cold weather.

You’ll even find a cafe and a Thai restaurant near this garden. Drop by if you like to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a warm meal while watching Garden 80’s beautiful winter flowers and plum blossoms.

Appreciate the plants at the Bonsai Ang Khang Garden

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Address: Fang District, Chiang Mai 50320, Thailand

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Cost: Free

If you enjoy looking at cutesy plants, this bonsai garden is the place to go. Bonsai Ang Khang Garden has numerous potted bonsai trees, flowers, and cacti, so there’s plenty for everyone to see.

Aside from that, Bonsai Ang Khang Garden is also well-known for its landscape garden designs. That makes it a great place to visit for garden enthusiasts who like to find some design inspirations and cool gardening ideas.

Moreover, going here means you’re already covered with picturesque backdrops and colorful plant displays—definitely why it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Doi Ang Khang!

Embark on a birding trip around Doi Ang Khang

Media credit: marcel_wildlife

For dedicated birdwatchers, the nature-filled Doi Ang Khang is one of the best places in Chiang Mai for birding trips. In fact, this mountain is home to over 460 bird species, including some that are endangered, vulnerable, and near threatened.

The best places to look for birds in Doi Ang Khang are the AngKhang Royal Agricultural Station, Ban No Lae Army Camp, and Ang Khang Pagoda. Expect to get sightings of black-breasted thrush, large niltava, crested finchbill, silver-eared mesia, and more.

If you want a chance to spot migrant bird species, you must visit Doi Ang Khang from December to March. Also, we suggest staying here for several days to get the most out of your birding trip.

Ride a bike on Doi Ang Khang’s mountain roads

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Doi Ang Khang’s mountain roads are a must-visit for passionate cyclists. Aside from the beautiful mountain views, you’ll also find its numerous uphill and downhill tracks perfect for building stamina and if you want to challenge yourself.

The mountain roads in Doi Ang Khang are mostly steep, so they’re not ideal for beginners. If you’re not a skilled cyclist, you can instead ride around the tree-lined roads in Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station.

It’s not as challenging, but this cycling route definitely has the best scenery.

Take a pleasant walk around Wat Phra That Doi Ang Khang

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Address: Fang District, Chiang Mai

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 84 373 0083

Admission Cost: Free

Wat Phra That Doi Ang Khang is a small, tranquil Buddhist temple east of Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station. It doesn’t get crowds of visitors, so it’s perfect if you like to go on pleasant nature walks, especially when the weather is great.

Its monastery only has a few structures and Buddha images which makes it excellent for watching flowers, greenery, and birds. Otherwise, you can join the monks on their way to the nearby Ang Khang Pagoda. 

It’s a small shrine in Doi Ang Khang where the temple monks and locals go to meditate, pray, and leave offerings to a small golden Buddha statue.

Visit the Ban Khop Dong Village

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Address: Fang District, Chiang Mai

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

Going to Ban Khop Dong Village gives you a chance to meet and interact with Doi Ang Khang’s Musoe tribe. It’s a modest village, so it offers an authentic look at the lifestyle of one of Chiang Mai’s mountain tribes.

If you can’t speak Thai, the village is best to visit with a tour guide. This way, you can make friends with the locals and learn about interesting stories passed to them by their ancestors.

Explore the tea plantation in Royal Project Organic Tea Factory

Media credit: m_stay22

Address: Fang District, Chiang Mai

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Cost: Free

The Royal Project Organic Tea Factory is a breathtaking 2,000-acre tea plantation. It’s a hillside plantation, so expect to see stunning tea terraces packed with lines of green tea plants—that’s a lot of tea. 

This also means you’re getting first-hand experience of how the freshest of organic tea is cultivated and grown (and if you’re lucky talk to the Thai growers).  

Explore the plantation for free since they don’t offer guided tours, but be careful not to damage the tea plants. Take note that the secret to this tea’s growth is the nice weather all year round as exemplified by the early morning mist that covers the area. 

Snack on fresh strawberries at the Ban No Lae Strawberry Farm

Address: Mae Sun, Fang District, Chiang Mai

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 93 727 6963

Admission Cost: Free

The strawberry farm in Ban No Lae Village is a must-visit whenever you’re in Doi Ang Khang. Aside from its fresh strawberries, this vast plantation is also well-known for its breathtaking scenery.

This farm is a royal project and a major supplier in Thailand, so expect to find the juiciest and best-quality strawberries on your visit. Going here during its opening hour gives you the best chance to get the highest-quality strawberries.

It’s worth noting that you can only catch the harvesting process from November to March, which is the strawberry season in Chiang Mai.

Head to the Thai-Myanmar border in Ban Nor Lae

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Address: Mae Sun, Fang District, Chiang Mai

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

The military camp in Doi Ang Khang’s Ban Nor Lae Village has a unique side. Aside from offering stunning views of Thailand’s vibrant hilltops, this place also gives you a glimpse of Myanmar’s mountainscapes.

Since it’s a military camp, you can also take photos or venture inside its army bunkers. There’s also a handicraft center with numerous vendors selling affordable clothes, accessories, and snacks.

That means you’re covered for souvenirs and food during your visit. There’s also a wooden chair displayed outside to commemorate Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s visit to the base on January 24, 1993.

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