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Top 10 Thailand Mountains to Climb for the Ultimate Mountaineering Experience
Just like its numerous tourist spots, Thailand is overflowing with beautiful mountains. But don’t expect to hit the mark on the perfect one to visit as checking them all out is…well, not practical (even for serious hikers like us).
If you haven’t noticed, hiking through a couple of mountains in a week is already way beyond what most of us are capable of physically and financially. Now, imagine doing that for Thailand’s over 11 thousand mountains. (Yikes!)
The good news is there’s no need to go through this unreasonable experience. We’ve assembled our team of avid mountaineers to bring you the ultimate list of Thailand mountains every hiker should climb at least once in a lifetime. Read on!
Doi Inthanon
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Address: Doi Inthanon National Park, Ban Luang, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai
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 Thailand’s highest mountain so it’s arguably one of the more popular hiking and camping destinations for nature lovers. This mountain in Chiang Mai boasts an 8,415-foot elevation which makes the temperature at its peak cold all year round.
However, Doi Inthanon’s standout feature is its iconic sea of mist, so expect to see huge crowds climbing to its peak to soak in the stunning sunrise and cloudy mountainscapes. The trail to its summit is also great for animal spotting because of its diverse wildlife.
In case you didn’t know, Doi Inthanon is a popular birding site with over 500 recorded local and migrant bird species. In fact, going here gives you a chance to spot rare birds like wood snipes, rufous-bellied eagles, white-rumped vultures, bramblings, and more.
Pro Tip:
The hike to Doi Inthanon’s peak is incredibly cold early in the morning so wearing thick winter clothes is a must. Also, it’s best not to visit this mountain during weekends and holidays if you like to avoid huge crowds.
We also recommend avoiding the peak months (November to February) because Doi Inthanon gets the most local and foreign visitors around this time.
Doi Pha Tang
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Address: 17, Po, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 5360 2742
Doi Pha Tang is a scenic mountain along the Thailand-Laos border in Chiang Rai. Its highest point is approximately 6,263 feet above sea level so expect breathtaking views of the surrounding verdant forests, long mountain ridges, and morning sea of mist.
This mountain is also a popular hiking destination thanks to its 3 connected viewpoints: Chong Pha Bong Viewpoint, 103 Viewpoint, and Noen 104 Viewpoint. Chong Pha Bong Viewpoint, in particular, is a must-see because it has a view of the Mekong River.
It’s also worth noting that there are several free camping areas, parking spaces, and public toilets in Doi Pha Tang’s viewpoints except at Noen 104 Viewpoint. The Thai ethnic tribes living in this mountain are a plus if you’re looking for a cultural experience.
Pro Tip:
The camping areas in Doi Pha Tang aren’t staffed so they might not be the best options if you like to avoid noisy campers. Also, we recommend visiting the mountain from January to April if you plan to check out its ethnic tribes.
These months are perfect if you like to try the numerous fruits and teas they grow.
Doi Chiang Dao
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Address: Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 63 651 5181
Admission Cost: 200 baht
Doi Chiang Dao is one of Thailand’s most popular mountains. It’s a striking limestone mountain standing approximately 7,299 feet above sea level which makes it the country’s third tallest peak behind Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok.
This mountain is also inside the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary so expect lush jungle trails and diverse wildlife. Here, you can spot over 350 bird species, from barn swallows to Asian fairy bluebirds, Himalayan swiftlets, long-tailed minivets, and more.
Its peak also has a nearby campground where you can enjoy outdoor activities like camping, animal spotting, and stargazing. This tent area has no establishments so you must bring camping essentials: food, drinks, sleeping gear, cooking equipment, etc.
Pro Tip:
We only recommend Doi Chiang Dao during weekdays because it’s usually packed with hikers and campers on weekends and holidays. It’s also worth mentioning that entry to the mountain is only from November to February.
Please note that the campground has no proper toilet facilities, so your only option is to use the mandatory rental toilet kits offered at the visitor’s center in Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Doi Samer Dao
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Address: Si Nan National Park, Sisaket Subdistrict, Na Noi District, Nan
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 54 731 714
Admission Cost: 100 baht
Doi Samer Dao is only 2,913 feet above sea level but it’s definitely one the best Thailand mountains when it comes to camping. Its highest point is an inclined grassy field with vast open space which can accommodate a large number of tents.
Plus, the open area lets you enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding hilltops, lush forests, and the Nan River. In fact, it’s also great for stargazing and star photography because you don’t have to worry about tall trees getting in the way.
Moreover, Doi Samer Dao’s campground has a wide range of amenities, from bathrooms to cooking equipment, a coffee shop, and a makeshift eatery. You can also rent tents and sleeping gear at the summit.
Pro Tip:
Please note that while entry to Doi Samer Dao is year-round, Si Nan National Park’s management only allows visitors to camp from October to February. For the best stargazing experience, we also recommend visiting from November to January.
During this time, you can make the most of Doi Samer Dao’s clear night sky.
Doi Ang Khang
Address: Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Mae Sun, Fang District, Chiang Mai
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 5396 9492
Admission Costs: 300 baht
Doi Ang Khang is a solid option for people in search of a Thailand mountain with a romantic atmosphere. This mountain is known for its numerous Himalayan cherry blossom trees which is great if you plan to take your boo on a hiking or picnicking trip.
Aside from its vibrant pink blossoms, Doi Ang Khang has a vast royal agricultural station filled with colorful flower beds. It’s also 6,325 feet above sea level, so expect to enjoy a panoramic view of the cloudy mountainscapes and vast plantations surrounding it.
Moreover, it has a fully equipped camping site with cafes, eateries, shops, and public bathrooms. It also has a nearby military base with its own tent area and an awe-inspiring viewpoint with a wooden observation deck.
Pro Tip:
We only recommend visiting Doi Ang Khang between January and February if you like to enjoy its iconic pink blossoms. After all, Himalayan cherry blossom trees are only in bloom during these months.
Doi Pha Hom Pok
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Address: Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai
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)
Doi Pha Hom Pok is the second tallest mountain in Thailand. This mountain is at the north end of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park and has the highest point reaching 7,496 feet above sea level.
It’s also known for its distinctively rugged terrain and thick cloud forests which is popular among skilled hikers looking for a challenge. Plus, hiking through the mountain’s nature trails is worth it because of the stunning viewpoints and relaxing cascades you’ll find.
Furthermore, reaching the mountain’s summit treats you with one of the most breathtaking sunrise and sunset views you’ll get out of Chiang Mai. It’s also along the Thailand-Myanmar border, so it lets you enjoy the natural scenery of both countries.
Pro Tip:
The trail to Doi Pha Hom Pok’s summit is approximately 3.5 kilometers long, so be sure to start your hike from the park’s campground before 4 a.m. to reach it in time for the sunrise.
Speaking of which, this campsite has a visitor’s center offering bathrooms, showers, a welfare shop, and a charging station. It’s also where you rent sleeping gear and tents.
Phu Chi Fa
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Address: Phu Chi Fa Forest Park, Tap Tao, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai
Operating Hours: 4:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 5371 4914
Phu Chi Fah is the most popular peak in the Doi Pha Mon mountain range for good reason. Aside from the magical sea of clouds, it’s also on the Thailand-Laos border so going here lets you admire the breathtaking landscapes of the two countries at once.
In fact, the boundary line is along the summit’s looped trail, so hiking there technically means you’ve stepped foot on both territories. If you’re a serious hiker, you can also follow the extended eastern trail to Phu Chi Dao or head north to a nearby watershed.
This watershed is under Phu Chi Fa Forest Park and it’s certainly worth checking out for its charming Himalayan cherry blossom trees. Also, the mountain’s base has a large parking area filled with local shops selling a wide range of foodstuffs and souvenirs.
Pro Tip:
This mountain doesn’t have a camping area, so you can only pitch your tent at the Phu Chi Fa Forest Park Headquarters. Camping there is free so only need to pay for your rental tent and sleeping gear if you didn’t bring any.
However, keep in mind that there’s no on-site restaurant, so you might need to bring packed food or fresh ingredients and cooking equipment. Don’t worry, there are bathrooms and hot showers.
Khao Chang Phueak
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Address: Thong Pha Phum National Park, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 98 252 0359
Admission Cost: 200 baht
Khao Chang Phueak is one of the more challenging hiking experiences you can get out of Thailand’s mountains. It’s known for the narrow and rocky ridges on the upper section of its 8-kilometer hiking trail near the 4,098-foot summit.
Hiking here takes approximately 6 hours for the ascent and 4 hours for the descent. Once you reach the summit, your reward is a breathtaking 360-degree view of the mountainous Thai-Burmese border in the west and Vajiralongkorn Reservoir in the east.
There’s also a small camping site near the summit where hikers can stay for the night. You can only pitch tents here, so you must bring other camping essentials like sleeping gear, cooking equipment, etc.
Pro Tip:
Only 60 hikers are allowed to climb Khao Chang Phueak daily due to the narrow trail and limited camping space. You must book and confirm your slot by contacting Thong Pha Phum National Park at least 7 days before the planned visit.
Phu Thap Buek
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Address: Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Wang Ban, Lom Kao District, Phetchabun
Operating Hours:
- 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Tuesday – Thursday)
- 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday – Monday)
Contact Number: +66 81 596 5977
Admission Cost:
- 200 baht (Adults)
- 100 baht (Kids)
Phu Thap Buek is arguably the most breathtaking mountain destination in Phetchabun. This scenic peak boasts an impressive 5,800-foot elevation and an observation deck with a panoramic view of the surrounding cloudy hilltops, towns, and villages.
Also, its summit remains cool all year round, so expect a soul-stirring sea of mist every morning. Best of all, the hills around Phu Thap Buek are filled with Himalayan cherry blossom trees and winter flowers, so it’s even more stunning in December and January.
There are plenty of resorts, restaurants, and cafes in the area as well, so you’re already covered for accommodation and food. Or you can opt for the tent areas at the summit if you want a more budget-friendly option.
Pro Tip:
Phu Thap Buek’s mountain road is steep so it’s best to use a 4WD vehicle to get there.
Khao Mokochu
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Address: Mae Wong National Park, Pang Ta Wai, Pang Sila Thong District, Kamphaeng Phet
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 61 048 4837
Admission Cost:
- 200 baht (Adults)
- 100 baht (Kids)
Khao Mokochu is the ideal mountain in Thailand if you’re looking for a real challenge. This 6,443-foot mountain is particularly known for its grueling 60-kilometer jungle trail that takes 5 days to complete from the ascent to the descent.
The entire journey will take you through lush forests, streams, and hills. Keep in mind that there are no facilities along the way, so you must carry enough supplies for the 5-day trek along with essential camping equipment.
You should reach Khao Mokochu’s iconic rocky peak on the third day. There, you’re also rewarded with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the forested and mountainous border of Kamphaeng Phet and Tak.
Pro Tip:
Trekking in Khao Mokochu requires a ranger guide from Mae Wong National Park, so you must book at least 7 days before your trip. However, the booking process may take some time so it’s actually recommended to book a month in advance.
