1 / 5Kew Mae Pan is a 3 km loop trail high on Doi Inthanon, starting at km 42 of the summit road at about 2,200 m. It runs through moss-hung cloud forest and out onto an open grassy ridge with wide views over the valleys, then back into the trees. It is open only from November to May, and every group walks with a local Hmong or Karen guide hired at the trailhead. It is about 110 minutes by car from the Old City and about 90 minutes from Mae Hia, so it is usually part of a full Doi Inthanon day.
Why go
Most of Doi Inthanon is seen from the car window or a short walk from a car park. Kew Mae Pan is different: two to three hours on foot through a forest that feels nothing like the rest of Thailand. Rhododendrons, ferns and orchids grow on the trees, the air is damp and cool, and the path opens suddenly onto a bare ridge where the land falls away on one side.
On a clear cool-season morning the ridge is the finest viewpoint in the park. The valleys below fill with a sea of mist, and ridge after ridge fades into blue in the distance. Even on a cloudy day, the walk through the cloud forest is worth it for the atmosphere alone.
Walking with a local guide is part of the experience. The guides come from the hill-tribe villages on the mountain, know the plants and birds, and the fee goes directly to the community.
What to see
- The cloud forest: the first part of the loop, on a raised boardwalk and dirt path through dense, mossy forest with ferns, lichens and epiphytes on every branch.
- The grassy ridge: the high point of the walk, an open ridge with wide views over the valleys. In the cool season, come early for the sea of mist.
- Rhododendrons: in the cool and early hot season, wild rhododendrons flower red along the ridge.
- Birds: the trail is popular with birdwatchers. Your guide can point out species you would otherwise miss.
- The way back: the return half of the loop dips back into the forest, cooler and quieter, with small streams along the path.
How to get there
- From the Old City
- about 110 minutes by car, south on Route 108 to Chom Thong and then up the Doi Inthanon road to km 42. The trailhead and car park are signposted on the left.
- From the airport or Mae Hia
- about 90 minutes by car. Mae Hia is already at the start of Route 108 south, which saves time in the morning.
- By songthaew or Grab
- there is no public transport to the trailhead. Join a Doi Inthanon tour that includes the trail, hire a car with driver for the day, or book a Grab for the full day.
- By own car
- the mountain road is steep and winding in its upper section. Drive carefully and fill the tank before you enter the park.
Tips
- Check that the trail is open before you go. It closes every rainy season, usually from June to October, and can close at short notice for maintenance or weather.
- Start by 08:00. Mornings are clearest, and the trail gets busy later, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket. Mornings at 2,200 m can be very cold in December and January.
- Wear proper walking shoes. Parts of the path are muddy, steep or uneven.
- Bring cash for the park fee and the guide fee, which is paid per group at the trailhead.
- Stay on the path and do not pick plants. The ridge is fragile.
- See Doi Inthanon National Park for the rest of the park, and our Doi Inthanon day trip for how to fit the trail in. Siriphum Waterfall lower down is an easy stop on the way back, and the guide to the best time to visit explains the seasons.
FAQ
When is Kew Mae Pan open?
From November to May, 06:00 to 16:00. It is closed during the rainy season.
Do I need a guide for Kew Mae Pan?
Yes. A local guide is required and is hired at the trailhead, paid per group.
How long is the Kew Mae Pan trail?
About 3 km as a loop, taking 2 to 3 hours at an easy pace.
How much does it cost?
The Doi Inthanon park fee (300 THB foreigners, 50 THB Thais) plus the guide fee for your group.
Where is the trailhead?
At km 42 of the Doi Inthanon summit road, at about 2,200 m.
