Hiking and Camping Around Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, cloud forest, and national parks, so you can hike in the morning and sleep under the stars the same night. The easiest hike is the Monk's Trail on Doi Suthep, right on the edge of the city. The most beautiful is Kew Mae Pan on Doi Inthanon. The toughest is Doi Luang Chiang Dao, which needs a guide and advance booking. For camping, the national park campsites at Doi Pui and Doi Inthanon rent tents and bedding, so you don't need to bring your own gear.
Best season: November to February, when it is cool and dry. Several popular trails are open only in this season.
Hiking Trails at a Glance
| Trail | Area | Difficulty | Time | Season | Guide needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monk's Trail | Doi Suthep, edge of the city | Easy to moderate | 1 to 3 hours | All year | No |
| Ang Ka Nature Trail | Doi Inthanon summit | Very easy | 20 minutes | All year | No |
| Kew Mae Pan | Doi Inthanon | Moderate | 2 to 3 hours | 1 Nov to 31 May | Yes |
| Doi Luang Chiang Dao | Chiang Dao, about 2 hours north | Hard | Full day or overnight | 1 Nov to end of Feb | Yes |
The Best Hikes
Monk's Trail (Doi Suthep)
The most popular hike in Chiang Mai, and you can start it from the city. The trail climbs through jungle to Wat Pha Lat, a quiet forest temple beside a stream, in about 30 to 50 minutes. Strong hikers can continue up the steeper section to Doi Suthep temple.
- Start: the end of Suthep Road, just south of Chiang Mai Zoo
- Fee: 100 THB park fee for foreign adults (50 THB for children)
- Tip: Start early. The trail is steep and slippery after rain.
More details in our Doi Suthep guide.
Ang Ka Nature Trail (Doi Inthanon)
A 360-meter boardwalk through mossy cloud forest next to the highest point in Thailand. Easy, cool, and good for all ages. It is a great short walk if you visit the summit of Doi Inthanon National Park.
Kew Mae Pan (Doi Inthanon)
One of the best day hikes in Thailand. The Kew Mae Pan loop of about 3 to 4 km runs through cloud forest and along open grassy ridges with wide mountain views. Red rhododendrons bloom here from January to March.
- Open: 1 November to 31 May only
- Guide: a local Hmong guide is compulsory, 200 THB per group
- Hours: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry)
- Where: km 42 on the road to the summit
More details in our Doi Inthanon guide.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao
Thailand's third-highest mountain, Doi Luang Chiang Dao, is a limestone peak in a UNESCO biosphere reserve, about 2 hours north of Chiang Mai. The summit has some of the best views in the north, with sunrise over a sea of mist on clear mornings. It is a hard hike with steep climbs, and most people do it as an overnight trek.
- Open: 1 November to the end of February only. The mountain closes for the rest of the year to let the forest recover and to avoid the fire season.
- Guide: compulsory. Hiking alone is not allowed.
- Booking: required in advance through the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. Bookings for the new season usually open in mid to late October, and popular dates fill quickly.
- Easiest way: book through a licensed local tour operator, who handles registration, the guide, and transport.
The Best Campsites
Doi Pui Campsite (Doi Suthep-Pui National Park)
The closest real mountain campsite to Chiang Mai. It sits high on the mountain behind Doi Suthep, with tiered pitches and views of the city lights at night. You can rent tents, sleeping bags, mats, and pillows at the campsite, and there are showers, toilets, and a campfire area.
- Good for: a quick overnight escape from the city
- Nearby: Doi Pui Hmong village, Bhubing Palace, and Doi Suthep temple
- Also in the park: a second campsite at Monthathan Waterfall, lower down the mountain
Doi Inthanon Main Campsite (Khun Klang)
A pine-forest campsite about 300 meters from the park headquarters, with hot showers and rental tents and bedding. Restaurants and food stalls are close by, so you don't need to cook. It is the best base for sunrise at the Royal Twin Pagodas and an early start on Kew Mae Pan.
- Tip: Nights from December to January can be close to freezing. Bring a warm jacket, a hat, and a sleeping bag liner.
Private Campsites in Mon Jam and Doi Inthanon Villages
Private campsites and glamping spots have become popular in places like Mon Jam (north of Mae Rim) and Ban Khun Klang on Doi Inthanon. They offer ready-set tents, mountain views, sea-of-mist mornings, and cafes nearby. They cost more than national park campsites but need no setup.
When to Go
- November to February: Best season. Cool, dry, clear views, and all seasonal trails are open. Busy on weekends and Thai holidays.
- March to April: Hot season and smoke from seasonal burning. Views are often hidden and some areas close for fire prevention. Not recommended.
- May to October: Green season. Lush forest and strong waterfalls, but trails are muddy and leeches are common. Kew Mae Pan closes from June and Doi Luang Chiang Dao is closed.
For the full month-by-month picture, see the best time to visit Chiang Mai.
Park Fees and Booking
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park: 100 THB for foreign adults, 50 THB for children (Thais pay 20 and 10 THB)
- Doi Inthanon National Park: 300 THB for foreign adults, 150 THB for children
- Camping: Campsite fees and gear rental are paid at the campsite or park headquarters. Prices are usually low, a few hundred baht for a tent and bedding.
- Booking: For normal weekends you can usually just arrive. For Thai long weekends and New Year, book ahead. The national park online booking system has had long outages in 2026, so call the park if it is not working.
What to Pack
- Hiking shoes with good grip (trails get slippery)
- Warm layers for nights in the mountains, especially November to February
- Rain jacket in the green season
- Mosquito repellent, and leech socks from May to October
- Headlamp, water bottle, and snacks
- Cash for park fees, guides, and gear rental
- Your passport or a copy, since foreigners may be asked for ID at park entrances
Staying in Mae Hia?
Mae Hia is a good base for outdoor trips. It is close to the foot of Doi Suthep-Pui for the Monk's Trail and Doi Pui, and you can head south-west to Doi Inthanon without crossing the city. For a short walk closer to home, climb up to Doi Kham for views over the area.
See also: 10 best things to do in Chiang Mai.
FAQ
What is the best hike near Chiang Mai city?
The Monk's Trail on Doi Suthep. It starts at the edge of the city and reaches Wat Pha Lat forest temple in about 30 to 50 minutes.
Can I hike Doi Luang Chiang Dao without a guide?
No. A licensed local guide is compulsory, and you must book in advance through the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail is open only from 1 November to the end of February.
Do I need my own tent to camp near Chiang Mai?
No. National park campsites at Doi Pui and Doi Inthanon rent tents, sleeping bags, mats, and pillows.
When is Kew Mae Pan open?
From 1 November to 31 May every year. A local guide is compulsory (200 THB per group).
What is the best time for hiking and camping in Chiang Mai?
November to February, when the weather is cool and dry and all seasonal trails are open.
