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Thailand Mountain Trail has spent several years to find the most beautiful mountain trails around Chiang Mai. At the beginning of our research in 2013, we investigated the whole Doi Pui Suthep national park located just at the doorstep of the city. We were immediately seduced by the beauty and wildness of those areas which was still little known at this time.
This is our most challenging one-day trip with 6-7 hours hiking. It will lead us to the summit of Doi Pui, the highest mountain around Chiang Mai at 1685m above sea level. The route starts directly from the valley of Chiang Mai at 350m high and crosses temples and hill-tribe villages. Through deep jungle then pine forests, it is a long climb up to the summit. If it requires some significant effort, the magnificent view at the top will be the best reward you can get.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRIP
2'900
PICK UP AT YOUR HOTEL (8.00-8.30 AM)
CHIANG MAI CITY (15 MIN TRANSFER FROM TMT)
HMOMG VILLAGES, JUNGLE,
PINE FOREST, SUMMIT WITH VIEWS
BAN DOI PUI (45 MIN TRANSFER TO TMT)
DROP OFF AT YOUR HOTEL (5.00-6.00 PM)
ALL INCLUSIVE
SEE DETAILS (LINK)
6-7 HOURS TREKKING DAILY
90% SINGLE TRACK / 10% DOUBLE TRACK
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
SUBJECT TO THE PARK’S OPENING
In the early hours of the morning, we leave the valley of Chiang Mai towards the North and climbs straight up into the forest on a track used by pilgrims and villagers. This was the 1st path that linked the city of Chiang Mai to the temple of Wat Doi Suthep and the Hmong village of Khun Chang Khian 1000m higher. It was traced many years ago before the 1st concrete road and was the only way for Hmong people who lived up in the mountains to go to the city.
After crossing 2 beautiful temples, without a break we plunge headlong into a first stretch of jungle. For many it comes as a big surprise. We have to find our bearings very quickly in these long green tunnels whose very density is impressive. The undulating paths are almost free of obstacles but in many places, they are punctuated by fallen branches and tree trunks which we have to step over. After 2 hours hiking in this atmosphere, we arrive in a Hmong village located 1400m high at the footsteps of the Doi Pui summit.
After a lunch break in the village, we continue to hike up. The slope gets progressively harder and becomes so steep that we have to use our hands to help us at some points. High in the sky we follow a magnificent line of ridges edged in pine trees. All around us we can observe fields and mountains. Soon the reward is here; just in front the summit of Doi Pui (1685m) stands out in the distance. The view of the mountains around and the valley of Chiang Mai is wonderful.
After a deserved break enjoying the scenery, it’s time to plunge again into the jungle. The atmosphere becomes wilder. It’s a surprising mix between pine forests and tropical forests until we enter a deep jungle again. We enjoy a comfortable route that is slightly down until the last Hmong village of Ban Doi Pui. This village surrounded by trees and flowers has a great market where local people sell their farming products. It’s recommended to buy some fruits there before going back to the big city.
