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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.
The route is in the same mountain area at the doorsteps of Chiang Mai. It was discovered at the beginning of our research many years ago. It’s a long route high in the mountains to the highest summits of Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep and Doi Pui (1600-1700m). With some technical parts in the jungle and on mountain ridges, it is a challenging trip dedicated only to trail runners with experience.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRIP
3'400
PICK UP AT YOUR HOTEL (8.00-8.30 AM)
CHIANG MAI CITY (15 MIN TRANSFER FROM TMT)
JUNGLE, PINE FOREST
MOUNTAIN VILLAGES & SUMMITS
CHIANG MAI CITY (15 MIN TRANSFER TO TMT)
DROP OFF AT YOUR HOTEL (4.00-5.00 PM)
ALL INCLUSIVE
SEE DETAILS (LINK)
5-6 HOURS RUNNING DAILY
90% SINGLE TRACK / 10% DOUBLE TRACK
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
SUBJECT TO THE PARK’S OPENING
The trip leaves Chiang Mai on a trail that goes up in the mountains alongside a beautiful stream. When the forest opens, we enjoy a beautiful view down to the valley of Chiang Mai. We are still far from the summits; the muscles are still cold when the path goes steeper. It’s now a long climb up straight into the forest on a rocky trail. After 7k and 1000m elevation gain. finally, we reach a Hmong village at the foothills of the 2 summits.
After a short break at the Hmong village, the run starts to climb again, and the slope gets progressively harder. In distance stands the summit of Doi Pui, one of the two objectives of the day. Further up we can observe the mountain ridge in a tooth shape and the 2nd summit, Doi Suthep. It’s going to be a long hike before we reach the top and enjoy a great view a 360°.
After a new climb and a run alongside the ridge, finally we reach the summit at 1650m high. On the east side the view over the valley of Chiang Mai is panoramic and imposing. On the west side as far as we can see, it is an ocean of green mountains. We will take a break here at the top of Chiang Mai to enjoy some food and rest before the last drop.
After reaching the summits, we enjoy a great way down in a beautiful jungle. The undulating path is dense and technical in some parts. In many places it is punctuated by cut or fallen bamboo tree trunks. It’s important to run relaxed and focused to avoid any fall. It’s like playing with the ground; it requires mindfulness and confidence to find the right steps down.
The long way down will lead us directly back to Chiang Mai. The closer we are to the city, the wilder the jungle becomes. It’s more and more technical and running can be sometimes difficult, especially with tired legs. Hopefully we can stop and take a break at a waterfall to cool down and refresh our legs. This is the sign that we are not far from the finish point; few more kilometers down and we are back to the city.
