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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 beautiful 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.
In two days, we will run through the whole massif, east to west, up and down. It’s the perfect trip to discover different atmospheres close to Chiang Mai (from wild jungle to open ridgelines, through temples and hill-tribe villages) while benefiting from the best conditions to recover after each running day. Relaxing at the swimming pool, having a traditional Thai massage, eating great Thai food, walking in the old town, this is up to you.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRIP
6'300
PICK UP AT YOUR HOTEL (8.00-8.30 AM)
CHIANG MAI CITY (15 MIN TRANSFER FROM TMT)
JUNGLE, TEMPLES
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
In the early hours of the morning the run leaves Chiang Mai towards the North and climbs straight up into the forest on a track used by pilgrims. Without transition we pass into rocky terrain which lasts until the almost fairy tale appearance of Wat Palaad, nestling on the bank of a river. A few kilometers further on the course crosses the site of Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most holy temples in Thailand. The view over the valley of Chiang Mai is panoramic and imposing.
The route runs down the dizzyingly steep staircase from the temple of Doi Suthep, and then, without a break, plunges headlong into its first stretch of jungle. For many it comes as a shock. 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…
As we emerge from the jungle, the run starts to climb again, up to the village of Chang Khian, the first Hmong village. After a break to enjoy local Arabica coffee, the slope gets progressively harder and becomes so steep that we have to use our hands to help us at some points. When we reach a magnificent line of ridges edged in pine trees, Doi Pui stands out in the distance. If we can see it, our feet can take us there!
After the summit, the last 5 kilometers lead us through the jungle again on a nice trail down to the finish point. It’s maybe the most pleasant part of the trip. After a long and difficult climb, we enjoy a comfortable downhill on an easy trail surrounded by tropical trees, bamboo and banana trees. We can relax our legs and increase the speed without any effort until we reach a beautiful garden that marks the entrance of the final Hmong village.
The 2nd day of the trip leaves the valley of Chiang Mai on a steep footpath alongside a beautiful stream. It’s an opportunity to warm up and check our legs already tired from the 1st day. We will enjoy a nice view on the city at the sunrise, then we climb straight up into the forest on a wild trail. The muscles are still a bit cold when the path goes steeper. For 7k and 1’100m+ it’s a regular climb in the forest and the jungle until we reach the Hmong village of Chang Khian.
After a short break to refill water and get a local coffee, we enjoy a great way down in a bamboo jungle. The undulating path is dense and technical in some parts. In many places it is punctuated by cut or fallen bamboo tree trunks. As we emerge from the jungle, we can see the mountain ridge in a tooth shape surrounding us. At its top stands the summit of Doi Pa Klong, the objective of the day.
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.
The last part is a long way down 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.
