Hello, dear travellers, to Another side of Thailand that is well beyond the neon lights of the streets market and the blue calm of their legendary beaches. Though most people visit this “Land of Smiles” in order to relax on a sun lounger, I suggest that you seek something a bit more inspiring: the sound of your own heart beating as you climb misty mountains and the sound of ancient bamboo under your feet. When you choose to go hiking in Thailand, you discover a soul to the country that many tourists miss.
Being a person who has been wandering the back-streets of Southeast Asia the last several years I can tell you that the real heart of Thailand is where the pavement ends. It is haunting in the north breezes of the highlands which are mossy, and in the cathedrals of the south which are rugged and of limestone. Today, I am going to take you on a Top ten treks that transform the meaning of travelling. It is Thailand, raw and rugged, discovering it one step at a time through the best hiking in Thailand. If you are looking for a true challenge, trekking Thailand offers a rugged beauty that stays with you long after you leave.
The Sacred Ascent: Best Buddha Trail, Doi Suthep Monk, Chiang Mai.
We start at the spiritual centre of the north. The Monk trail (Wat Phra Lat to Wat Doi Suthep) is not just another hiking route, it is a pilgrimage. It is paved with lengths of saffron cloth fastened on trees, and leads you through an emerald forest. This route is often cited as one of the hiking places in Thailand that connects the physical with the divine.
The first section will result in Wat Phra Lat, an underground forest temple with stone dragons slumbering over moving water falls. It is a spot of great silence. To the energetic the second half is ascended steeply to Wat Phra Doi Suthep, whence the golden pagoda glitters against the sky. Coming here on foot, dripping with sweat in the air and with the aroma of incense around you gives you the feeling of victory that no taxi ride could ever do, it is truly the pinnacle of hiking in Thailand.
The Cloud- Walk: Doi Inthanon Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.
When the air becomes different, it is at the highest point in Thailand. It is cold and dry and sweet with pine. A 3.4km trail that is spectacular yet short-lived, the Kew Mae Pan trail makes one feel that they are walking on the roof of the world. For those planning their thailand trekking adventure, this is an absolute must-visit for the unique alpine climate.
You are going to go through cloud forests in which moss covers all the branches, at last onto a ridge-line boardwalk. When it is a sunny day the valley is sending away beneath you in an expanse of green, and the Royal Twin Pagodas are sentinels in the distance. It is a dreamy experience that makes us recall how small we really are and how connected we really are.
The Limestone Throne: Dragon Crest Mountain (Khao Ngon Nak), Krabi.
The Dragon Crest in Krabi cannot be compared with any other as it offers a challenge with the reward of a movie. It is a tough 7.2km hike that will be replaced with a view that will remain with you throughout your life. Many adventurers consider this the ultimate experience for trekking in thailand due to the sheer verticality of the landscape.
The peak provides an aerial view of the 360 degree of Andaman Sea, and the steep rocks of karsts that shape the Krabi coast. When you stand on the overhanging rock, as the eagles orbit around, you are no longer a tourist, but you are an explorer of a sunken kingdom which used to exist long ago. This trail sets a high bar for anyone looking for adventurous hiking in Thailand.
Koh Phangan: The Secret Koh Phangan Bottle Beach Trail.
Although Koh Phangan is known to have Full Moon parties, the secret of the place has a wilder side. The walk up to Bottle Beach is a rough experience going through the jungle with a lot of rocky ridges. Among the various hiking places in Thailand, this one offers the perfect blend of jungle grit and coastal reward. It is a bombardment of the senses with the tropical sounds, the sound of cicadas and the sound of waves. World holiday vibes resonate through the air as travellers from every corner of the globe share this hidden path. After an hour of maneuvering through the heat, the trees clear to give a lonely crescent of white sand and blue water. It is the final reward increase: a personal heaven won in hard work.
The Urban Escape: Huay Kaew falls Chiang Mai.
One can find beauty right around the corner sometimes. The Huay Kaew trail is a light invitation to nature that is situated just outside the entrance to the Chiang Mai Zoo. It is a favourite among natives, in which the trail meanders along shallow pools and picnic areas. It is the ideal slowness of travelling, putting your feet in the cool water and the sun penetrate through the teak trees just as the city carries on in the background. Even a short walk here proves why thailand trekking doesn’t always have to be miles away from civilization.
In order to guide the travellers through these varied terrains and make the exploration of the natural wonders of the kingdom sustainable, the Tourism Authority of Thailand offers a rich source and local advice to the eco-friendly trekkers.
The Dream of a Photographer: Phi Phi Viewpoint.
It is impossible to visit the islands without climbing the Phi Phi viewpoints. Although the former two can be reached easily by paved stairs, they provide an iconic view of the “twin bays” (Ton Sai and Loh Dalum) offering the quintessential view of the two. The view of the short sandbar between gleaming turquoise water is the ultimate picture of Thai island beauty. For those exploring hiking places in Thailand, the sunset here is unbeatable. Go in the evening; when the sky changes to the colour of violet and apricot, the world becomes perfectly ideal in a moment.
The Vertical Garden: Na Mueang Waterfall Koh Samui.
Na Mueang trail on the island of Koh Samui is a path that takes one to a deep into the jungle where they find two most beautiful waterfalls of the island. The most interesting part is the hike to the “Na Mueang 2” which is a steep and root-covered trail featuring natural infinity pools overlooking the tropical interior of the island. It is a spa of its own as the spray of the falls cools your skin after climbing the tropical mountain, proving that hiking in Thailand can be as refreshing as it is challenging. For the true enthusiast, trekking in thailand often leads to these hidden aquatic gems.
Koh Phi Phi: The Secluded Path: Long Beach Hiking Trail.
In case of congestion in the key perspectives, then proceed to the coastal route to Long Beach. This path does not go over the mountain peaks but goes round concealed creeks and jungle edges. You will skip stones and pass through the backyards of small bungalows where you can at every turn catch a glimpse of the sea. It is a lovely way of viewing the village life of the island and then conclude your walk at one of the best snorkeling areas in the area. This represents the best hiking in Thailand for those who prefer the ocean breeze to mountain peaks.
Viewpoint: The John-Suwan Viewpoint, Koh Tao.
Koh Tao can be described as the diving capital of the world, but it also has great heights that are breathtaking. The climb up to John-Suwan is slight, yet extremely steep and involves some little scrambling over boulders. Upon arrival at the top you are accorded a symmetrical view of the Shark Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Bay. The sharpness of the dark blue water and the green palms are even too bright to be painted. If you are trekking Thailand, don’t let the short distance fool you; the incline is a real workout.
Khao Sok National Park The Wild Heart: Night Jungle Trek.
You have to visit the jungle when the sun is setting and then you can really appreciate it. My choice of a wildcard would be a guided night trek in Khao Sok. The forest becomes different with just a headlamp to follow. You will have the glitter of the eyes of a civet, and the intricate nets of huge spiders, and the symphony of the world by night. It is humbling and exhilarating, it links you to the early wild beat of the earth and offers the most unique experience of hiking in Thailand. This deep immersion is the pinnacle of trekking in thailand.
An Advice to the Pilgrimage: A Hiker’s Wisdom.
Another thing that you should keep in mind before you go away, dear travellers, is that hiking in Thailand is a dance with the elements. The blaze is an unremitting friend, and you must bring water, and far more than you believe you want of it, and you must begin to walk at daylight, to have the golden hour and to avoid the heat of the day.
Protect the paths and the people that own them. It takes a Sawatdee (Hello) and a smile whether you are overtaking someone on a mountain road or a farmer on a valley. Always have a light raincoat on hand, which you can pack into a bag, because when it pours it may pour at any time and good shoes are essential because you need to wear flip-flops at the beach but not out on the hiking trails. Remember that trekking Thailand requires preparation and respect for the local environment.
Closing Thoughts
Thailand is a nation that returns whatever you invest in it. When you keep in the rut you will have a view of its beauty. However, when you tie up your shoes and go to the hills and mountains you will discover its magic through these diverse trails. These hikes are not book roads, but rather openings to the fresh perception of the world.
So, take that first step into the various hiking places in Thailand. The mountains are talking, the jungle is breathing and a more beautiful version of your Thailand holidays is something that just gets round the corner during your hiking adventure.
Safe travels, and May your heart be light and your feet be steady.
Frequently Asked Questions
At daybreak. Early mornings are better, as that way you will not be subject to the heat of the day, and will be able to get in on the golden hour of light.
Yes. Flip-flops are perfect at the beach but a durable hiking shoe is needed in the steep rooty, or rocky, ground
It is a medium spiritual pilgrimage. The half leading to Wat Phra Lat is easy whereas the other half leading to Wat Doi Suthep is sweaty and steep
Enough water (you will never feel like you have ample supply of it), a light rain coat in case of sudden rain, and a respectful attitude towards locals.
The most iconic aerial view of the Andaman Sea and limestone karsts is available in Dragon Crest Mountain (Khao Ngon Nak) in Krabi.
