13 Greatest Trails for Hiking in Thailand: A Trekker’s Guide

Misty mountain trails winding through dense rainforests, craggy limestone cliffs overlooking turquoise waters, and ancient temples hidden amidst the tangled jungle. Welcome to hiking in Thailand!

With hundreds of trails crisscrossing its lush national parks, Thailand is a paradise for hikers of all levels. This guide takes you on a journey through 13 of the best hiking trails in Thailand, from beginner-friendly nature walks to multi-day treks for seasoned mountaineers.

13 Best Hiking Places in Thailand

Thailand’s hiking trails offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing nature stroll or a challenging mountain trek. Here are 13 of the best hiking trails in Thailand to add to your adventure bucket list:

1. Doi Inthanon National Park

Rising 2,565 meters above sea level, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s tallest peak. The national park surrounding the mountain is a hiker’s wonderland, with trails winding through lush cloud forests and past roaring waterfalls.

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Distance: Various trails ranging from 2.5 to 8 km

• Location: Chiang Mai Province

• Cost: Rs. 443 (฿300) park entrance fee

• Great for: Avid hikers seeking a challenge, nature lovers, birdwatchers

• Key Tips: The best time to visit is from November to February. Temperatures can drop to near freezing at the summit, so pack warm layers.

Suggested Read:Thailand in February

2. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

This gentle loop trail offers a taste of Doi Inthanon’s stunning biodiversity. The 2.5 km route winds through the mountain’s upper evergreen forest, with viewpoints overlooking endless green valleys.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Distance: 2.5 km loop

• Location: Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

• Cost: Included in park entrance fee

• Great for: Families, beginner hikers, nature enthusiasts

• Key Tips: The trail is closed from June to October. Go early to beat the crowds and catch the sunrise over the valley.

3. Phu Kradueng National Park

Phu Kradueng is one of Thailand’s most beloved hiking destinations. The park’s sandstone plateau rises dramatically from the surrounding plains, offering sweeping views over a sea of clouds.

• Difficulty: Challenging, especially the steep 5.5 km trail to the summit

• Distance: 9 km to the top, then 3 km to the campground

• Location: Loei Province

• Cost: Rs. 295 (฿200) park entrance fee

• Great for: Fit hikers looking for a rewarding climb, campers, sunset seekers

• Key Tips: The trail is only open from October to May. Start early to reach the top by sunset. Camping gear can be rented at the park.

4. Khao Sok National Park

Situated in southern Thailand, Khao Sok is a primeval landscape of soaring limestone karsts, crystal-clear rivers, and ancient rainforests. The park has several hiking trails that immerse you in its untouched wilderness.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Distance: Various trails, from short nature walks to 7 km treks

• Location: Surat Thani Province

• Cost: Rs. 443 (฿300) park entrance fee; additional fees for guided hikes

• Great for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts, waterfall chasers

• Key Tips: The best time to visit is from December to April. Don’t miss the night safari to spot nocturnal creatures like civet cats and slow lorises.

5. Erawan National Park Trail

Erawan National Park is famed for its seven-tiered waterfall, which cascades through the jungle like a liquid staircase. The trail to the top tier is a refreshing hike that rewards you with a dip in the falls’ turquoise pools.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Distance: 1.5 km to the first tier, 2 km to the top

• Location: Kanchanaburi Province

• Cost: Rs. 443 (฿300) park entrance fee

• Great for: Families with kids, casual hikers, swimming hole seekers

• Key Tips: Go on a weekday to avoid crowds. Bring a swimsuit and water shoes for navigating the rocky pools. Watch out for nibbling fish!

6. Khao Yai National Park

Just a few hours from Bangkok, Khao Yai is a convenient escape to the wild. Thailand’s first national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to hundreds of elephants, gibbons, and hornbills.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Distance: Over 50 km of trails ranging from 1-8 km

• Location: Nakhon Ratchasima Province

• Cost: Rs. 591 (฿400) park entrance fee; additional fees for guided hikes

• Great for: Wildlife lovers, waterfall enthusiasts, families

• Key Tips: The dry season from November to April has the best weather for hiking. Haew Narok Waterfall is a must-see. Book a night safari to glimpse wild elephants.

7. Dragon Crest Mountain (Khao Ngon Nak)

Don’t let the name intimidate you – Dragon Crest is a rewarding climb for hikers of all levels. The trail ascends through dense jungle to a viewpoint overlooking the Andaman Sea and Hong Islands.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: 3.7 km to the top

• Location: Krabi Province

• Cost: Free entry; Rs. 74 (฿50) parking fee

• Great for: Hikers wanting a workout, Instagrammable viewpoint seekers

• Key Tips: Start early to reach the top by sunrise. Bring plenty of water and snacks. The trail can get slippery, so wear shoes with good traction.

8. Doi Suthep Monks Trail

This historic trail was once used by monks journeying between Chiang Mai city and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. Today, it’s a tranquil hike through the jungle that ends at the temple’s gleaming golden chedi.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: 7 km one way

• Location: Chiang Mai Province

• Cost: Free entry; donations welcome at the temple

• Great for: Culture and history buffs, temple lovers, spiritual hikers

• Key Tips: Dress modestly and respectfully for the temple visit. Combine with a trip to nearby Bhubing Palace gardens.

9. Ban Jabo Hilltribe Trek

This multi-day trek takes you into the remote villages of Thailand’s northern hill tribes, where traditional ways of life still thrive. You’ll hike through the mist-shrouded mountains of Mae Hong Son, sleeping in village homestays along the way.

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Distance: Varies by tour, usually 15-20 km per day

• Location: Mae Hong Son Province

• Cost: Around Rs. 7,380 (฿5000) per person for a 3-day trek, including guide, meals, and homestays

• Great for: Culturally curious hikers, off-the-beaten-track adventurers

• Key Tips: Be respectful of village customs and traditions. Bring gifts like school supplies for local children. Pack light, as you’ll be carrying your own gear.

10. Tiger Cave Temple Hike

Tucked into a jungle-covered cliff near Krabi town, Tiger Cave Temple is reached by a steep 1,237-step staircase. The heart-pumping climb is worth it for the stunning 360-degree views from the top.

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Distance: 1,237 steps to the top

• Location: Krabi Province

• Cost: Free entry; donations welcome at the temple

• Great for: Active travelers, view seekers, spiritual hikers

• Key Tips: Go early or late to avoid the midday heat. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Don’t feed the monkeys along the trail.

11. Koh Jum Island Hike

This little-known island between Krabi and Ko Lanta is a hidden gem for hikers. Koh Jum’s jungle-clad hills are crisscrossed with trails leading to secluded beaches and local villages.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Distance: Varies, from short beach walks to half-day treks

• Location: Krabi Province

• Cost: Free; boat transfer from Krabi or Ko Lanta required

• Great for: Couples seeking a romantic getaway, beach bums who want to explore

• Key Tips: Combine hiking with lazy beach days and snorkeling trips. Stay in a rustic bungalow for an unplugged escape.

12. Khao Luang Peak

Soaring 1,780 meters above the southern plains, Khao Luang is the highest peak in Thailand’s Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range. The strenuous trail to the top rewards hikers with cloud-level views over the surrounding forest.

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Distance: 6 km one way

• Location: Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

• Cost: Rs. 295 (฿200) park entrance fee; guide required

• Great for: Experienced hikers seeking a tough climb, peak baggers

• Key Tips: The trail is steep and can be slippery. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Hire a local guide, as the route is not well marked.

13. Phanom Rung Historical Park Hike

More of a leisurely stroll than a hike, the trail through Phanom Rung Historical Park is still worth adding to your list. The path leads up an extinct volcano to the spectacularly preserved ruins of a 12th-century Khmer temple complex.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: 1 km from the parking lot to the temple

• Location: Buriram Province

• Cost: Rs. 222 (฿150) park entrance fee

• Great for: History enthusiasts, photographers, families with kids

• Key Tips: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Stop by the visitor center to learn about the temple’s history.

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FAQs

What are the different types of hiking trails in Thailand?

Thailand offers a diverse range of hiking experiences, from short nature walks to multi-day treks. Some popular types of trails include:

• Waterfall hikes, like Erawan and Haew Narok

• Mountain summit climbs, such as Doi Inthanon and Phu Kradueng

• Coastal hill walks, like Dragon Crest and Koh Jum

• Jungle treks in national parks like Khao Sok and Khao Yai

• Cultural hikes to hill tribe villages and ancient ruins

What is the best time for hiking in Thailand?

The best time for hiking in Thailand depends on the region, but in general, the dry season from November to April offers the most comfortable conditions. In the north and northeast, the cool season from November to February is ideal. In the south, the monsoon rains last from May to October, so aim for the drier months.

What is the longest trail in Thailand?

The 100-km Mae Hong Son loop from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is one of Thailand’s longest hiking routes, taking 5-7 days to complete.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Thailand?

The climb to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 meters, involves an elevation gain of over 1,000 meters from the trailhead.

What is the most popular and difficult trail in Thailand?

The trail to the summit of Phu Kradueng is one of Thailand’s most popular and challenging hikes, with a steep 5.5 km climb to the top.

Are there camping trails available in Thailand?

Yes, many of Thailand’s national parks have camping facilities and multi-day trails, such as Phu Kradueng, Khao Yai, and Khao Sok.

Are there running trails available in Thailand?

While not as common as hiking trails, some parks like Khao Yai have shorter paths suitable for trail running.

Are there biking trails available in Thailand?

Thailand has a growing number of mountain biking trails, particularly around Chiang Mai and in Khao Yai National Park. However, for those interested in hiking in Thailand, it’s important to note that biking is not allowed on most hiking trails within the national parks. While mountain biking offers an exciting way to explore the country’s natural beauty, hiking remains the primary way to experience Thailand’s diverse landscapes on foot.