11 Best Hikes in Thailand You Must Try
Hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Thailand.
But, the best hikes in Thailand will make you reconsider this, as the country offers impressive adventures on its many nature trails.
What Thailand lacks in towering mountains, it makes up for in incredible scenery. Thailand is a real adventurers’ paradise with dense jungle, beautiful beaches, and many fascinating creatures.
If you’re planning a hiking trip in Thailand, the northern part is the most mountainous, with the best hiking experiences. That’s why we cover it in our Thailand tuk-tuk tours.
Ready to take on Thailand’s best trails? Here are our top choices for hikes in the country.
1. Doi Inthanon
Location: Chiang Mai Province
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 2 - 4 hours
Best for: Experiencing Thailand’s highest peak and diverse ecosystems
Doi Inthanon, known as “The Roof of Thailand,” is the country’s highest mountain. Standing tall at 2,565 meters above sea level, it’s an epic hike up to the top.
The hike to the summit offers a unique journey through different ecological zones, from dense cloud forests to montane meadows.
The trail is relatively easy, with well-maintained paths, but the high altitude can make the air feel thinner, which might be challenging for some hikers.
A highlight of the Doi Inthanon hike is the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail, a short boardwalk through an ancient moss-covered forest.
The final ascent to the summit is gentle, with a viewing platform at the top offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The summit is also home to the twin stupas, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Nophamethanidon, built in honour of the King and Queen of Thailand.
Our Northern Thailand tuk-tuk adventure stops in Doi Inthanon National Park and includes a spectacular hike around the trails here.
2. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
Location: Chiang Mai Province
Distance: 3.4 km circular trail
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Best for: Stunning panoramic views and easy nature walk
While we’re on the topic of Doi Inthanon National Park, we’ve also got to mention this trail as one of the best hikes in Thailand.
The trail is short but packed with breathtaking views and natural beauty. The hike starts in a dense, misty forest, where the cool air and thick canopy provide a refreshing escape from the tropical heat.
As you ascend, the forest gradually gives way to open grasslands, where the trail follows the mountain’s ridge.
The views from the ridge are spectacular, with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
One of the main highlights is the viewpoint at Station 9, which offers a perfect spot to catch the sunrise. The trail also passes by the Mae Pan Waterfall, which is well worth a stop.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
3. Doi Suthep Monks Trail
Location: Chiang Mai Province
Distance: 6.6 km one way
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Best for: A blend of hiking and cultural exploration
The Doi Suthep Monks Trail is a popular day hike in Chiang Mai. It leads to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. It’s one of Thailand’s best hikes for a unique cultural experience.
The trail starts near the Chiang Mai Zoo and winds its way up the forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain.
The path is steep in places and can be challenging, especially during the hot season. However, the cool shade of the dense forest helps keep the temperature down.
The first part of the trail takes you to Wat Phra Lat, a serene temple hidden in the jungle.
The temple is much less crowded than Wat Doi Suthep and offers a peaceful place to rest and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
From Wat Phra Lat, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging.
The final destination is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside.
The temple is one of the most important in northern Thailand, with its golden chedi and intricate architecture attracting visitors worldwide.
After exploring the temple, you can hike back down or take a taxi for a more relaxed descent.
4. Tiger Cave Temple
Location: Krabi
Distance: 1 km
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Best for: A challenging climb to a temple with stunning views
The hike to Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is short but intense, with 1,260 steep steps leading to the summit. It’s one of the best hikes in Thailand for great views after a short climb.
The temple sits on top of a 278-meter-high limestone outcrop, offering breathtaking views of Krabi Town, the surrounding jungle, and the Andaman Sea.
The hike is physically demanding, especially in the tropical heat, so make sure you carry plenty of water and take breaks along the way.
At the top, you’ll find a giant golden Buddha statue and a few smaller stupas, all overlooking the stunning landscape below.
The temple is named after a legend that tigers once lived in the surrounding caves, and while there are no tigers today, the area is still home to many mischievous monkeys, so keep an eye on your belongings.
5. Dragon Crest Mountain
Location: Krabi
Distance: 7.2 km round trip
Duration: 2 - 4 hours
Best for: Challenging hike with breathtaking panoramic views
Dragon Crest Mountain, also known as Khao Ngon Nak, is one of the most spectacular hikes in Krabi.
The trail starts at the Khao Ngon Nak National Park entrance and immediately begins to climb, taking you through dense jungle and past towering limestone cliffs.
The path is well-marked but can be steep and rocky in places, making it a challenging hike.
As you ascend, the trail offers occasional glimpses of the surrounding landscape through the trees, but the real reward comes at the summit.
From the top, you’re treated to an incredible 360-degree view of Krabi’s limestone karsts, lush forests, and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Phi Phi Islands.
The summit also has a famous rock ledge that juts out over the valley, providing a perfect spot for those daring enough to snap a dramatic photo.
The hike down is more leisurely but requires caution, especially on the steep sections. This hike is best done early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to enjoy the clearest views.
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6. Khao Yai National Park
Location: Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Distance: Varies, up to 50 km
Duration: 2 - 3 hours per trail
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts and jungle trekking
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest national park, is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Needless to say, it offers some of the best hikes in Thailand.
The park boasts over 50 km of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks deep into the jungle. It is famous for its rich biodiversity, including elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and even the elusive clouded leopard.
One of the most popular hikes is the trail to Haew Suwat Waterfall, which was made famous by the film The Beach.
The trail is relatively easy and winds through the jungle, offering opportunities to spot wildlife.
Another popular route is the trek to Haew Narok Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the park, where you might spot wild elephants if you’re lucky.
Khao Yai is also known for its cooler climate, especially in the winter, so it can be a great place to hike away from the tropical heat.
7. Na Mueang Waterfall Hike
Location: Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province
Distance: 2 km round trip
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Best for: A scenic hike with a refreshing waterfall experience
The Na Mueang Waterfall Hike on Koh Samui perfectly blends adventure and relaxation.
The trail takes you through a lush tropical forest filled with towering trees, flowers, and wildlife sounds. It is relatively short and easy to navigate, making it a good choice for hikers of all skill levels.
The trail leads to two beautiful waterfalls, Na Mueang 1 and Na Mueang 2. Na Mueang 1 is easily accessible and features a large pool for a refreshing dip.
If you’re after more adventure, continue to Na Mueang 2, which is a bit more challenging to reach but offers an even more secluded and tranquil setting.
At the end of the hike, you can relax by the waterfall, swim in the natural pools, or take in the area’s stunning natural beauty. The hike is best done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
It’s a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Koh Samui away from the busy beaches.
8. Khao Sok National Park
Location: Surat Thani Province
Distance: Varies depending on the trail
Duration: 2 - 6 hours per hike
Best for: Immersive jungle trekking and wildlife encounters
Khao Sok National Park is a jewel of southern Thailand, known for its dramatic limestone karsts, ancient rainforests, and rich biodiversity. The park offers a variety of trails, from short walks to challenging treks deep into the jungle.
The hikes in Khao Sok all offer the chance to see rare species like the Rafflesia flower, one of the largest flowers in the world.
You might also spot wildlife, including elephants, gibbons, and hornbills.
One of the most popular hikes is the trail to Ton Kloi Waterfall, which takes you through dense jungle, across rivers, and past towering limestone cliffs.
The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep sections, but the reward at the end is a stunning waterfall surrounded by rainforest.
Another must-do hike is the Cheow Lan Lake trail, which involves a boat trip across the lake to reach the trailhead.
The hike is relatively short but offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding karsts.
If you’re after a more intense hiking experience, you could join a multi-day jungle trek with an overnight stay in a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake.
9. Huay Kaew Waterfall
Location: Chiang Mai Province
Distance: 1 - 3 km round trip
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Best for: A quick urban escape with scenic views
Huay Kaew Waterfall offers a perfect quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai.
Located just outside the city near the Chiang Mai Zoo, this short hike is ideal if you’re looking for a quick but rewarding nature experience.
The trail to the waterfall is relatively easy. It has a gentle incline and passes through a lush, green forest.
The hike begins at the base of the waterfall. You’ll walk through several small pools, where locals often stop to cool off on hot days.
The path is well-marked and shaded by trees, making it comfortable even during the warmer months.
The waterfall is not that big, but it’s beautiful, especially after the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak. The surrounding area is peaceful, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view.
10. Koh Jum
Location: Krabi Province
Distance: Varies depending on the trail
Duration: 2 - 6 hours
Best for: Tranquil island hike with beach and jungle views
Koh Jum is a hidden gem in Krabi Province, offering a peaceful and uncrowded hiking experience.
The island is small and less developed than other nearby islands, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
The hiking trails on Koh Jum are relatively easy. They pass through jungle, rubber plantations, and pristine beaches.
One of the best hikes on the island is the climb to Khao Koh Pu, the highest point on Koh Jum. The trail to the summit is steep in places but well worth the effort.
As you ascend, you’ll pass through a dense jungle filled with the sounds of birds and insects.
The summit offers panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, with the Phi Phi Islands visible on the horizon on clear days.
Another great hike is along the island’s western coast, where you can walk along quiet beaches, explore rocky headlands, and take in beautiful sunset views.
The trails on Koh Jum are not well-marked, so bringing a map or hiring a local guide is a good idea.
After your hike, you can relax on one of the island’s many secluded beaches and swim in the warm waters.
11. Um Phang
Location: Tak Province
Distance: Varies depending on the trail
Duration: Multi-day treks
Best for: Hardcore adventurers and those seeking a remote wilderness experience
Um Phang is one of the most remote and wild areas in Thailand. It is located near the border with Myanmar in Tak Province.
It’s not that easy to get to, but it does offer some of the best hikes in Thailand if you’re after an adventure.
The area is famous for its rugged terrain, dense jungles, and spectacular waterfalls, including the towering Nam Tok Thilawsu, the largest waterfall in Thailand.
Due to its remote location, hiking in Um Phang is not for the faint of heart, but those who make the journey are rewarded with some of the country’s most pristine and untouched wilderness.
Most hikes in Um Phang are multi-day treks that require a guide. The trails take you deep into the jungle, where you’ll cross rivers, climb steep mountains, and navigate through dense vegetation.
The highlight of any trek in Um Phang is the visit to Nam Tok Thilawsu. The waterfall is best seen during the rainy season when it is at its most powerful.
The trek to the waterfall is challenging, with steep climbs and river crossings.
Summary
Hiking in Thailand is always a great adventure, whether you climb the country’s tallest mountain or take a leisurely nature trail walk.
Be prepared for the intense heat, humidity, and mosquitos on the trails. Hiking in Thailand is exhausting, so always come prepared with plenty of water.
Want to experience the best of Thailand in an action-packed adventure away from the regular tourist spots? Then check out our fun tuk-tuk trips across Northern Thailand for the adventure of a lifetime.
