A Complete Guide to 3 Beautiful Doi Inthanon Hikes

Planning your trip and trying to choose between the best Doi Inthanon hikes? 

We’ve been there too.

Spending hours scrolling through blogs, comparing trails, wondering which ones are actually worth it and trying to figure out how long each one takes. 

Given that Doi Inthanon National Park is somewhat off the main tourist track, it can be tricky to find reliable info on the various hiking trails, which, let’s be honest, is a huge pain when you’re trying to make a bulletproof plan. 

If you’ve been frantically searching “hikes in Doi Inthanon”, the chances are you’ve come across the Kew Mae Pan Trail, the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail and maybe the shorter Ang Ka Trail tucked near the summit.

But how do they actually compare?
Do you need a guide?
Can you do more than one in a day?
Which one’s best for photography or just escaping the crowds?

We’ve hiked all three, camera in hand. And now we can walk you through what to expect from each one. 

We’ll break down the pros and cons of each trail, including the gear we actually used and the best times to visit. 

Whether you’re after panoramic ridgelines, peaceful forest paths, or a quick stretch of the legs between photo stops, we will help you figure out which trails are right for your Northern Thailand itinerary.

Map Of Hiking Trails in Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is home to a few epic hiking trails, but they’re not all in the same area and getting between them can take a bit of time.

Two trails, Kew Mae Pan and Ang Ka, are located near the summit of the park, while Pha Dok Siew starts lower down, closer to Mae Klang Luang village.

We’ve added all three trailheads to the map below to help you visualise their locations and plan your route accordingly.

If you want to hike more than one trail in a day, you’ll need your own transport or a private driver.

There’s no public transport inside the park and walking between them would take far too long, so it’s not recommended. Plus, you’d have zero energy left for the hikes after choosing this option and that’s no fun.

Each trail offers something completely different from misty forest boardwalks and ridgeline views to rice terraces and waterfalls, so it’s worth reading on to find out which ones suit your hiking style and are worth a slot in your no doubt, packed itinerary!

When Is The Best Time for Hiking In Doi Inthanon?

The best time for trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park is during the cool, dry season, which is between November and February. 

This is when the trails are all open, the foot paths are dry, the skies are clear and the temperatures are ideal for walking (especially in the mornings).

We hiked all three trails in November and the conditions couldn’t have been better. Cool air, clear light and no mud. Perfect for both photography and hiking.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect across the seasons:

✅ November–February: The best window. Dry and cool weather and great visibility. Ideal for sunrise hikes with that magical sea of clouds on Kew Mae Pan and peaceful village walks on Pha Dok Siew.

❌ June–October: Rainy season. Kew Mae Pan trail is closed annually during this time to protect the environment. Pha Dok Siew may remain open, depending on the weather, but can be slippery or inaccessible if conditions are bad.

⚠️ March–April: It’s burning season in Northern Thailand so the air quality drops significantly and the views might be obscured by haze. It’s also much hotter.

🕓 Best time of day?

Early morning…generally.

It’s cooler, quieter and the light is softer, which is especially important if you’re photographing landscapes or hoping for mist and cloud inversions on the Kew Mae Pan Trail. If you’re not a morning person, then opt for after 3pm!

What are the Doi Inthanon National Park Opening Hours?

Doi Inthanon National Park is open every day, all year round from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

How Much Time Do You Need For Each Doi Inthanon Hike?

If you’re trying to squeeze a hike or two into your Doi Inthanon itinerary, it helps to know what each walk actually involves. 

One is a quick loop near the summit, while the other two can easily end up being half-day treks with forest trails, waterfalls and local guides.

Here’s a side-by-side look at the three main hikes:👇

Trail	Distance	Time Needed	Difficulty	Guide Required
Kew Mae Pan	3.5-4km	2-3 hours	Moderate	Yes
Pha Dok Siew	3-4km	3-5 hours	Moderate	Yes
Ang Ka	360m	20-30 minutes	Easy	Yes

👉 Kew Mae Pan is best for mountain views, ridgelines and that famous sea of clouds. You’ll need to hire a Hmong guide at the trailhead (set price, no need to book ahead).

👉 Pha Dok Siew offers a quieter trail through the forest, rice terraces and waterfalls. A local guide is also required and hired at the trailhead. Your walk ends at Mae Klang Luang village, a local hill tribe village and a great spot for post-hike coffee, which we never refuse!

👉Ang Ka is a short, elevated boardwalk loop located at the park’s highest point through the cloud forest. No guide needed.

Ticket Cost For The Doi Inthanon Hikes

The Doi Inthanon National Park ticket cost covers access to all major Doi Inthanon hikes and trails.

• 300 THB per person for foreign visitors (7 GBP or 9 USD)
• 50 THB for Thai nationals
• Valid for five days, so you can explore other parts of the park without paying again

There’s no extra charge to access the trails themselves, though guides are required (and paid separately) for Kew Mae Pan and Pha Dok Siew – 200 THB per group. (4.50 GBP / 6 USD).

The 3 Best Hiking Trail in Doi Inthanon

1. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

One of the most popular hikes in Doi Inthanon National Park, Kew Mae Pan is known for its panoramic ridgelines, sea of cloud views and a glimpse of the Royal Twin Pagodas. 

The loop winds through mossy forests, subalpine meadows and golden grasslands. Offering varied terrain and incredible viewpoints along the way.

It’s pretty unique, very scenic and photogenic.

But it’s also the busiest trail in the park. You’ll need to hike with a Hmong guide, and timing is everything if you want to enjoy the trail without the crowds.

2. Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail (Our personal favourite!)

If you’re after a quieter, more authentic trek in Doi Inthanon National Park, the Pha Dok Siew Trail is the one to choose! 

This route winds past dramatic waterfalls that have been used as backdrops to famous Thai movies, over bamboo bridges and through flower farms.

You will meander around rice terraces and past picturesque farm buildings before ending in the Karen hill tribe village of Mae Klang Luang. Where you will sip complimentary tea and coffee brewed and grown right on the surrounding slopes.

Unlike the dramatic ridgelines of Kew Mae Pan, this trail offers something deeper and wilder. It’s peaceful, rugged, photogenic and full of small moments that make it one of our favourite hikes in Northern Thailand.

3. Ang Ka Nature Trail

The Ang Ka Nature Trail isn’t a hike in the traditional sense. 

It’s a short, atmospheric 360-metre boardwalk loop through cloud forest near the summit of Doi Inthanon, just a few steps from Thailand’s highest point.

Surrounded by moss-covered trees, cool mountain air and filtered light, this walk feels more like a peaceful nature escape than a proper trek. 

There are tons of signs describing the eco systems and wildlife in the forest which make it not just fun but educational too. 

It’s a great add-on if you’re already visiting the Twin Pagodas or the summit and the only opportunity to explore a trail in Doi Inthanon without a guide. 

It’s also really easy compared with the other two hikes, as it’s pretty flat and along well-maintained wooden boardwalks.

Essential Tips to Make the Most of Doi Inthanon Hikes

Hiking in Doi Inthanon is a ton of fun, but there are a few things to know before you lace up your boots (or trainers).

These tips will help you stay comfortable, respectful, and ready for anything the trails throw your way.

👚What To Wear

• Sturdy footwear is essential, especially for Pha Dok Siew and Kew Mae Pan. Think trail shoes, hiking boots or hiking sandals (if it’s dry!) with grip.

• Bring a light fleece or jacket, especially if hiking in the morning. The summit can be surprisingly chilly, even in the dry season (we had 10°C at Ang Ka and boy did we feel it).

• If you plan to visit the Royal Pagodas after your hike, bring a scarf or long sleeves as you’ll need to dress modestly.
  

🎒What To Bring

• A reusable water bottle – we recommend Water-to-Go filter bottles, as they can be used almost anywhere and filter out viruses and bacteria. Keeping you hydrated, safe and reducing single-use plastics!

• Water and snacks – none of the trails have vendors along the trail and you’ll want energy for those stair climbs. 

• Toilet tissue – The toilets are decent, but don’t expect tissue so bring your own.

• A small backpack – just enough for your essentials and camera gear.

☀️Other Essentials

• Insect repellent – especially for forest sections like Pha Dok Siew and Ang Ka.

• Sunscreen – even shady trails have exposed sections and no one enjoys sunburn!

• Cash – for guide fees, snacks and the return ride from Pha Dok Siew. There are no ATMs in Doi Inthanon National Park, so be sure to bring enough cash with you.

🥾Trail Etiquette

• Guides are required for both Kew Mae Pan and Pha Dok Siew. They’re not just for safety, they help protect the environment and the income supports local communities.

• Stay on the marked trail, no stepping into rice fields for the ‘perfect shot’ and leave nature as it is. No picking flowers or taking rocks as “souvenirs”, try and leave everything as you find it.

• Ask before photographing people, including your guide. Many are happy to be in your photos, but it’s always polite to check.

Doi Inthanon is full of photogenic opportunities, but timing, light and packing the right gear can make all the difference. 

Whether you’re after dramatic landscapes, quiet forest scenes, or a perfect waterfall frame, here are a few things to keep in mind when photographing the hikes.

⏰Timing is Everything

• Kew Mae Pan is best just after sunrise due to the softer light and a chance of sea of clouds views if the conditions are right, usually in the dry season.

• Pha Dok Siew shines in the late afternoon, when golden light hits the rice terraces and the forest feels still and peaceful, plus you’ll miss the crowds.

• Ang Ka is at its most atmospheric early in the morning or during misty conditions – perfect for soft forest shots.

📸What To Pack

• Compact Camera – A compact camera is perfect for hiking. It’s light to carry and miles better than phone photos for capturing those epic views.
  
• Wide-angle lens – Ideal for waterfalls, forest textures and expansive scenes.

• Zoom/telephoto – Great for compressing layers in rice terraces or spotting wildlife.

• Travel tripod – Optional, but helpful for long exposures at Pha Dok Siew’s waterfalls.

• Lens cloths – Essential during rainy season or near waterfalls.

• Camera protection – Rain covers or dry bags are worth bringing if the forecast looks mixed.

☀️Composition and Light

• For forest scenes, shoot low or frame upwards to capture canopy light and textures. Be mindful of your ISO and shutter speed in changing light.

• Look for leading lines along the boardwalk at Ang Ka or through the bamboo bridges at Pha Dok Siew for interesting compositions.

• Golden hour at Pha Dok Siew’s terrace is absolutely stunning! We missed the “perfect” season as the rice had already been harvested, but it still looked beautiful!

• Be ready for shifting light in the cloud forest, especially on overcast days or near the summit.

🙏Ethical Travel Photography

• Avoid stepping off trails or into fields for a shot, even if it looks tempting. Sticking to the trails means the surrounding ecosystems are not damaged.

• If photographing people (guides, villagers), ask first. Many are happy to be included, especially if you offer to share the photo with them.

• Capture the story, not just the scene. Some of your best images will come from quiet, real moments and small details.

How To Get To Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai

Doi Inthanon National Park sits about two hours southwest of Chiang Mai and offers some of the most accessible hiking in Northern Thailand, as long as you have your own way to get around.

It’s also one of the most popular day trips from Chiang Mai, and it’s a great way to reconnect with nature after spending time in the city!

However, trailheads are spread out. Without your own vehicle, you’ll find it hard to reach the trailheads at the right time for photography, unless you hire a private driver. 

Here’s how to get to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai:

🚗Drive Yourself (Best Option for Photographers)

This is the option we always recommend and certainly the best one if you love travel photography as much as we do!

Renting a car gives you full control over your start times, which is ideal if you want to catch sunrise at Kew Mae Pan or explore Pha Dok Siew in the late afternoon when the terraces glow.

It also means you can hit as many photo spots as you can squeeze into your itinerary!

• The drive from Chiang Mai Old Town takes around 2–2.5 hours, depending on your route and stops.
  
• Roads are well-paved and easy to navigate, even if it’s your first time driving in Thailand.
  
• Be sure to download offline maps, as mobile signal can be patchy in the mountains.
  

We hired a car through Booking.com for almost three weeks and had a great experience!

The booking process was simple and the pickup was smooth. If you’re thinking of doing the same, make sure you bring an International Driver’s Licence, which you’ll need to rent and drive legally in Thailand. You can apply for this in your home country before your trip.

🚐Join A Private Or Small Group Tour

If driving’s not an option, a guided tour is your next best bet. 

Many Doi Inthanon day tours include stops at the Twin Pagodas, summit viewpoint, short trails like Ang Ka and some also offer guided walks on the Pha Dok Siew trail.

Make sure to check the itinerary if you’re hoping to hike, as not all tours include the full trails or allow enough time to walk at your own pace.

🚌Public Transport (Not really Practical)

While it’s technically possible to reach the park via a series of local songthaews, it’s not a good option for hiking or photography. 

Services are irregular, don’t run early, and once inside the park there’s no public transport at all. Getting between trailheads like Pha Dok Siew or Kew Mae Pan would mean hitching a lift. We did see some people trying to hitch a lift, and they weren’t smiling… 

It might save money, but honestly? You probably won’t enjoy the experience.

✅Our Recommendation

If you’re serious about photography or just want a slower pace, stay overnight near Chom Thong or Mae Klang Luang village and hire a car. 

It’ll save you the long early morning drive and make it easier to catch the best light on the trails without rushing.

We stayed five nights in Chom Thong and hired a car and this gave us complete flexibility to see everything we wanted, when we wanted and get to places during golden hour!

Where to Go Next After Hiking in Doi Inthanon

If you’ve ticked off the major Doi Inthanon hikes and still have time, then you’ll be pleased to know the park has so much more to offer! 

There are plenty of other things to do in Doi Inthanon beyond hiking.

Whether you’re here for the day or staying overnight nearby, you can easily build a full itinerary around the area’s waterfalls, viewpoints and cultural temples.

• Wachirathan Waterfall – A dramatic and thunderous cascade, this is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park. 

• Mae Klang Waterfall – A peaceful, multi-tiered waterfall framed beautifully by rocks and trees. It’s often quieter than others and makes a lovely, scenic stop near the park entrance.

• Mae Ya Waterfall – Our personal favourite! Mae Ya is one of Thailand’s tallest waterfalls, with wide, layered cascades that are picture-perfect for photographers. 

• Sirithan Waterfall – A smaller waterfall, but still worth a visit if you are passing by. Just don’t plan your itinerary around it. It’s a short 5-minute walk to a viewing platform that offers an easy little stop-off.

• Visit the Twin Royal Pagodas, with manicured gardens, a café and lots of beautiful artwork.

• Visit the summit of Doi Inthanon – Thailand’s highest point and home to the iconic marker sign, where you too can snap a photo standing underneath it, probably shivering just like everyone else.

Planning Around Your Hike? Try these Pairings!

• After Kew Mae Pan, head to the summit or the Twin Pagodas, both are just a few minutes away

• Ang Ka makes a perfect warm-up or cool-down walk if you’re already in the summit area and you want to grab a quick cup of coffee and a snack from the little café.

• Combine Pha Dok Siew with a stop at Mae Klang Waterfall or lunch in the hills near the village

Where To Go Next in Northern Thailand

Doi Inthanon is just one chapter in Northern Thailand’s hiking and slow travel scene. 

If you’re craving more mountain air, misty sunrises and peaceful places to wander with your camera, here are a few of our favourite next stops to add to your North Thailand itinerary.

• 🫖 Doi Mae Salong – Misty hilltops, sprawling tea plantations and Yunnan-Chinese culture

• 🌄 Phu Chi Fa Forest Park– An epic viewpoint above the clouds, ideal for sunrise hikes and wide landscapes

• 🛕 Lampang and the Floating Pagodas– Home to a dramatic mountaintop temple and serene rural scenes, often skipped by most tourists