Places for Trekking in Thailand

Trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the best things to do in Thailand. Here you get a chance to trek to Thailand’s highest mountain Doi Inthanon, which stands 2565 feet tall. The peak is covered in mist for most of the year and the prime attraction of Doi Inthanon are the 3 scenic waterfalls. While trekking to the summit you will cover a total distance of 47 kilometers and on the way you will come across a few small villages of Karen and Hmong hill tribes. The best trekking trails here are the slopes covered in mist. Filled with a variety of lichens, epiphytes, orchids, and mosses, this location is also home to over 400 bird species. 

• Distance: Around 5 to 10 kilometers, depending on the trail
• Duration: Around 1 to 2 days 
• Entry Fees: For locals THB 50 and foreigners THB 300 
• Highlight: twin pagodas, 3 scenic waterfalls, misty slopes, the highest peak in Thailand, and dense forests. 
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Located around 70 kilometers away from Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is one of the best places for trekking in Thailand and it also showcases the distinct aura of trekking in the region. The trekking trails here will take you through the refreshing tea plantations and after a few times, you will come across serene rivers, dense jungles, and a small village in the middle of towering trees. The total duration of this trek will be around 6 to 7 hours and you can spend some time at the top relaxing and admiring the beauty of nature. This is a moderate to challenging level trek which requires a good level of fitness. 

• Distance: Around 8 to 12 km each day 
• Duration: Max 2 to 3 days 
• Entry Fees: No fee applicable 
• Highlight: serene rivers, remote villages, dense jungles, and limestone caves 
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Mae Hong Son Loop is one of the most popular places for trekking in Thailand. Some of the treks here can be completed in just a few hours making them ideal for adding to your day tour itinerary. You can also go for a longer or full-day trek which will keep you thrilling throughout the day. Longer treks will take you into the Burmese border’s mountains where you will also get a chance to visit the Karen villages. You can take a 1 or 2-hour-long drive from Mae Hong Son towards your start point and start your trek which involves trekking in the mountain for hours followed by village visits. Trekking in the Mae Hong Son region is ideal for backpackers this is perfect for everyone whether you seek adventure or just want to relax in the lap of nature. 

• Distance: Around 6 to 10 km on each trail 
• Duration: Around 1 to 3 days 
• Entry Fees: No entry fee applicable 
• Highlight: Hill tribe, Rice paddies, and beautiful views
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is famous for two mountains located in the park; Doi Pui and Doi Suthep. Situated in the Chiang Mai Province, this national park covers a total area of 265 square kilometers. These two mountains within the park are the main attractions here and they provide the best trekking trails in Doi Suthep National Park, making a perfect spot for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. A few popular trekking trails here are Monk's Trail, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple Trail, and  Buddha's Footprint Trail. While trekking on these popular trails, you will get a chance to witness spectacular views, spot a variety of flora and fauna, and visit beautiful waterfalls and temples. 

• Distance: Around 4 to 7 km, depending on the trail
• Duration: Half day to 1 day 
• Entry Fees: THB 30 
• Highlight: Dense forest, Monk's Trail, Buddha's Footprint Trail, and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple Trail. 
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Located in Northern Thailand, Phu Chi Fa is a popular trekking destination in Chiang Province. This place attracted trekking enthusiasts with its captivating sunrise views. Nestled on the top of a hill, this forest also offers breathtaking views of the picturesque surroundings and a beautiful valley below. With about a 20 to 30-minute hike you can reach at the top of Phu Chi Fa Peak and get rewarded with mesmerising sunrise views. This is one of the most popular peaks among tourists so you must expect a good crowd at the top. Once you reach the top, along with the sunrise you can also enjoy the panoramic views of lush green surroundings and picturesque mountains nearby. 

• Distance: Around 2 km to the viewpoint 
• Duration: Around 1 to 2 hours 
• Entry Fees: Entry fees not applicable 
• Highlight: Sunrise views and misty valleys 
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top trekking trails in Thailand which attracts several nature and adventure lovers by offering a unique trek experience. With rugged mountains and serene rain forests, this is one of the places for trekking in Thailand for adventurers looking for an off-beaten-path experience. One of the prime attractions of this place is the highest waterfall in Thailand which is Thi Lo Su Waterfall to reach here you will have to complete a challenging yet scenic trek which rewards trekkers with stunning views once they reach the final spot. A trek through the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary also provides a chance to visit the local Karen villages and learn about their traditions and culture. 

• Distance: Around 10 to 20 km 
• Duration: Max 3 to 5 days 
• Entry Fees: Entry fees not applicable 
• Highlight: Thi Lo Su Waterfall and jungle trekking experience. 
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Famous for picturesque, terraced waterfalls with a natural swimming pool beneath, the Erawan National Park is one of the famous places for trekking in Thailand in the west of Bangkok. 

The prime highlight of hiking in Erawan National Park is that the trails lead to the seven tiers of the Erawan Waterfall and you can even get a chance to swim or just relax in the natural pool with crystal clear water, surrounded by lush greenery. The hike to the upper tiers of the waterfall is moderate and requires a good fitness level while the lower tiers can be easily accessible by everyone with basic fitness. 

• Distance: 3 km to the waterfall 
• Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours 
• Entry fees: For locals THB 100 and THB 300 for foreigners
• Highlight: Erawan Waterfall and crystal clear water pool. 
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Located near Bangakok, Khao Laem National Park covers a total area of over 1500 kilometers. This national park is well-known for being a paradise for wildlife junkies and adventure enthusiasts. This national park was made on December 5, 1987, in honor of the 60th anniversary of King Bhumipol Adulyadej. Inside this national park, you can enjoy hiking or trekking to explore the prime attractions and dense forest while enjoying walking through the nature trails. While exploring this national park you can also enjoy birdwatching. During the trek, visitors might get a chance to spot some animals including gaurs, elephants, tigers, barking deer, and wild boars. 

• Distance: Around 5 to 8 kilometers per trail
• Duration: Half to 1 day 
• Entry Fees: THB 200 
• Highlight: Dense Bamboo forest, waterfalls, and panoramic views
• Difficulty Level: Easy

If you are an adventure junkie looking for a thrilling trek then Khao Yai is probably one of the best places for trekking in Thailand. This place has some exceptional hiking and trekking trails that promise an adrenaline-rushing adventure. While trekking here you can spot a variety of flora and a network of trails that take you to some serene waterfalls. This place is famous for night trekking which adds more excitement and adventure to your overall trek journey. You can also enjoy a camp stay at the two famous camping sites namely Pha Kluai Mai and Lam Takong. The prime highlights of night trekking in Khao Yai are Unventured trails and virgin forests that take you to picturesque locations.

• Distance: Around 3 to 5 km 
• Duration: About 2 to 3 km 
• Entry Fees: THB 400 
• Highlight: Stunning night views, nocturnal animals, and virgin forests 
• Difficulty Level: Easy

The Sai Yok is one of the best national parks for trekking in Thailand. This place is well-known for its cascading waterfalls and limestone mountains. Covering over 958 square kilometers of area this park has some rare animals which can be spotted while trekking or hiking. The prime highlight of this park is that you can explore it without the help of a guide. This park is also not so crowded but you might see a few people like you who love to explore nature’s beauty. Trekking here allows you to spot animals like barking deer, elephants, water monitors, sambar deer, and a few others. After completing the trek you can enjoy delightful Thai meals at the floating restaurants inside this national park. 

• Distance: Around 4 to 6 kilometres 
• Duration: Half-Day 
• Entry Fees: THB 300 
• Highlight: Floating restaurants, caves, views of the river and 
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Enjoy trekking in Thailand’s supreme rainforests which have a variety of beautiful waterfalls, caves, swimming holes, and rich flora and fauna. You can choose a guided trek that suits your level and enjoy exploring the lush green surroundings. Here you will have one of the best experiences of jungle trekking in Thailand followed by a stay in the woods (as per your choice). Here you will never run out of things to do. After crossing 11 km of this jungle you will get a chance to indulge in exciting activities like rafting, climbing, rappelling, elephant bathing, and so many others. Being one of the scenic trekking spots in thailand, Khao Sok Jungle attracts 

• Distance: Around 6 to 10 kilometers 
• Duration: About 1 to 2 days 
• Entry Fees: approx THB 300 
• Highlight: Vibrant Wildlife, Rainforests of Thailand, and Cheow Lan Lake. 
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Krabi is one of the most popular locations in Thailand where you can find many limestone cliffs covered in lush green forests. This place is perfect for jungle trekking in Thailand and the trekking trails here offer stunning viewpoints which let you have a closer look at the tropical flora and fauna. The most rewarding jungle trekking trail in Krabi is the Dragon Crest Trail or Khao Ngon Nak. Jungle hiking is the most fun-filled experience through the mangroves. Each trail here has its uniqueness. If you like birdwatching then Bang Kram National Park is perfect. Monkey Trail is an ideal short-distance trek but the only drawback of this trail is that you might come across a large population of monkeys on the way. 

• Distance: Around 4 to 7 km 
• Duration: At least Half or 1 day 
• Entry Fees: Starts from THB 200 
• Highlight: Rainforest trails, hot springs, and crystal clear water natural pool 
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Standing 565 meters tall from sea level the Dragon Crest Mountain or Khao Ngon Nak offers a thrilling experience of mountain trekking in Thailand. The path surrounded by rocks and trees takes you to the hilltop and from there you can see the Aong Nang town, sea, beach, and other natural wonders. This hilltop also offers some wonderful sunset views and a waterfall at the foothill will relax you after a long trek. While this is a 1.5-hour long moderate and steep trek; the views from the top are worth all the effort. The total distance you will cover is around 3.7 km and this well-maintained trail attracts many trekkers with its scenic beauty. 

• Distance: Around 3 to 4 km for one way 
• Duration: Around 2 to 3 hours to get to the top 
• Entry Fees: Fee not applicable 
• Highlight: Sunset views, waterfalls, picturesque views, and islands.

Named after two mountains Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park covers a total area of around 84 square kilometres. The forest of this national park covers other protected sites in Cambodia and Thailand. This national park is popular for its scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, cliffs, and limestone mountains. The mountains of this national park stand at an elevation of 1,000 meters covered in lush greenery. While trekking here you will also get to spot some animals including elephants, bears, gaurs, leopards, pileated gibbons, and wild boars. This park is popular among locals and tourists so you must expect a good crowd during the high season. This national park attracts good crowds even on normal days during the rainy season. 

• Distance: Around 4 to 6 km for each trail 
• Duration: 1 day 
• Entry Fees: For locals THB 40 and for foreigners THB 200 
• Highlight: limestone caves, wildlife animals, limestone mountains, and Khao Chamao waterfall 
• Difficulty Level: Easy

The Khao Khitchakut National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Thailand and it just covers an area of around 59 square kilometres. The park is popular for its waterfalls and numerous hiking trails. This national park attracts visitors with its natural charm and spiritual significance. This park has Buddha Footprint which is a site worshipped by Buddhists and it attracts several pilgrims every year. Beyond this, Khao Khitchakut National Park is also famous for its vibrant flora and fauna and lush rainforests. A trek in this national park perfectly combines culture, nature, and spirituality. 

• Distance: Around 2 to 3 hours to reach the Buddha Footprint 
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours 
• Entry Fees: For foreigners THB 200 and for locals THB 20 
• Highlight: Spiritual significance, natural beauty, and lush rainforests. 
• Difficulty Level: Easy

There are many national parks in Thailand and many of them just have a few waterfalls in the name of attraction and spending your time and money on them is not worth it. But there are some fantastic national parks as well, which are blessed with amazing natural features and stunning landscapes. Sam Roi Yot National Park is one of the best ones and it has some of the top trekking trails in thailand which are ideal for campers and nature lovers out there. Some of the best trekking trails here are Khao Dang Viewpoint, Thung Sam Roi Yot Lotus Field Loop, Khao Sam Roi Yod Cave Northeast, Khao Sam Roi Yot Northwest, and a few others. 

• Distance: Around 3 to 5 km for each trail 
• Duration: Half day to 1 day 
• Entry Fees: THB 40 for locals and THB 200 for foreigners
• Highlight: Beaches, limestone peaks, viewpoints, and diverse landscapes. 
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

The Kradueng National Park in Thailand is easily accessible by a challenging long hike and it is also one of the most popular national parks in Thailand it is most loved by the locals and tourists here. This park is renowned for its long trail, pleasant winter months, scenic viewpoints, and picturesque waterfalls. Unlike other national parks in Thailand, this park is easily accessible by public transport from Bangkok and other nearby provinces. This national park is not a wildlife spotting destination but trekkers might get a chance to spot a few mammals around. The most commonly seen animals here are the sambar deers. 

• Distance: Around 9 km for one way 
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours 
• Entry Fees: THB 40 for locals and THB 400 for foreigners. 
• Highlight: Scenic waterfalls, viewpoints, and sunrise/sunset points. 
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Located in the Northern part of Thailand, Huai Nam Dang National Park is popular for offering a diverse range of hiking experiences, catering to all skill levels. Here you will find short and easy hiking trails to moderate and challenging ones. The prime highlights of trekking in this national park are the waterfalls like Mae Yen Waterfall, natural hot water springs, and remote villages. The most suitable time trekking here is during the winter months, between November and February. Make sure you stay on the designated trails and do not spread waste on the trail. 

• Distance: Around 3 to 5 km for each trail 
• Duration: 1 day 
• Entry Fees: THB 40 for locals and THB 300 for foreigners. 
• Highlight: Hot springs, blooming flower gardens, and scenic views of mountains. 
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate