7 Amazing Places to Hike in Chiang Mai

Hiking in Chiang Mai is a popular activity in the northern province of Thailand, as it is bountiful in untouched vegetation, meandering rivers, waterfalls, flora, and fauna. Trails through national parks and along the many hill tribe villages are quite popular. The many trails range from easy to hard in terms of difficulty, and most can be undertaken throughout the year, barring a few that are open only during a particular season. 

Here are some places where people can enjoy hiking in Chiang Mai:

1. Doi Inthanon National Park Nature Trails

One of the most popular national parks in the city, Doi Inthanon National Park Nature Trails can be your option for a great hiking experience. The vegetation of this park is known as the moist evergreen cloud forests. There are hiking trails open throughout the year, but some paths are only open during a particular season. You may need a guide to explore the Doi Inthanon National Park.
Highlights
1. In this national park, you can see the highest mountain present in Chiang Mai.
2. It is an excellent place for hiking as while having the adventure, you can see waterfalls, ethnic people, and much more.  
3. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is a beautiful trail that is open during the winter months.
4. Often, you will find monkeys when you go through this place. 

Best Time to visit: Throughout the year
Duration: Depends on the hiking trail that one chooses
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard

2. Doi Pui to Doi Suthep Hiking Trail

People who are just getting into the adventurous mode and want to try their hands at hiking in Chiang Mai will find Doi Suthep quite favorable. One is not required to take a guide when exploring the area. The Monks Trail is quite famous, and it takes about 4 hours to finish it, and the experience is often moderate to hard. One can choose the trail's difficulty according to their capability and interest to explore the whole area.
Highlights
1. The hiking trail takes you to Wat Doi Suthep, a famous temple in Chiang Mai.
2. After visiting the temple, people can indulge in more hiking trails in the Doi Suthep National Park. 
3. The place is noted for coffee plantations and friendly hill tribes. 
4. It provides the hiker insight into flora and fauna in the Doi Suthep area. 
5. The best thing about this place is its easy accessibility to the city.

Best time to visit: All year round
Duration: 2 to 6 hours
Difficulty level: Easy, Moderate and Hard

3. Huay Tung Tao Circular Hike

Huay Tung Tao Circular Hike will take you around the forested area of Huay Tung Tao Lake and lasts 6.9 Kilometres. If you want to enjoy hiking in Chiang Mai, you should take this trail to get an idea about the environment. It is located in the Mae Rim area of Chiang Mai. While hiking, one must remember that the path isn’t well made, so this is mainly for hikers interested in taking on rugged trails. This trail is not for the faint-hearted, as you will often find that you are the only one present here. It is best to keep all the amenities you need while going on this hike.
Highlights
It is a great trail that gives you insight into the wildlife, and you will also find numerous waterfalls.  

Best time to visit: November to March
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty Level: Hard

4. Doi Luang Chiang Dao Hike Trails

If you want to see the raw nature of Chiang Mai, then this hiking trail will give you the adventure of a lifetime. In this, you have to take on a journey of 16.7 Kilometres. To avail of this trip, one must drive from Chiang Mai to Doi Luang Chiang Dao, which takes about 1.5 hours. It is best to make it a 2-day trip as the limited sources in the trail elongate the path. If you decide to stay, pack your camping accessories and enough food for yourself.
Highlights
1. Often, the main attraction of this trail is the wildflowers that grow in the forest. 
2. Doi Luang Chiang Dao Peak is the third highest peak present in Thailand and is known for its limestone cliffs.
3. Other attractions on this trail include hot springs and jungle temples.  

Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty Level: Hard

5. Trails to the Mae Tang River

Since the Mae Tang River is quite close, it can be a great hiking experience in Chiang Mai, as it is one of the easiest hikes to reach the Mae Tang River. One can make it a trip that lasts only a day, but people who want to explore more may invest 2 to 3 days in the other trails. This trail is comparatively on the more accessible side, and you wouldn’t need to cover several steep areas which make people weak.
Highlights
1. The forested area, along with the beautiful waterfalls, makes it a great hiking trip.
2. When you reach the river, you can enjoy swimming or bamboo rafting, which is quite common for tourists.
3. There is also a tribal village where you can go and interact with the people and know more about their daily lives.  

Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Duration: 1 - 3 days
Difficulty level: Easy

6. Mae Wang National Park Trails

National parks are often the best places to enjoy great hiking in Chiang Mai. Some trails begin from the Shan village, and they can go to the Karen village while on the path. It is a hike where the tourists will feel contempt for the adventure, and anyone can avail of this.
Highlights
1. The Mae Wang National Park will provide you with an experience of exploring the forests and the natural wonders that it holds.
2. The Pan Chor Extended Loop is a famous hiking look in the park.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Duration: 1 - 2 days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

7. Green Trails leading to the Lisu Tribe

The Lisu tribe lives in the northern part of Thailand, in the Chiang Mai area. If you are interested in learning more about the tribe, you can take a hiking trip to visit them. Interested people can also stay in a homestay that is available in their area. The village of Hmong Pha Mieng is known to be the dwelling place of the Lisu tribe.
Highlights
1. The tribe is known to be rich in their own culture and customs.
2. After going to them, you can learn more about their lifestyle and their farming ways. 

Best Time: Throughout the year
Duration: About 1.5 hours for hiking
Difficulty level: Moderate

Things to Remember While Hiking in Chiang Mai

• Hiking is available in Chiang Mai throughout the year.
• It is best to avoid Chiang Mai's ‘burning season’. Time changes, so one should research it.  
• Do not litter in Chiang Mai. The forests should be any plastic or pollution.
• Respect the people residing in the forests and also respect the wildlife.
• Do not stray away from the trails; finding your way back can be exhausting.
• If you are hiring a guide, make sure to research him before availing of his service.

Hiking Checklist 

• Weather Appropriate Clothing should be chosen according to the season of visit.
• One should wear proper hiking shoes or boots that fit well
• Enough food and water to last the hiking trip
• A fully charged mobile phone as you will need to take the help of GPS while on the journey
• A travel-friendly first-aid kit
• An insect-repellent spray or cream

So, here are some hiking experiences you can have in Chiang Mai. Hiking in Chiang Mai can be adventurous, and you will remember it. Enjoy responsibly, and we are sure that the trip will become more exciting!