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Ten of the Best Mountains in Thailand

Most people who visit the tropical SE Asian region of Thailand may not be aware of it, but there’s actually much more to this country than just sandy beaches, exotic cuisine and all manner of nightlife.

And although Thailand is indeed home to some of the most impressive and exotic-looking beaches in the world, it is actually also true to say that the country is blessed in many ways with some of the most diverse terrain and landscape in the world. 

It’s true to say that many visitors are aware of the tropical island scenarios along the coast lines of the south of Thailand, although they may not know how, upon deeper investigation, this country turns out to be in a fantastic spot for a variety of other outdoor-type activities.

These outdoor activities may not necessarily be the type that spring to mind for everyone who considers Thailand as a holiday destination – especially hiking, for instance – this is the tropics after all, isn’t it?.

Image by arcibald sourced from creativecommons.org

In strict geographical terms, the planes of Thailand could be considered as being comprised of two rather broad areas – namely the main section stemming from the north, and a comparatively smaller southern area, which is an extension of the peninsular.

It is definitely the Northern regions of Thailand, however, that are characterized by stretches of mountain range which form part of the scenery. These include the hills that stretch from bordering Myanmar and Laos, with their river valleys running through them.

Needless to say, any potential hikers or outdoor types heading in the direction of the land of smiles would do well to head straight to the north, with its considerably cooler climes at certain times of year.

That’s not to say that there are no mountains to be found in the south of the country – far from it in fact, as some areas of the southern regions of Thailand are firm favourites with rock climbers – but the heat does tend to make it somewhat overbearing for those used to hiking in somewhat cooler temperatures.

Northern Thailand’s mountain regions quite simply offer beautiful and picturesque views to die for, and for said outdoor-types who consider hiking along elevated mountain ranges as the ideal vacation pastime — this is the region of the country to head for.

Image by cosmikbandito sourced from creativecommons.org

Hiking is an especially invigorating thing to do when visiting Thailand’s many mountain ranges and hills, which have numerous trails perfect for just such an activity. The tropical climate does tend to be somewhat cooler in the northern and more specifically elevated regions of the country.

Undoubtedly some of the best mountains in Thailand to take a hike up to have been included here, and these are also likely to be some of the best spots from which to witness (and capture) the most stunning views. So without further adoo, and starting with the highest, let’s check out ten of the best mountains in Thailand.

1. Doi Inthanon

It’s probably fitting to start with the country’s highest mountain, which stands 2,565 metres above sea level.

Located in the northern national park of the same name, Doi Inthanon is famous for its ultra-prominent peak.

Image by nejumy sourced from wikimedia commons

The mountain is around two hours away from the city of Chiang Mai, and is a popular tourist destination with both locals and tourists, actually accessible by road. This is probably the one mountain in Thailand that you should visit just to say that you have, and at the top there is an amazing nature trail surrounded by even more amazing scenery. 

Image by kemeish sourced from wikimedia commons

2. Doi Pha Hom Pok

The second-highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Pha Hom Pok near Chiang Mai is 2,285 metres high.

This mountain is much more remote than the other high mountains in the country—Doi Inthanon and Doi Chiang Dao.

Image by eartheart123 sourced from wikimedia commons

The hike up to the top of this summit starts at an area known as the Kiew Lom Campground (actually the highest campground in Thailand), which makes it a 3.5 kilometres trip, one-way. This is a particularly scenic region with views like you wouldn’t believe, along with the occasional waterfall and plenty of plant and wildlife. 

3. Doi Chiang Dao

Apparently Doi Chiang Dao is the 3^rd highest mountain in the country, and it is often referred to as ‘the greatest one-day hike in northern Thailand’, which gives some indication as to why people may go there.

Image by cosmikbandito sourced from creativecommons.org

This particular Thai mountain is reached via a somewhat challenging uphill hike. In its entirety, roundtrip-wise, the trek takes around eight hours, so anyone attempting this one will need to be well-supplied with food and water.

4. Khao Mokoju

At just under 2,000 metres above sea level, Khao Mokoju (or Khao Mo Ko Chu) should be the fourth highest mountain in Thailand, although at some point the ‘facts’ might start to become disputable.

This giant geographical talking point is the largest mountain in another northern national park, this time Mae Wong National Park. This particular Thai mountain destination may be one for die-hards though as a five-day-long trek is involved in actually reaching the summit.

Image by 27tula sourced from wikimedia commons

The trek does provide much by way of wildlife spotting though, as in this region you may be privvy to catching sight of such rare breeds as Lar gibbons, Malaysian tapirs, various types of monkeys — and who knows what else?

5. Doi Ang Khang

Doi Ang Khang is another one of the ‘biggies’ in terms of Thai mountains, at just over 1,900 metres high.

Located three hours away from Chiang Mai , Doi Ang Khang is set amidst a natural expanse of mountains, valleys and forests. Ideal for a hike, mists often cascade around this mountain which is dotted with various plants and sometimes unique flowers.

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Late-winter (Thai winter, that is) is the time to catch glimpses of the real variety of colours of the area, with Himalayan Cherry Blossoms and Thai Sakura to name but a few being in bloom.

6. Doi Ma Muang Sam Muen

This is another Thai high spot (1,800 metres) requiring something akin to a mammoth expedition to reach.

This time, the hike to the peak of Doi Ma Muang Sam Muen is an exhausting 18-kilometre overnight haul. Needless to say, this can be quite a challenge for many hikers, as the climb up the nether regions of this misty mountain range is a steep one.

Image by kwhisky from wikimedia commons

The reward is worth the risk though, as the views are typically amazing. You can even catch a glimpse of Thailand’s highest waterfall (Pitugro or Pe To Lo Su) from this range

7. Phu Lang Ka

We are only on the seventh northern mountain range and you could be forgiven for already thinking that the north of Thailand is just one big national park.

It certainly seems that way, and Phu Lang Ka National Park is where our 7th mountain of the same name can be found, this time standing just over 1,700 metres high.

Image by hanuman sourced from creativecommons.org

From the peak of this Thai mountain, you can behold a breathtaking, misty scenario which encompasses a rural valley resplendent with limestone outcrops and forests. Get those cameras ready for when the fog carpeting below is visible.

8. Doi Pha Tang

This mountain in Thailand is located a bit closer to the bordering Laos, more than 150 kilometres out from Chiang Rai in Thailand’s far north.

Doi Pha Tang Mountain is situated in the national park of this region known as Pha Daeng National Park. The rocky outcrops close to the top of the peak are an Instagrammer’s dream, and the views from this point are nothing short of spectacular.

Image by arcibald sourced from creativecommons.org

This is Mekong River region, and home to the Luang Prabang mountain range on which this beast sits. The hike up to Doi Pha Tang is comparatively easy when considering some of the others on this list, and this spot in general makes for a great day out from Chiang Mai.

9. Phu Chi Fah

Phu Chi Fah is situated within 25 kilometres of the aforementioned Doi Pha Tang, making a combined trip to both mountains an ideal day trip.

This popular mountain has a well-grooved path leading up it, and needless to say the peak facilitates stunning panoramic views, complete with mist. In fact, as this particular area is characterized by mist, you’ll often find yourself up in the clouds, which can mean some pretty amazing photography for the like-minded.

10. Khao Chang Pueak

Khao Chang Pueak is easily the smallest and the most easily-accessible mountain on our list today, and is found in the western region of Thailand known as Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi can actually be reached in just a few hours by road from Bangkok, and is close to the border of Myannmar. At just 1,249 metres, Khao Chang Phueak is the third-highest peak in the Kanchanaburi region, but it is considered as one of the most beautiful.

Image by chaiyathat sourced from wikimedia commons

The hiking trail that is used to ascend the great rock is eight-kilometres in length, but please take note if you are considering making the trip – only 60 people per day are allowed up the mountain — so it’s necessary to register at the Thong Pha Phum National Park visitor centre first to ensure a chance of getting up there.