Baan Pong - Short White Temple Loop • Chiang Mai Trail Running

Distance: 6.6 kilometers

Elevation: 290m

Difficulty: Easy

What to expect on this trail?

You could consider this Baan Pong short trail loop the next step up (or even on par) from our Basic Baan Pong Trail Loop. It’s a great route for beginners looking to start with some hill training or a good training run. The paths are generally easy to follow and are well worn with noticeable junctions. You can expect some nice views along the way which provide for great resting points and photo opportunities.

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Baan Pong Short Trail Loop at the White Temple in detail

The trail starts just behind the main temple and you’ll notice a white gateway that welcomes you to a short and steep stair climb. Although challenging, it leads to you a rewarding viewpoint as you reach the White Temple. Quite quickly you will continue right round the temple and go downhill on a cemented road before taking a right U-turn onto the trail.

Here, you’ve entered the dense forest where you can easily follow the path along the ridgeline. Around kilometer 2 you will come to a junction. Keep going straight and you’ll come towards a short climb up the ridgeline. This can be a tricky climb as there are some loose rocks however it isn’t too long of an uphill as you can see the top.

At around kilometer 2.7 you’ll notice that there is another crossroad where both paths lead in the same direction. The left-most path takes you along a less common trail and can be a bit more tricky to navigate. There is a nice viewpoint between the trees however the right-hand trail is more popular and also allows for a pleasant journey.

There will be one more major jungle junction that you come across shortly after. Turn left at this junction as you will now be making your way back towards the White Temple. The forest will slowly disappear and the picturesque views will begin to appear. The trail will eventually open up onto a bridleway as you descend into the village.

Just keep an eye out on your watch so you don’t miss the major turns and so you don’t miss the wonderful White Temple from where you started your journey.

Tips for this trail

There is parking space just opposite the white temple and provides ample room to park motorbikes and cars
The route is accessible to all levels of runners, but shoes with good grip are recommended. There is a relatively steep ascent with loose gravel and rocks. Good shoes can help a lot on those!
There is a road and a stairway leading up to the white pagoda on the hill nearby. Both are great for interval training, and both are brutal!
For a post-run coffee or snack, you can check out Brand New Field Good, a scenic local spot that is very popular with Instagrammers. Another place nearby is Hern Lhin Resort a popular stop for cyclists on the Samoeng loop.

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