Hiking Doi Luang Chiang Dao: a complete guide

A great idea for the cool season

When the cool season starts in Thailand, many people make their way for the mountains. If you want an amazing (but very adventurous and local) experience, consider hiking Doi Luang Chiang Dao. For many Bangkokians or people from the South the cool weather is an attraction in itself. After all, they don’t have the opportunity to experience this in their home region. But without a doubt the main highlight is to see the amazing vista’s with magical sunsets and sunrises. During the cool season the air is usually clear and thanks to the cool weather, there is a high chance to see a sea of fog. Standing on the top of a mountain with the world below you covered in a carpet of clouds really is an amazing experience!

There are plenty of places in Thailand where you can see a see of clouds in wintertime, like Doi Inthanon, Doi Pha Hom Pok or Doi Angkhang. But trekking to Doi Luang Chiang Dao is by far the most adventurous option in the North. It is Thailand’s third highest peak, but the highest limestone peak. This makes it a really unique and unparalleled place when it comes to trekking. There is some preparation involved though, so here is a guide to get started. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Important things to know about Doi Luang Chiang Dao

Before you get all exciting about your trek to Doi Luang Chiang Dao, there are a couple of important things to know:

• The trails to Doi Luang Chiang Dao are only open from November ^1st until March ^31st.
• The daily visitor limit is 150 people.
• The only way to stay overnight is in tents
• There is no electricity and running water on the mountain.
• There are no shops or places to get basic supplies on Doi Luang Chiang Dao.
• Technically you need a guide to escort you during the trek

Looking at the above, you can understand that some advance planning is needed. Let’s have a look at the details so you know how to make the right choices.

One day or overnight trip?

Reading up on the hike, the accommodation and the facilities on the mountain, you may be in doubt. While it is technically possible to do the hike up and down Doi Luang Chiang Dao in a single day, I would not recommend it. Take note that you need to be in excellent physical shape, otherwise there are serious risks involved. You will also miss out on the sunset and sunrise, both of which are absolutely breathtaking and the highlight of the trip!

If you still decide to give it a try, I recommend to start at dawn. This way you will have the most time, and avoid some of the heat. Technically you will need a guide for the day trip, but it seems that the National Park officials are ready to make an exception. You just need to clearly that you plan to get down the same day. To make your way up and down Doi Luang Chiang Dao in one day, the Pang Wua trail is the best way to go.

The sunrise and sunsets are worth the stay!

I would highly recommend to stay one night on the mountain, some people even stay two! It will break up the trek in two separate days which makes it a lot more accessible. You will also be able to go up and down using a (partly) different route. But the main selling point is the world class 360 views at sunset and sunrise. It does mean you need to deal sleeping on a cold mountain in spartan conditions. The main camping ground is called Ang Saloong, it is located near the top of the mountain. From there you can easily access the 2 major viewpoints.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao: with or without a guide?

Except if you go for the one day challenge (see above), this question really is a no brainer. Besides it being required by law, having a guide along with you has real benefits. If you would go alone, you would need take care of every single little thing by yourself. That includes carrying your clothes for 2 days, but also a tent, mattress and sleeping bag, cooking equipment, food, drinking water and all your other personal stuff like a camera, etc. You would also need to arrange transportation to and from the trailheads.

On the other hand, if you hire a guide he will take care of most of these things for you. Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a considerable source of income for the communities living in the area. They work together to offer various services to tourists, which is really great to see. At the beginning of the season, a tented camp will be set up at the camping ground, and it stays there for the whole season. Throughout the season guides and carriers will make their way up and down the mountain, carrying with them food, water and other supplies.

A local guide to help with logistics is the way to go!

As you can guess by now, I would recommend on going with a guide. It takes away some of the logistic hassle and supports the local community.Don’t expect anything in terms of language skills though. If you expect explanations and a local to talk to, you probably should book via an agency.

Your guide is your connection in the logistic network and he will take care of all the details for you. This includes the transportation. Keep in mind that if you go with a group of people, the help of carriers will probably be needed. Of course you need to pay for your guide and carriers, but the fees are modest. And you can pat yourself on the shoulder, because you are directly supporting the local communities.

Which trail to take on Doi Luang Chiang Dao?

There are 2 trailhead that both lead up to the camping site near the top. They both start on different sides of the mountain, about 2 kilometers from the camp site they converge. With about 8.5 kilometers, the Den Ya Khad trail is the longer one, but it is also less steep.

The Pang Wua trail is only about 6,5 kilometers long, but with considerably steeper parts. You can go up and down either of the same trails, it is really up to your preference. If you want to get in more kilometers you can take to longer route both ways. Or if you want the hike to be shorter but more intense, you can take the Pang Wua trail both ways. The Den Ya Khad trail is further away and a bit more difficult to access. But the drive is scenic and an adventure in itself!

Mix and match to get the most out of your trip

If you do a 2-day trip, I suggest to go up the Den Ya Khad side, and down via the Pang Wua trail. That way you will have the most variation in your trip. You start with a nice drive to the starting point, and from there start hiking along a rolling path. If you start early and keep a steady pace with some rests for lunch, snacks and pictures you should arrive at the Ang Saloong camp site around mid-afternoon.

You should have some time to get settled and relax a bit before going up the viewpoint for sunset. After catching the amazing vista’s it’s time for dinner. The camp is sometimes a bit noisy, but it usually quiets down early too. After all everyone wakes up early for the sunset.

After admiring the sun come up over the clouded valley, you can have breakfast and start making your way down. This time I suggest you take the Pang Wua trail, it is shorter and going down the steeper parts is considerably easier than going up. If you keep a steady pace you will be down at the trailhead mid afternoon. If you are not in a hurry you can go to the backside of the mountain and have a coffee at one of the scenic homestays. It’s very satisfying to take in the views of the majestic mountain, knowing you were all the way up there!

Doi Luang Chiang Dao: practical information & fees

If you want to arrange everything by yourself you will need some time. You need to contact the National Park Office to apply for the permit before you start your trek. The good news is that they can also arrange a local guide, transportation and carriers if needed. The bad news is they open around 8.30am in the morning, which is already too late if you want to make your way up the mountain on the same day.

The safest thing in order to arrange the permit and guide is to go to Chiang Dao a couple of days in advance. (Remember there is a daily quota of 150 visitors per day?) During the peak season it is possible that the quote is reached well in advance. In that case you will need to wait until the next available day.

Costs and fees

While some of these are fixed by law, others are up for negotiation. It will all depend who you contact, which route you plan to take, language skills etc. But the below information should help to give you a rough idea:

• Doi Luang Chiang Dao National Park entrance fee: 200THB/person
• Entrance fee for a car: 30THB/car
• Tent fee: 30THB / tent
• Trash deposit: 600THB/group
• Guide for the overnight trip: 1.000THB-2.000THB/guide (depends on language)
• Carrier: 400-800THB/carrier
• Transportation to/from starting points: 2.000THB – 3.500THB/car for the round trip (starting from Chiang Dao city or cave area)
• Meal cost: approxi  mately 150-250THB/person per meal

If you still need some more information after reading all of the above, feel free to contact me!

---

Have you ever hiked Doi Luang Chiang Dao? Don’t hesitate to share your experience in the comments. We have some other write-ups on great hikes in Thailand, like Khao Ngon Nak in Krabi, or the highest peak of Koh Chang Island. Make sure to check them out! If you are looking for other ways to escape the crowds in Southeast-Asia, just check our city visit section to find it all in one place!

---