The Top 10 Mountains In Thailand
If you’re an adventurer or hiker or enjoy a good view, Thailand has some of the best mountains in Southeast Asia. From the rugged peaks of Doi Inthanon to the stunning vistas of Doi Ang Khang, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 mountains in Thailand, exploring everything from their unique features to the best times to visit and activities you can indulge in. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a scenic walk, we’ve got you covered. Remember to bring your camera along because the pictures you take at the top of these mountains will undoubtedly be the ones you’ll cherish forever.
1. Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, with an elevation of 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level. It is located in northern Thailand in the Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. Doi Inthanon is part of the Thanon Thong Chai Range, which runs along the western edge of the Thai highlands.
Doi Inthanon is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. The mountain is home to many plant and animal species, including several rare species of birds. The area around Doi Inthanon is known for its traditional hill tribe communities and cultural attractions, such as temples and waterfalls. Many visitors come to hike or camp on the mountain and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep is a mountain located in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, and is also the name of the temple on the mountain. The temple is officially known as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and is one of Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temples.
According to legend, the temple was built in the late 14th century after a monk named Sumana discovered a relic said to be a bone fragment from the Buddha’s shoulder. The relic was placed on the back of a white elephant, which then climbed the mountain and circled the site before laying down and dying, indicating where the temple should be built.
The temple featured a golden chedi (stupa) visible from miles away and surrounded by smaller chedis, statues, and other ornate decorations. Visitors can climb a long staircase to reach the temple or take a cable car up the mountain. The temple is a popular tourist attraction and an important site for Buddhist pilgrims.
3. Doi Pha Tang
Doi Pha Tang is a mountain located in the northern part of Thailand, near the border with Laos. It is part of the Phi Pan Nam Range in Chiang Rai province.
Doi Pha Tang is known for its stunning natural scenery and cool, temperate climate. It is particularly famous for its sea of mist that blankets the valley below, especially during the winter months. The mountain is also home to various unique flora and fauna, including many species of wildflowers and butterflies.
Due to its location and natural beauty, Doi Pha Tang has become a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a scenic drive up the mountain to enjoy the views or hike along one of the many trails in the area. There are also several hill tribe villages where visitors can learn about the local culture and way of life.
4. Khao Yai
Khao Yai is a national park located in Thailand northeast of Bangkok. It is one of the country’s largest and most visited national parks, covering an area of 2,168 square kilometers. The park is known for its stunning scenery, including waterfalls, mountains, and forests, as well as its diverse wildlife.
Some of the animals found in the park include elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons, and various species of birds. In addition to its natural beauty, Khao Yai is home to several tourist attractions, including hiking trails, viewpoints, and camping areas. The park is easily accessible from Bangkok and is a popular destination for locals and tourists.
5. Khao Luang
Khao Luang is a mountain located in the southern region of Thailand, specifically in the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The mountain is a popular tourist destination because it is home to the Khao Luang National Park, known for its natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and historical and cultural significance.
The Khao Luang mountain range has several peaks, with the highest point being 1,835 meters above sea level. The area is covered in lush tropical rainforest, and the park has several waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails for visitors to explore. One of the park’s main attractions is the Khao Luang cave, which has a large chamber filled with stalactites and stalagmites and is home
to over 170 Buddha images.
Khao Luang National Park is also an important historical site, as it was once a major center of the Srivijaya Empire, which ruled Southeast Asia from the 7th to the 13th century. The park has several ancient temples and ruins, including Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, a famous temple that houses one of Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist relics.
6. Phu Kradueng
Phu Kradueng is a mountain and national park in the Loei Province of northeastern Thailand. The mountain rises to an elevation of 1,316 meters (4,318 feet) and is a popular destination for hiking and camping.
Phu Kradueng National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of animals such as elephants, tigers, bears, and deer. The park is also known for its waterfalls, cliffs, and scenic viewpoints.
The park is open to visitors year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cool and dry season between November and February. To reach the summit of Phu Kradueng, visitors must hike a 5.5-kilometer trail that winds through forested areas and steep inclines. Once at the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the sunset.
7. Phu Chi Fa
Phu Chi Fa is a mountain peak in the Chiang Rai province of northern Thailand. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic views, especially at sunrise when visitors can see a sea of mist and the sun rising over the mountains. Phu Chi Fa is also known for its unique geological features, including unusual rock formations and cliffs.
The area is home to several hill tribe villages, and visitors can learn about the local culture and enjoy traditional Thai cuisine. Phu Chi Fa is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, as several trails lead to the peak, including a challenging hike that takes around two hours. In addition, the mountain is also home to several temples and monasteries.
8. Doi Mae Salong
Doi Mae Salong is a mountainous region located in northern Thailand, near the border with Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). The region is home to a community of Chinese immigrants, the “Yunnanese,” who fled China during the Communist Revolution and settled in Thailand in the 1960s.
Doi Mae Salong is famous for its tea plantations, cultivated by the Yunnanese people using traditional methods. The region’s cool climate and high altitude make it ideal for growing tea, and the area is known for producing some of the best oolong tea in Thailand.
In addition to tea, Doi Mae Salong is known for its scenic beauty, with misty mountains, lush forests, and picturesque waterfalls. The region is popular with tourists who hike, trek and explore the local culture and cuisine.
9. Doi Ang Khang
Doi Ang Khang is a mountain located in the province of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty and cool climate. The mountain is known for its extensive flower gardens and farms, which grow various crops, including strawberries, coffee, and cabbage. Visitors can explore the farms and gardens and enjoy the scenic views of the mountain and the surrounding area.
In addition to the agricultural attractions, Doi Ang Khang is also home to several hill tribe communities, such as the Karen and the Hmong. Visitors can learn about these communities’ unique cultures and traditions through various cultural activities and tours. Doi Ang Khang is also a popular destination for hiking and trekking. Several trails lead through the mountain’s forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
10. Doi Phu Kha
Doi Phu Kha is a mountain range located in the province of Nan, in northern Thailand. The highest peak in the range, Doi Phu Kha, reaches a height of 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level. The area is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The Doi Phu Kha National Park, established in 1992, covers an area of 1,224 square kilometers and includes a variety of habitats, from high-altitude evergreen forests to lowland mixed deciduous forests.
The park is home to various plant and animal species, including rare birds, primates, and carnivores. The local communities in the area are known for their unique culture and traditional way of life, and visitors to the park can learn about the local customs and traditions by visiting the nearby villages.
Conclusion
Thailand has much more to offer than just pristine beaches, and rich culture — the stunning mountain ranges stretching across the country’s northern borders offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes. With lush greenery, vibrant flora and fauna, and expansive views, Thailand’s mountains have it all. At Chiang Mai Hiking Tours, we offer the best hiking trails in the mountains of Thailand, particularly in the Chiang Mai area. Our team is passionate about hiking, and we are dedicated to helping you find the best trails to explore, no matter your experience level. To get started, call us at +66821421464!