Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon & Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail Trek

Enjoy the natural splendor of Doi Inthanon National Park on this captivating one-day trek. Just 70 kilometers from Chiang Mai, this tour takes you along the scenic Pha Dok Siew trail, showcasing cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain insights into the local Karen culture and explore this lush, mountainous region. With roundtrip transportation and essential considerations covered, all that’s left is to…

Key Points

• This one-day tour takes visitors to Doi Inthanon National Park and the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, located southwest of Chiang Mai city.
• The tour includes a 2-hour guided trek along the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, which features bridges, stairs, and educational boards about the local flora and fauna.
• Highlights of the tour include visiting the Kings and Queens Pagoda, seeing waterfalls, and experiencing the cultural heritage of the Karen people.
• Transportation is provided, including roundtrip air-conditioned car or minivan from hotels in Chiang Mai’s Old Town and Nimman areas.
• The tour is not recommended for certain groups, such as pregnant women, wheelchair users, and individuals prone to altitude sickness, and proper attire is required.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The activity name for this tour is "Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon & Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail Trek".

The tour is priced from $36.79 per group, lasting for one day with a group size limited to 10 participants.

One-day tour priced at $36.79 per group, with a maximum group size of 10 participants.

It’s available in English, and you can get a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking options include reserving now and paying later.

Key highlights include a 2-hour guided trek on the Kew Mae Pan route, visiting the Kings and Queens Pagoda, waterfalls, viewpoints, and a Karen Village, with optional lunch and photo stops.

Exploring Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park lies 70 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai city center, spanning an impressive 482 square kilometers within the Himalayan mountain range.

The park’s elevation ranges from 800 to 2,565 meters above sea level, with the highest peak being Doi Inthanon. The climate is characterized by high humidity and cold weather year-round, with a rainy season from May to October.

The diverse landscape includes moist evergreen cloud forests, dry evergreen, pine, mixed deciduous teak, and dipterocarp forests.

This natural wonderland offers visitors a chance to explore its rich flora and fauna on well-maintained trails.

Trekking the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail

Within Doi Inthanon National Park lies the popular Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, a trekking destination managed by the local Karen people. Recent enhancements have improved the trail, including bridges, stairs, railings, and educational boards about the area’s flora and fauna. Trekkers can expect a 2-hour guided hike along the Kew Mae Pan route, visiting the Kings and Queens Pagoda, waterfalls, viewpoints, and a Karen village. Optional stops include lunch and photo opportunities. The trail offers a chance to immerse in nature and learn about the region’s unique cultural heritage.

| Trail Features | Highlights | Improvements | Trail Duration |

|—————-|————|—————|—————-|

| Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail | Kings and Queens Pagoda | Bridges | 2 hours |

| Managed by Karen people | Waterfalls | Stairs | |

| Part of Doi Inthanon National Park | Viewpoints | Railings | |

| Kew Mae Pan trekking route | Karen Village | Educational boards | |

Highlights of the Trek

Trekkers on the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail can look forward to a diverse array of highlights.

The 2-hour guided trek showcases the region’s natural beauty, including:

A 2-hour guided trek showcasing the region’s natural beauty, including panoramic viewpoints and refreshing waterfalls.

1. The Karen people’s cultural heritage at a local village.

2. Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the lush, mountainous landscapes.

3. Refreshing waterfalls cascading over verdant cliffs.

4. Educational signage detailing the indigenous flora and fauna.

With recent infrastructure improvements, the trail offers a comfortable and informative experience for visitors to enjoy Chiang Mai’s breathtaking wilderness and gain insights into the region’s indigenous communities.

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Transportation and Pickup Details

For the Chiang Mai Nature Trail Trek, convenient transportation and pickup arrangements are provided. Participants are picked up from their hotels in Chiang Mai’s Old Town and Nimman areas.

The roundtrip journey is by air-conditioned car or minivan. After the 2-hour drive to Doi Inthanon National Park, visitors spend about 15 minutes at the park.

Then, they visit the Grand Pagoda for 30 minutes before embarking on the 2-hour guided trek along the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail. Following the trek, there’s a 1-hour lunch stop and a photo opportunity at Wachirathan Waterfall before the 2-hour return drive to Chiang Mai.

What to Expect and Bring

The Chiang Mai Nature Trail Trek offers an engaging and immersive experience for participants.

The Chiang Mai Nature Trail Trek offers an engaging and immersive experience for participants.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable outing, there are a few essential items to bring:

• Comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots to navigate the trail terrain.

• A lightweight, breathable rain jacket or poncho in case of unexpected showers.

• Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to shield from the elements.

• Snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the trek.

Plus, it’s recommended to dress in layers and avoid wearing flip-flops or tank tops, as certain areas require more modest attire.

Important Considerations

Certain groups may find this trek unsuitable. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those prone to altitude sickness are advised against joining. Babies under 1 year and individuals over 70 are also discouraged.

Proper attire is required – no flip-flops, tank tops, or short pants for pagoda visits. Bring a hat and be prepared for cold, humid weather, especially during the rainy season.

The trek involves stairs and bridges, so a moderate fitness level is recommended. However, the trail has been recently improved with safety features, making it more accessible.

Customer Ratings and Reviews

Customers have generally praised the Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon & Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail Trek, awarding it an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 56 reviews.

Key highlights include:

• 4.7/5 rating for the knowledgeable and engaging guides

• 4.6/5 rating for the comfortable and efficient transportation

• 4.4/5 rating for the overall value for money

• Positive feedback on the well-maintained Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail and the opportunity to experience local Karen culture.

The combination of stunning natural scenery, culture, and professional service has made this tour a hit with adventurous travelers to Chiang Mai.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is limited to 10 participants. The activity overview specifies that the tour has a "Group Size: Limited to 10 participants".

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The group size for this tour is limited to 10 participants, but there is no minimum number required. The tour can operate with just a single participant.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?

No, pets are not allowed on this trek. The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and individuals with altitude sickness. The group size is also limited to 10 participants.

Are Hiking Poles Provided or Can I Bring My Own?

Hiking poles are not provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. The tour company recommends using them, as the trail can be steep and uneven in parts.

Will There Be Any Restroom Breaks During the Trek?

Yes, there will be restroom breaks during the trek. The tour includes stops at various locations within Doi Inthanon National Park, where you will have the opportunity to use restroom facilities as needed.

Recap

The Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon & Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail Trek offers an excellent opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of Doi Inthanon National Park. With a guided trek along the Pha Dok Siew trail, travelers can enjoy breathtaking views, waterfalls, and insights into the local Karen culture. The tour provides convenient roundtrip transportation and caters to various fitness levels, making it an ideal choice for an unforgettable adventure in nature.

You can check if your dates are available here: