The Roof of Thailand – 2,565 Meters

Highlight: Standing at 2,565 meters, Doi Inthanon is the absolute highest point in Thailand. Unlike other peaks, you can drive all the way to the summit. The highlight is the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (open Nov–May), a wooden boardwalk hugging the cliffside that offers a spectacular sea of mist at sunrise. Don't miss the Twin Royal Pagodas, surrounded by gorgeous flower gardens just below the summit.

Opening Time: Park open daily 05:30 – 18:30. (Kew Mae Pan Trail is open Nov 1 – May 31).

Location: Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai.

How to get there:

- From Chiang Mai (Old City): The easiest way is a "Red Truck" (Songthaew) charter or a joined minivan tour (approx. 2 hours).

- Public Transport: Take a Yellow Bus from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Chom Thong (approx. 40 THB). From Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, look for the yellow Songthaew queue that goes up to the National Park HQ and summit.

The Second Highest Summit – 2,285 Meters

Highlight: Doi Pha Hom Pok offers the second-highest elevation but feels much wilder than Inthanon. It is famous for its "sea of mist" that looks out over the border into Myanmar. The summit requires a short but steep hike (3.5 km) from the Kiew Lom campsite. It is also home to Thailand's highest geyser at the park headquarters.

Opening Time: Daily, 08:00 – 16:30 (Camping available year-round).

Location: Fang District, Chiang Mai (Near Myanmar Border).

How to get there:

- From Chiang Mai: Take a bus or minivan from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Fang District (approx. 3 hours, ~150 THB).

- Local Transfer: From Fang town, you must hire a 4WD pickup truck (local charter) to drive up the rugged road to the Kiew Lom Campsite (approx. 1 hour drive). Note: Regular cars cannot make this drive.

The Majestic Limestone Giant – 2,225 Meters

Highlight: Doi Luang Chiang Dao is the third-highest peak and arguably the most beautiful. It is a massive limestone mountain that requires a booking in advance to hike. The trail is strictly regulated to protect rare alpine flowers and the serow (goat-antelope). The summit offers a 360-degree view that feels like you are standing on an island in the sky.

Opening Time: Seasonal Only (Nov 1, 2025 – Feb 2026). Advance booking via the "Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary" website is mandatory.

Location: Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai.

How to get there:

- From Chiang Mai: Take the orange bus from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Chiang Dao Bus Station (approx. 1.5 hours, 40 THB).

- To the Trail: You must arrange a local 4WD transfer from the bus station to the trailhead (Den Ya Khat), usually organized as part of your trekking package or local guide service.

The Misty Pine Forest – 2,102 Meters

Highlight: Famous for its Pine Yard (Lan Son), Phu Soi Dao offers a unique landscape that looks more like Europe than Thailand. During the rainy season (Aug–Oct), the field is covered in purple Crested Naga flowers. The hike is challenging (6.5 km steep uphill), often called the "mountain of mud" in the rainy season, but the misty pine forest at the top is unforgettable.

Opening Time: Reopens annually from July 1 – January 15. (Closed for restoration Feb–June).

Location: Chat Trakan District (bordering Uttaradit/Phitsanulok).

How to get there:

- From Bangkok: Take a train or bus to Phitsanulok.

- Local Transfer: From Phitsanulok Bus Terminal, take a local bus to Chat Trakan. From Chat Trakan market, you must charter a local taxi/pickup to the National Park office (approx. 50km). Tip: It is highly recommended to rent a car or hire a private driver from Phitsanulok for this trip.

The Stone Sail – 1,964 Meters

Highlight: Located in Mae Wong National Park, this is the ultimate challenge for trekkers. Mokoju means "looks like it's about to rain" in the local dialect. The iconic "Stone Sail" rock formation at the summit is the trophy for a grueling 3-5 day round-trip hike. It is one of the hardest treks in Thailand and is strictly limited to a few groups per week.

Opening Time: Seasonal (Nov – Feb only). Booking opens months in advance and fills up instantly.

Location: Mae Wong National Park, Kamphaeng Phet.

How to get there:

- From Bangkok: Take a bus to Khlong Lan or Kamphaeng Phet town.

- Transport: There is no direct public transport to the park HQ. You must arrange a private transfer or hitchhike from Khlong Lan market (approx. 18km away). Most hikers join a guided tour group from Bangkok to handle logistics.