10 Chiang Mai mountains for camping
It is a widely known fact that Chiang Mai, Thailand is a well-liked destination for global backpackers. Locals and tourists alike often plan camping trips up North there for winter every year. The reason for this is that the province boasts bountiful mountains, ripe for camping expeditions.
Nevertheless, many people may have no idea which spot to pick, to awake to thick seas of morning fog outside their tents when the sun rises.
To ensure that you’ll get to camp amidst truly stunning nature reserves and walk away with unforgettable stories from your trips, we’ve put together a list of 10 Chiang Mai mountains that are worth-visiting for camping in Thailand’s very own ‘winter’ season.
More about places in Chiang Mai:
- 10 Chiang Mai forest glamping spots
- Cliffver Chiang Mai is a modern villa like a hunter’s lodge
- Baan Phu Mork has rustic glass farmhouses in Chiang Mai
1. Huai Nam Dang National Park – XXL tents from ฿300
If you’re coming to Chiang Mai for the first time, we’d say you can’t miss Huai Nam Dang National Park, a popular place for those who love watching the sun rising over the mountains.
Huai Nam Dang National Park offers visitors many spacious spots for camping with broad views of hills and mist. If you’re concerned about the costs, the entry fee is as low as ฿300 (~USD2.8) fee for foreign guests. A price which includes access to one of Chiang Mai’s most-visited viewpoint – AKA Kew Lom – where you’ll get scenic views of gigantic mountains and dense clouds of fog.
Besides the campsite, if you wanna find somewhere to hang around during the day. We’d suggest going to Pong Dueat Hot Spring to soak in their onsen hot pools to recharge those worn bodies and minds.
FYI, around the beginning of the year, Kew Lom View Point will boast a lot of cherry blossoms to be seen, so if you ever wanna fly to Japan for Sakura season, you might as well save your money by taking a trip to Huai Nam Dang National Park instead.
Huai Nam Dang National Park
Address: Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150
Telephone: +66 8 4908 1531
Google Maps
2. Doi Chiang Dao – spot wildlife and Sirindhorniapulchella flowers
Doi Chiang Dao is home to wildlife and many sub-alpine vegetation, like Sirindhorniapulchella, Pedicularis siamensis – basically all fancy names for beautiful flowers if you’re curious. If you are the kind of person who enjoys exploring the jungle to see some wild animals and unusual species of flowers and tress, Doi Chiang Dao could be your place.
This particular doi in Chiang Mai is blanketed in mist all year round, but if you wanna catch dense patches of fog, we’d recommend coming here in winter as the fog will become thicker during the season.
We know most people visit mountains to camp overnight for gorgeous sunrise and sunsets. However, visiting a traditional village is also a good way to learn about the lifestyles of locals who have made these places their homes for years. If you’re keen on studying some local traditions, make plans to set off to Mueang Khong, a small community that’s located in the area of Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. The community apparently has such a tranquil atmosphere that you’ll be able to enjoy the calming sounds of water flowing in the stream amidst the sounds of the forest.
For travellers who’d prefer a little more adrenaline when it comes to the itinerary, opt for investigating Chiang Dao Cave to uncover its many mysteries. If you’re one of the lucky ones to chance upon a treasure here, you may even make the local news headlines. One thing we’re sure you’ll find, however, is some old Buddha statues hidden within the cave, and remnants of some offerings from pious locals.
Doi Chiang Dao
Address: Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai 50170
Google Maps
3. Doi Inthanon – the highest mountain in Thailand
Doi Inthanon needs no further introduction as it’s literally the highest mountain in Thailand – spanning a whopping 2,565 metres in height. Upon reaching the peak, you’ll get clear panoramic views of many other forested mountains in the distance. This doi is considered one of the most visited mountains in Chiang Mai – or maybe even in Thailand itself. As a famous site, this location is chockful of touristy sites to sightsee at, in case you wish to make the most out of your road trip in Chiang Mai.
But let’s put the road trip thingy aside for now. One of the places in Doi Inthanon that we want to mention is Ang Ka, a nature boardwalk trail that’s surrounded by a thick tropical forest. We love that it reminds us of Aokigahara in Japan as it looks enigmatic and is def something to check off your bucket list if you’re okay with a high thrill factor than most.
Nonetheless, if a solo adventure in the forest sounds too scary for you, how about wandering in this green field at Mae Kluang Luang? The golden light shining on the field looks so perfect that it’s one of those few times we’d imagine ourselves being a scarecrow and posing for pictures within the tall grass.
Doi Inthanon
Address: Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai 50270
Google Maps
4. Doi Ang Khang – a must-visit location to see cherry blossoms
Doi Ang Khang is home to abundant nature vistas that will blow you away with their rich greenery and relaxing atmosphere. If you see yourself as a nature lover, we don’t see why you won’t pay a visit to this mountain.
As for camping, you can expect good spots that overlook rolling hills where you will wake up to the sunrise beaming through morning mist over the mountain.
If you love drinking green tea, we’d love to recommend for you to drop by Tea Farm 2000, situated in the area of Royal Agricultural Station. The farm boasts terraced rows of tea plants amid snow-white mist, reminding us of Yunnan in China. You can take a short break for a cup of tea here before heading to the viewpoint.
In addition to the tea farm, one more thing that is worth mentioning about the Royal Agricultural Station is the cherry blossom grove. If you take a trip to Doi Ang Khang in around January or February, you’ll spot many blooming cherry blossoms groves along the road. So if you’ve already got plans to visit Japan to catch the sakuras, we’re betting you might just change your mind once you’re aware of this place.
Doi Ang Kang
Address: 50270 Mae Sun, Fang District, Chiang Mai 50320
Google Maps
5. Mon Cham – a land of gardens and farms
For those who hate setting up your own tent and prefer lux glamping, Mon Cham has many resorts for you to spend a night.
North Star Valley is a glampsite with large transparent bubble domes that sit amongst the valleys and mountains in Mon Cham. Guests here can bask in wide views of mist and green forest-covered hills from the comfort of their tents. Room prices start at ฿3,500 (~USD104.98)/night. So consider this option if you look for an affordable glamping homestay.
While picking a resort for your trip, consider making a pitstop at this glorious flower field. Mae Khi Farmstay or ‘สวนแม่ขิฟาร์มสเตย์‘ in Thai – invites guests to enjoy photo ops among thousands of yellow flowers. If you upload the pics on your IG, we guarantee plenty of your followers will leave comments and ask for the address.
We recommend that you search this farm in its Thai name, which we added on the first line since the English name doesn’t result in showing clear info and directions.
Finally, it’s the cafehoppers’ turn to express joy. Jungle De Cafe is a cafe located on a wide long grass field with Thai-style chalets covered with thatched roofs, lending to its countryside ambience. When you walk into the cafe, you’ll be surprised that there’s a mini waterfall inside, and hammocks to swing from while sipping on your iced coffee.
Mon Cham
Address: Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180
Google Maps
6. Doi Mae Tho – covered with large green fields like Switzerland
While several folks spend a copious amounts of money to fly to Switzerland for its green hills, plan a budget version of this vacation at Thailand’s best kept secret – Doi Mae Tho, a viridescent mountain that will remind you of mountains in Switzerland. Swiss mountains may not be the best place to camp BTW, but Doi Mae Tho offers you large spaces to pitch camping tents as you spend the night with your pals and wake up to mornings of swirling mist and wild cattle grazing.
Lucky campers who pay close attention to their surroundings may notice some herds of cows grazing on grass at the hills. This sight is also solid proof that the mountain is quiet and solitary, perfect for backpackers who need some privacy.
Doi Mae Tho
Address: Thep Sadet, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai 57260
Google Maps
7. Doi Mon Chong – for adventurous mountain hikers
Are you passionate about hiking ? If your answer is ‘Yes’, we think you will flip over this Doi Mon Chong as we consider it an adventurous place for mountain hikers. This doi has a long trail for travellers to hike to the summit of the mountain, for pleasant views of the sunset over the horizon and the warm, golden rays of the setting sun shining against your face. If you make it to the top, be sure to snap a photo to show off your achievement on the ‘gram.
Besides the mountain, the nature trail is home to dense forested lands for fearless trekkers to explore. The forests here are covered by a thin fog, creating a feel of eeriness while plodding through. On the other hand, those who don’t mind being surrounded only by the sounds of the forests will definitely sense the serenity and the freshness of this woodland.
If the thought of being on the path less travelled doesn’t phase you – add Mon Chong to your bucket list. A word of caution: you may not actually want to leave after visiting here.
Doi Mon Chong
Address: 383 Mon Chong, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai 50310
Google Maps
8. Doi Kham Fah – open-air camping under starry night skies
Doi Kham Fah is an unsung hero when it comes to mountains in Chiang Mai since it isn’t a large national park like Huai Nam Dang or Doi Inthanon. However, this mountain has plenty of secret waterfalls and lush jungles that are worth seeing, if you’re embarking on a return visit to Chiang Mai.
This doi has a vast array of camping spots in many areas on the mountain. Simply prep your belongings and supplies to set up camp and you’ll def enjoy a panoramic view of massive groves of trees on long hill ridges with patches of fog drifting around.
And for cherry blossom lovers, we’re happy to tell you that you can expect the pink and white blooms amidst white mist in Doi Kham Fah. If you travel here in the spring, there will be lots Sakura blooms along the way, or you can even observe them from the top of the mountain.
Once night falls, lay on the ground sheets with your friends and lie down to engage in an activity that OneRepublic swears by in their hit song, Counting Stars. We offer no prizes for the one who counts the most as you can expect millions of stars twinkling in the jet black sky. A pro-tip would be to pick a dark spot when hunting for stargazing spots, as the absence of artificial light will usually result in more spectacular views.
Doi Kham Fah
Address: Mueang Haeng, Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai 50350
Google Maps
9. Doi Pha Hom Pok – Thailand’s second highest mountain with seas of fog
Doi Pha Hom Pok is the second highest mountain in Thailand after Doi Inthanon, and also a well-known destination for watching fog and the sunrise for tourists from all over the world.
For those who are looking for a camping spot, Kiew Lom Campground is the most popular site where many campers come for stays. FYI, there’s only one type of accommodation: tents, so do note that you can BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent) or rent one at the campground from ฿225 (~USD6).
Hiking to the peak of Doi Pha Hom Pok from the campground takes about two to three hours, so we’d suggest you acclimatise your body and ensure that you’re fit and ready if you plan to do so. Even if it sounds exhausting, we guarantee it’ll be worth it once you reach the summit.
BTW, Doi Pha Hom Pok is yet another location to spot Japanese cherry blossoms. We recommend visiting Little House in the Big Woods, another campsite that’s located about half an hour away from Kiew Lom Campground. The site is full of cherry blossoms blooming at the beginning of the year, so if you go there at the right time, you’ll be greeted with tons of sakura dotting the trees pink.
Before you arrive at Doi Pha Hom Pok, however, we’d recommend stopping by Fang Hot Spring to boil some eggs for a snack, or to unwind in the sauna bath for a couple of hours.
Doi Kham Fah
Address: 224 Pong Nam Ron, Fang District, Chiang Mai 50110
Google Maps
10. Doi Mae Taman – foggy camping spots with cherry blossoms
While other mountain tops let you view rolling hills that lie below the horizon, the highlight of Doi Mae Taman is the view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao that stands obviously from afar.
Additionally, this mountain boasts abundant cherry blossoms at campsites from January to March. So if one of your sole purposes of visiting is to see these Sakura blooms, def take this season into account when arranging a trip.
If you can’t be bothered to bring a tent and set it up by yourself, book a camping dome over at Mon View San Pa Kia. They offer visitors spacious glamping domes near the summit with panoramic views of wooded hills ahead.
Doi Mae Taman
Address: Mae Na, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai 50170
Google Maps
Chiang Mai mountains for winter vacations
These Chiang Mai mountains – or as the locals call them, dois – will offer you many good spots for camping and basking in 360° views of nature or thicc fog swirling across the landscape. There are also large forests and jungles for adventurous backpackers to enjoy their activities. We love that visitors will have a good time seeing not only natural places but also local lifestyles there. So when you plan to a trip to Chiang Mai, we hope our curated list will be a good gateway for you to think of ideas to add to your itinerary.
Feel free to let us know how fun your recent camping trip was or share some other places you’ve been to in Chiang Mai.
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @thnmiew.s, @game_toki, @maymay_saenisara, @thiti_tum
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