Doi Pha Tang

1,600m (5,249 ft)

This is a very short trek which can take anything between 20 minutes and two hours, depending how far you drive up from the main road before beginning the walk to the peak.

This is an easy trail, suitable even for those who are not very fit.

Just off the main road 1093 near Ban Pha Tang village in northern Thailand, there is a dirt road that can be followed up to the top of the mountain. Once you reach the car park you can walk on several different short trails to get to different viewpoints.

The path is well worn and the vegetation surrounding it consists of hills covered in short green grass, lush bush, rock faces and sparse trees.

There is an earth staircase etched into the ground which you will walk up to get to the summit. You’ll pass a pavilion and a Buddha statue. At the summit, there is a spectacular view of the mountains and rivers below.

The temperature only varies slightly year-round. The highs range from 26˚C (78.8˚F) to 34˚C (93 ˚F), and the lows range from 12˚C (53.6 ˚F) to 22˚C (71.6 ˚F).

There are, however, distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season spans from May to October with 11 to 21 days of rain per month. The best time to see the views is during the rainy season, as it can be hazy during the dry season due to smoke in the air. The dry season spans from November to April with 0 to 9 rainy days per month.

No special hiking equipment is needed for this trek. A pair of good shoes will do just fine.

Being a short hike, you technically don’t need any food, water, or rest stops. Even so, there are several kiosks/local vendors and rest areas along the dirt road leading to the car park at Doi Pha Tang.
There are also a few campsites where you can sleep nearby if you should so choose.

Neither guides nor porters are needed or required for this hike.

Doi Pha Tang is located 3.5 hours (160 km/99 mi) away from Chiang Mai. It is on the north side of the Phi Pan Nam Mountain Range, on the border between Thailand and Laos.

To get there one must catch a bus, hire a car or a scooter/motorbike, or catch a taxi from Chiang Mai International Airport.

There is accommodation close to the mountain in Pha Tang.

This trail is not dangerous, but it is not recommended to descend the driving portion after dark, as the road can be treacherous with many twists and turns.