Doi Luang Chiang Dao, located in the breathtaking Chiang Dao district of Thailand, is a stunning natural wonder renowned for its spectacular mountain landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural experiences. A paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this majestic peak is the second highest in Thailand and offers a diverse range of hiking trails, picturesque viewpoints, and opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao is an awe-inspiring destination that beckons explorers and nature enthusiasts to uncover its secrets. As the second tallest mountain in Thailand, reaching an elevation of 2,455 meters, Doi Luang Chiang Dao is not only a significant geographical feature but also a vital part of the local ecosystem. Nestled in the heart of Chiang Dao National Park, this enchanting area is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, including steep limestone cliffs, lush forests, and serene waterfalls.
A trek up Doi Luang Chiang Dao promises breathtaking panoramic views that are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. Adventurers and hikers can choose from a variety of trails that vary in difficulty, making it accessible for both novice and seasoned trekkers. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to encounter an array of native flora and fauna, including rare bird species and unique plants that thrive in this mountainous region. The challenging ascent rewards those who brave it with sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
In addition to its natural beauty, Doi Luang Chiang Dao is rich in cultural heritage. The local communities, predominantly comprised of ethnic minority groups, maintain their traditional lifestyles, offering a glimpse into their unique customs and practices. Visitors can engage with locals, learn about their traditions, and even sample authentic Northern Thai cuisine, which is renowned for its bold flavors and aromatic spices.
Birdwatchers will find Doi Luang Chiang Dao to be an exceptional location, as it serves as a habitat for numerous bird species. The combination of different ecosystems within the area creates an ideal environment for birdwatching year-round. Photographers, too, will find countless opportunities to capture the spectacular sunsets, misty mornings, and unique wildlife that thrive in this vibrant ecosystem.
Accommodation options near Doi Luang Chiang Dao range from cozy guesthouses to eco-friendly lodges, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Guided tours are available for those looking for a more structured experience, ensuring that every moment spent in this remarkable area is both safe and enjoyable.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on the mountain trails, bask in the tranquility of nature, or delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the region, Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a must-visit destination that offers something for everyone. Experience the unspoiled beauty and vibrant life that this mountain sanctuary has to offer, and create unforgettable memories in one of Thailand’s most captivating locations.
ดอยหลวงเชียงดาว (เชียงดาว, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Doi Luang Chiang Dao is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking 50170, Thailand
Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a protected park and is only open to visitor between November to March every year, 3 days a week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). So first of all, I recommend to book in advance as they limit number of tourist in the conservation area. You need a guide with a car. From the city is it 1h30 to go to the starting point. The road on the mountain quite dangerous that is one of the reason why you need an experimented guide/driver.We went on a Sunday, it was the best choice ever.In fact, the day before on Saturday many groups of tourists were hiking on the park and camped near the top. I hear doing to two days one-night trip is nice to enjoy a beautiful sunset and sunrise. But it is very cold at the top at night and you are not alone. Even if they restrict the number of visitors, they were 150 tourists + 50 guides and carry men. So nice sunset but with 200 persons!While hiking on the top on Sunday morning we met all the 200 persons going down. And then we were alone, and enjoy the top, the view and the hike by yourself.We did the one day trip, walk to the top (4h) and down (4h) in the same day. We did hurry mush, took time to observe the beautiful landscape and watch birds.The nature there is amazing, you cross pine forest and then tropical jungle !It’s a great place to watch birds and butterfly. We also saw monkeys and deer! (of course this is possible only if you are not among 200 persons).We had an amazing day I cannot recommended more to go to Doi Luang Chiang Dao.
We are in Chiang Dao for the purpose of hiking Doi Laung. It started as a lovely morning & we did most of it in the rain. It didn’t ruin our experience just we need to return as camera’s were put away as we hiked in the rain. The trail is beautiful with various vegetation & its a serious mountain hike & would recommend it if you have good fitness & footwear. I’d also recommend walking polls. It’s a awesome place & it’s on my do list for next year
There’s not much in place to enforce the rule of taking a guide, if it is a hard rule, and the trail is easy to navigate, so you’re unlikely to get lost without one. It’s not really possible to book one the day of due to the park office opening late (8:30am, and you’d want to start your hike way earlier than that) and sometimes availability of guides is limited.Therefore you must book in advance, at least one day before at the park office, which is in a different location than the park entrance. You’ll need to get there before they close at 4pm. The guide costs 1000 baht and will probably not speak English.That said it’s a small fee, really, and provides a job for someone.I had also read that booking several weeks in advance is necessary. Perhaps this is true during the highest season, though in late January didn’t seem to be the case.It’s also possible to join an organized 2 day, 1 night hike with a guide and porters if you’d like to camp out and see the sunrise and sunset from the top, which must be spectacular. This is by far the most popular option and you’ll mostly be with Thai people, which if the abundant friendliness on the trail is any indication, is probably a pretty cool experience.A few posts I saw online insisted that doing the hike in one day would be impossible or incredibly difficult. I disagree. This hike was only moderately difficult (by my standards – everyone is different) and at about 12km roundtrip, which is totally doable if you leave early enough in the morning. I started at 7am and finished at 4pm, with plenty of time at the top and lots of photo stops.Be sure to bundle up, it gets cold up there.
i went there in mid of raining season since there were someone recommended to go there if i wanted to relax, when i was there .nothing was interesting only sight view and atmosphere
As most of places in Thailand foreigners don’t have free access to this area. If you want to hike there you need to hire a local guide. And prices are ridiculously expensive in my opinion. At least 2000-2500THB for short distance hiking (4-5 hours) if you are lucky to join a group. Few times more for private guide. Don’t think about avoiding guides because NP police have many patrols and checkpoints in mountains they have big chance to catch you. On top of highest hill there is sign with described elevation 2225MASL. But we checked this with few different GPS devices including Garmin trekking GPS and all devices showed about 2180-2185 😉 I recommend this place for tourists who don’t care about money, definitely don’t recommend for budget backpackers or people who love trekking because this area is generally closed for free trekking. And, by the way: this National Park is open for tourists only few months in year. Check it before traveling there.
Doi Chang Dao in Chiang Mai.2225m above sea level. 16,000 steps way up.Best travelling season: Nov- FebIdeal completion time: 8 hours (round trip)I was supposed to camp up there for a night because of the rain and my flight schedule I changed my mind. The rain doesn’t stop me. Those who know me, know that risks like these only increase my motivation to accomplish something. I did one day hike instead. You must have a guide to hike this mountain. The route is crazy! Thanks to my guide Tongchai Lungpong (you can find him in Facebook) preparing a pair of Phua Chu Kang boots for me. I don’t think I can complete this route without one. I spent most of my energy shuffling in the nutella mud on my way up. I was lucky that the rain stops after 4 hours of hiking. The sun came up. Able to view the mountain goats from a distance and the most pleasant smelling flower such as pink lady and lavender. This is what I came for.After having delicious TomYam maggi cooked by TongChai. We continue our journey of ‘The Only Way is Up’. The view up on the top leave me undone. We decent around 2:30pm it gets real dark while losing grip while trying hard to glue on the track. Luckily we prepared head light and torch. It’s pitch dark and we found a few fireflies wandering around the trees. Landed at 10pm that sums up 13 hours. Off we go for steamboat instead of hot spring. Indeed amazing experience I had.
We did the 1-day tour (8 hours of hiking including a 1 hour break at the summit) to the peak of Doi Chiang Dao in a group of 3 with our guide.It was a great day with fantastic views!There was only one other tourist group so that we were totally alone at the peak, where we enjoyed lunch prepared by our guide!After changing the park regulations it is only possible to do the hike with a guide. Unfortunately it is a little bit difficult to find information in English in the internet, but our guest house recommended us Tongchai (+66 62 252 8349 for WhatsApp contact), a local guide from the area who speaks English.We really had a great day and can highly recommend the tour for everybody seeking a more remote experience than the standard Chiangmai tours.It’s pretty easy to get to Chiang Dao (1 1/2 hour by local bus from Chiangmai) and the area offers a great experience of “real” Thailand.
Doi Chiang Dao is the only true mountain range in Thailand. Even if it is “only” the 3rd highest one, it is the only one that have real peaks and cliffs. The 2 highest points in Thailand (Doi Inthanon and Doi Phahompok) are only big hills. There are roads going to the top. This is not the case with Doi Chiang Dao, it’s true mountain there. It explains why it’s difficult to go there and why it’s less busy. This is the reason as well why it used to be the favorite place of real trekking lovers. Unfortunately these last years it has been more and more complicated to explore the moutains there. The National Park has limited the entry to 4 months in the year then has closed the entry to the summit. It is now impossible to go to the highest point and inside the wildlife sanctuary.It’s a shame because it’s a stunning area. Hopefully there are other trails around that few people and only one agency knows. I recommend to go there with them if you really want to discover Chiang Dao.
You don’t need a guide and the double payment for foreigners is essentially racist… middle class thais half price whilst young travellers double … none of this extra cash goes into the upkeep of the place , which is typically run down …. it’s a beautiful place ruined by corrupt practices and greed …. hold your nose if you want to visit the top …it’s not worth 2/3k each … when you can easily walk it yourselves
Chiang Dao was a wonderful change from busy Bangkok. We stayed in Ashi’s guesthouse, with a backpackers’ vibe. They put us in touch with a local guide (Mac) who took us on a 6-hour trek into the mountains. We could never have found the trail on our own – contrary to what one of the Trip Advisor reviewers put about not needing a guide. We finished the day off by soaking in the hot sulphur baths to rest our aching limbs.