Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail Chiang Mai
Hike through lush forests, past waterfalls and rice terraces, to a Karen village for fresh coffee.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail Chiang Mai
Best Time
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through lush forests, past waterfalls and rice terraces, to a Karen village for fresh coffee.
"Easily one of our absolute highlights in Northern Thailand."
👟 Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes
The trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Protect your footwear!
🧥 Bring a raincoat
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared for rain!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall
Along the Nature Trail
A stunning waterfall with a natural swimming pool, offering a refreshing break amidst lush greenery.
Karen Hill Tribe Village
End of the trail (optional route)
Experience authentic local life, visit a coffee farm, and enjoy fresh brews and local teas.
Rice Terraces and Flower Fields
Along the trail
Wander through vibrant green rice paddies and colorful flower fields, offering picturesque scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book a Local Guide
Trail Conditions & What to Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes
The trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Protect your footwear!
🧥 Bring a raincoat
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared for rain!
💧 Consider the waterfall swim
The waterfall has a natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.
☕ Taste local coffee
Visit the Karen village for a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes
The trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Protect your footwear!
🧥 Bring a raincoat
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared for rain!
💧 Consider the waterfall swim
The waterfall has a natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.
☕ Taste local coffee
Visit the Karen village for a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee.
🚗 Arrange return transport
If continuing to the village, pre-arrange a taxi back to the trailhead (approx. 150 baht).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, calling it a highlight of their Northern Thailand trip. The well-organized experience, engaging local guides, and stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls and rice terraces, are frequently praised. The opportunity to visit a Karen village and enjoy fresh, local coffee adds significant cultural value. Some note the trail can be muddy and involves inclines, recommending appropriate footwear.
"The walking route is not too long about 3-4 km. Using about 1.30-2.00 hours. Along the way you can enjoy the nature with several waterfalls spot. The walk way has up and down and a bit stiff. However it’s not slippery. At the end of the village will have traditional coffee shop where you can enjoy and relax and take the car up to your parking space. Do come and enjoy the place :)"
naphak phiphatweerawat
"Had a lovely guided walk along this nature trail. You have to get a local guide to take you but they are all waiting at the entrance. 220 baht per group of max 10 people. It’s worth the small cost to walk along this trail. There are two options given, a walk half way along the trail to reach the waterfall and then return via the same route or continue past the waterfall onwards to the local village which then requires a taxi (150baht) back to the entrance where you probably left your vehicles. The walk through the forest is nice and pleasant and our guide pointed out various flora and fauna that we would otherwise have missed. The second part of the trail continues through the rice fields and valleys of the village and is well worth the extra walk. The rice is grown and harvested usually from July onwards but it was still nice to see the village as they prepared the fields. We finished with a cup of local coffee and tea in the village before being returned to the start. The whole trail took about 90 minutes to walk. Mostly an easy walk but quite muddy near the village as some of the path had recently been washed away by landslide."
Francis Foreman
"This was an excellent nature trail with plenty of wildlife and multiple waterfalls. It is fairly easy for that have freedom of movement but your shoes will get muddy so plan accordingly. You have to pay a local guide to take you along the trail but it isn't expensive."
Blake F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is located in Doi Inthanon National Park. Most visitors reach it as part of a day tour from Chiang Mai, which typically includes transportation. If driving yourself, you'll need to navigate to Doi Inthanon National Park and then follow signs for the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail.
Yes, you can visit independently, but you must hire a local guide at the entrance. Tours from Chiang Mai are a popular and convenient option for many travelers.
Many tours include pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Chiang Mai. If you're driving, ensure your vehicle can handle mountain roads.
The drive to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Doi Inthanon National Park, which is separate from the guide fee for the trail. Check the park's official website for current rates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the trail itself are paid to the local guide at the entrance. It's recommended to have cash on hand.
The cost for a local guide is approximately 220 baht per group, with a maximum of 10 people. This fee is considered a bargain for the experience.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to start earlier in the day to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid crowds.
The waterfall is part of the nature trail, and the guide fee covers access to it. There are no additional charges for viewing the waterfall itself.
Yes, many tour operators in Chiang Mai offer day trips to Doi Inthanon that include the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail. This is a convenient option for many visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It involves some uphill and downhill sections, and can be muddy, but it's manageable for most fitness levels.
The hike typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the scenery and stops.
You might spot various flora and fauna, including butterflies, bees, and potentially snakes. Guides are knowledgeable about the local wildlife.
Restroom facilities are usually available at the trailhead and potentially in the village at the end of the trail. It's advisable to use facilities before starting the hike.
Yes, the waterfall has a natural pool that is suitable for swimming, offering a refreshing experience.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
At the end of the trail, in the Karen village, you can find a traditional coffee shop where you can enjoy local coffee, tea, and other beverages.
The focus is on local beverages like coffee, tea, and butterfly pea drinks. You can also purchase locally made products like coffee beans and handwoven blankets.
It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water, as options on the trail itself are limited. The village offers refreshments at the end.
Yes, the coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted locally, offering a unique and authentic taste experience.
The offerings are primarily beverages and local snacks. It's best to inquire directly at the coffee shop in the village for specific dietary options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the waterfall, lush rice terraces, vibrant flower fields, and the charming Karen village. The bamboo bridges also make for unique photos.
Absolutely! The diverse scenery, from dense jungle to open fields and cascading water, provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for photography. However, the scenery is beautiful throughout the day.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks. It's best to check the park's regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions near waterfalls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children wear appropriate footwear as the trail can be muddy. Bringing snacks and water is a good idea. The opportunity to see local wildlife and visit the Karen village can be educational and exciting for younger travelers. The unique experience of riding in the back of a pickup truck at the end of the trail is often a highlight for kids!
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
The trail is well-organized, and the guides are friendly and knowledgeable. It's a great opportunity to meet other travelers if you join a small group tour or if other solo hikers are on the trail. The stunning natural scenery and the unique cultural aspects make it a memorable solo adventure.
☕ Coffee Enthusiasts
This is more than just a tasting; it's an opportunity to understand the entire process from bean to cup. Many visitors purchase coffee beans directly from the village to take home, making it a perfect souvenir for any coffee aficionado.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Role of Local Guides
The guides are typically met at the trailhead and are organized to ensure a smooth start to your trek. The cost is a group fee, making it an affordable way to gain a deeper understanding of the trail and its surroundings. Their presence also helps in navigating the sometimes challenging terrain and ensuring your safety.
By engaging with a local guide, you're not just hiking; you're participating in a cultural exchange that supports the preservation of the Karen community's traditions and livelihoods. It transforms a simple walk into a meaningful journey.
Understanding the Trail's Terrain and Conditions
Despite the potential for mud, the trail is generally not considered slippery, but wearing appropriate footwear is crucial. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are highly recommended. Many visitors suggest bringing a raincoat as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and a light jacket can also be useful for cooler temperatures.
The trail's length is approximately 3-4 kilometers, and the hike itself usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration allows ample time to appreciate the natural beauty, stop for photos, and engage with your guide.
Experiencing the Karen Village and Coffee Culture
The village is renowned for its coffee cultivation. Visitors can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, grown, harvested, and roasted right there. Alongside coffee, you can also sample various local teas and other traditional beverages like butterfly pea. This offers a unique taste of the region's agricultural products.
Beyond the refreshments, the village also features a small shop selling locally made products. Many visitors find themselves purchasing coffee beans for home and handwoven blankets, often witnessing the weaving process firsthand. The income generated from these tours and purchases directly benefits the entire village community, aiding in the preservation of their culture and traditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit