Khao Chang Phueak
Trek to the iconic 'White Elephant' peak for stunning views, a challenging hike, and a memorable camping experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler weather, clear skies
Khao Chang Phueak
Best Time
Cooler weather, clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Trek to the iconic 'White Elephant' peak for stunning views, a challenging hike, and a memorable camping experience.
"This is a picture-perfect hike where you walk along the mountain peaks bordering Thailand and Myanmar."
Book via Park Office
Secure your trek permit by contacting the Thong Pha Phum National Park office. :ticket:
Pack for Wind & Sun
Bring layers, sunscreen, and a hat. Nights are very windy! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic White Elephant Peak
Summit
Reach the iconic 'White Elephant' peak for breathtaking panoramic views of Thailand and Myanmar.
The '399 Curves' Drive
Road to E-Tong Village
Experience a scenic and winding drive with 399 curves leading to the charming E-Tong village.
Golden Prairie and Tiny Florals
Trekking Route
Trek through stunning landscapes featuring golden prairies and delicate wildflowers.
Sunset Knife-Edge Climb
Final Ascent
Conquer the steep final ascent in the afternoon to witness a spectacular sunset from a dramatic ridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Trek in Advance
Pack Smart for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book via Park Office
Secure your trek permit by contacting the Thong Pha Phum National Park office. :ticket:
Pack for Wind & Sun
Bring layers, sunscreen, and a hat. Nights are very windy! :cloud:
Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The terrain includes rocky paths and steep climbs. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Bring All Your Supplies
There are no shops on the trail. Carry all food, water, and essentials. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book via Park Office
Secure your trek permit by contacting the Thong Pha Phum National Park office. :ticket:
Pack for Wind & Sun
Bring layers, sunscreen, and a hat. Nights are very windy! :cloud:
Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The terrain includes rocky paths and steep climbs. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Bring All Your Supplies
There are no shops on the trail. Carry all food, water, and essentials. :shopping_bags:
Embrace the Journey
Enjoy the scenic drive, charming villages, and the overall adventure. :hiking_boot:
Respect the Porters
Show gratitude to the porters who assist with carrying supplies. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views and the unique 'White Elephant' peak, calling it a picture-perfect hike. The challenging yet rewarding trek, the scenic drive, and the charming E-Tong village are frequently praised. However, some find the booking process difficult due to language barriers and note the strong winds at the campsite.
"Up, up and above for only 8K to meet the majestic white elephant !
You only need 3 days and 2 nights to enjoy this hike from Bangkok. The first night will be spent at the lovely, tiny E - Tong Village ( about 5-6 hrs drive from Bangkok or 2-hrs drive from Thong Pa Phum National Park HQ) to prepare for the hike the following morning.
The hike will start at around 8 a.m. and you will have a rest around 11 a.m. You will then resume the knife-edge climb around 3:00–3:30 p.m. to catch the sunset.
Here are the keywords to resonate the true essence of the journey:
399 curves 〰️🚙
Charming hillside village 🏕
Golden prairie 🍂🌾
Rocky terrain🪨
Tiny florals🌼🦋
Sunset knife edge climb 🗻🪦⚰️
Conqueror peak 🚩
Super windy campsite 🌪
Smoggy PM 2.5
Biodegradable toilet 💩🌏
Human dignity 🫡🙏🏻, with my total respect to all the porters"
Anima T.
"This is a picture perfect hike where you walk along the mountain peaks bordering Thailand and Myanmar. It needs booking through Thong Pha Phum national park office.
It is an overnight camping trip. It is a fairly simple walk for 6.5km then a steep hike/ climb for 1.5km. There is no shops so you must bring everthing you need. Again this is Thailand, if you lack something someone will offer assistance.
Booking is in Thai language so make a Thai friend. ^_^"
Nisit P
"The mountains are calling and I must go. About 6.75 km trekking to base camp 2-3 hours trek not too difficult and not too easy. Very impressive experience here and a memorable time. Good weather in December and very strong wind at night, but with awesome Mountain View."
A. Journey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey typically involves a drive of about 5-6 hours to E-Tong Village, which serves as a preparation point for the hike. From E-Tong, you'll head towards Thong Pha Phum National Park. Consider renting a car or joining a tour for convenience.
The main trailhead is accessed after reaching E-Tong Village. The drive to E-Tong itself is part of the adventure, featuring the famous '399 curves'.
The drive is scenic and winding, often referred to as the '399 curves'. It's a beautiful route that sets the tone for the mountain experience.
While public transport can get you to Thong Pha Phum town, reaching E-Tong Village and the trailhead might be challenging without a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.
E-Tong Village is a small, charming place. While local transport might be limited, it's a good base to arrange onward travel or connect with guides.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is required to hike Khao Chang Phueak. You must book this through the Thong Pha Phum National Park office in advance.
Bookings are typically made through the Thong Pha Phum National Park office. It's recommended to have a Thai-speaking friend assist with the booking process if you don't speak Thai.
While specific hours for the park office might vary, the trekking season usually aligns with the cooler months. It's best to confirm directly with the park for current operating times and booking procedures.
Besides the trekking permit, there might be a general national park entrance fee. Confirm the exact costs when booking your permit.
It is highly recommended to book your permit in advance, as spots can be limited, especially during peak trekking seasons. On-the-spot permits may not be available.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderately challenging. The initial 6.5 km to the base camp is not too steep, but the final 1.5 km to the summit is a steep climb. Forestry officers are available to assist.
The trek to the base camp typically takes 2-3 hours. Reaching the summit for sunset involves an afternoon climb. The entire experience is often done as an overnight camping trip.
It's an overnight camping trip. You'll be camping at a designated site. Be prepared for windy conditions at the campsite.
The campsite is basic but functional, with biodegradable toilets. Expect strong winds at night, so secure your tent properly.
No, there are no shops or restaurants on the trail. You must bring all your food, water, and necessary supplies.
December offers good weather for hiking, with pleasant daytime temperatures. However, expect very strong winds at night.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning panoramic views from the summit, the winding '399 curves' road, the charming E-Tong village, golden prairies, and the dramatic sunset climb.
Some visitors have used drones to capture aerial shots of the landscape. However, always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in national parks.
The golden hour before sunset offers dramatic lighting for the knife-edge climb. Early mornings can also provide beautiful light and potentially mist over the valleys.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture distant views. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions and long exposures.
The summit offers the most iconic views. The ridge leading to the summit also provides dramatic perspectives, especially during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the timing of the hike; the initial part to the base camp is less strenuous and offers beautiful scenery. The final ascent to the summit is the most demanding. It's advisable to consult with the national park or a tour operator about the suitability for your specific family's needs and the age of your children.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Consider traveling with a group to share transportation costs. Packing your own food and snacks will significantly reduce expenses compared to relying on external vendors, which are unavailable on the trail anyway. Look for local transport options or shared rides where possible to minimize travel expenses.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Bring a versatile camera setup, including wide-angle lenses for landscapes and a telephoto lens for distant details. A drone can provide unique aerial perspectives, but always check regulations. Be prepared for challenging light conditions and potentially windy situations, so a sturdy tripod might be beneficial.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trekking Experience
The second stage of the trek, from the base camp to the summit, is more challenging. This 1.5 km stretch involves a steep climb along a narrow, knife-edge ridge. While demanding, the ascent is made safer with the guidance of forestry officers. The reward for this effort is the breathtaking panoramic view from the 'White Elephant' peak, which straddles the border of Thailand and Myanmar. Many aim to complete this final climb in the afternoon to witness a spectacular sunset.
This trek is an overnight camping experience. The campsite is equipped with basic facilities, including biodegradable toilets. Visitors are advised to be prepared for strong winds, especially at night. The overall experience is described as memorable and impressive, offering a chance to connect with nature and challenge oneself.
Planning Your Trip: Logistics and Essentials
When packing, prioritize essentials as there are no shops along the trekking route. This includes sufficient food, water, and any personal medications. Sturdy hiking boots are non-negotiable due to the rocky terrain and steep ascents. Layers of clothing are advisable to manage temperature fluctuations, and sun protection (sunscreen, hat) is crucial. Don't forget a good quality tent and sleeping bag for the overnight camp, and be prepared for strong winds.
Transportation to the area involves a significant drive, often from Bangkok, taking around 5-6 hours to reach E-Tong Village. This journey itself is an experience, featuring the famous '399 curves'. While reaching Thong Pha Phum town is possible via public transport, getting to E-Tong and the trailhead might require a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.
The Natural Beauty of Khao Chang Phueak
The views from the summit are a major draw, providing expansive panoramas that extend across the border into Myanmar. This unique geographical position offers a sense of being on the edge of two countries. The 'knife-edge' ridge leading to the peak adds to the dramatic scenery, especially when bathed in the warm light of the setting sun.
Beyond the immediate trekking route, the journey to Khao Chang Phueak often includes the scenic drive through the '399 curves' and the charming E-Tong Village. This village, nestled in the hills, adds a cultural and visual element to the overall experience, complementing the wild beauty of the mountains.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit