Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail Chiang Mai
A guided nature trail in Doi Inthanon National Park, offering breathtaking mountain views and a unique mossy forest experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best views
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail Chiang Mai
Best Time
Clear skies, best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A guided nature trail in Doi Inthanon National Park, offering breathtaking mountain views and a unique mossy forest experience.
"Save this beautiful hike to your bucketlist!"
🎒 Hire a Guide
A guide is mandatory (200 Baht/group) and enhances the experience, though English may be limited.
☁️ Check the Forecast
Clear days offer the best views; mist can obscure scenery. Visit during the dry season (Nov-May).
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Viewpoint
Observation area
Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially stunning on a clear day.
Mossy Forest Walk
Trail path
Wander through a unique, verdant forest draped in moss, offering a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
Waterfall Stop
Along the trail
A refreshing natural cascade providing a picturesque spot to pause and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guide is Mandatory
Check the Weather for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Hire a Guide
A guide is mandatory (200 Baht/group) and enhances the experience, though English may be limited.
☁️ Check the Forecast
Clear days offer the best views; mist can obscure scenery. Visit during the dry season (Nov-May).
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail involves stairs and uneven terrain; good walking shoes are essential.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Temperatures can be cool at this altitude, even in warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Hire a Guide
A guide is mandatory (200 Baht/group) and enhances the experience, though English may be limited.
☁️ Check the Forecast
Clear days offer the best views; mist can obscure scenery. Visit during the dry season (Nov-May).
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail involves stairs and uneven terrain; good walking shoes are essential.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Temperatures can be cool at this altitude, even in warmer months.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated on this moderate hike, especially during warmer parts of the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail for its stunning mountain views and unique mossy forest, calling it a refreshing escape. However, the experience can be diminished by misty weather, and some find the mandatory guides to have limited English proficiency and a rushed pace. The trail's moderate difficulty with stairs is also noted.
"Beautiful trail – but only worth it with a clear view
• 200 Baht per group (up to 10 people) for a guide – or more accurately, a quiet companion (no English spoken).
• Trail is open from 06:00 AM to 04:00 PM.
• Approx. 3 km / 2-mile loop.
• Difficulty: I’d say moderate. It starts with an uphill section (mostly stairs), then becomes mostly downhill – but there are still several ups and downs, including more staircases.
• Open from November to May; closed during the rainy season (June to October).
• Trailhead is located at around 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level.
• For us it was not really warm and not really cold. So we just used a thin jacket as we reached the viewpoint and relaxed for a while. It was totally fine.
If the skies are clear, the view must be stunning. Unfortunately, for us it wasn’t worth the effort – everything was covered in thick white mist (fog, clouds, or whatever it was). Still, we gave it a try, and there was always a chance to catch a great view, as many others have before.
So make sure to choose the right day and the right time – otherwise, it might not be worth it."
Viktoria Steinmetz
"This 2-hour trek felt extra special because… I’ve missed mountains.
Living in Bangkok means being surrounded by buildings, not peaks — and as someone who used to hike twice a month back in Korea, this was long overdue.
And wow — Thailand, you have beautiful mountains too?!💙
The trail was refreshing, scenic, and gave me all the nature I didn’t realize I’d been craving.
Grateful for every step and every view.
Falling more and more in love with this country 🇹🇭♥️"
Yesran
"It's about a 3 km trail with quite a bit of climbing. Most of the path is paved with wood so it makes it easier to find the trail.
At the entrance to the trail the information desk staff says that we need to get a guide by paying THB 200 per group.
However, there is very little help from the assigned tour guide from the local community and they barely speak English. Our guide seemed to care less about making it an experience and more about getting us to finish early.
If it is allowed to enter the trail without a guide, I would highly recommend doing so.
The trail itself is beautiful and has multiple scenic view points. It was a wonderful experience to go through the forest and waterfalls.
If you are not fit be mindful that there is a lot of uphill climbing but you can take your time to take breaks throughout the trail."
Chathurika Ratnasekera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is located in Doi Inthanon National Park. You can hire a private car or join a tour from Chiang Mai. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Some visitors opt for a songthaew or scooter rental, but a private car offers the most flexibility.
Yes, it's possible to visit Kew Mae Pan and other sites like Wachirathan Waterfalls and the pagodas in a single day. Starting early is key to maximizing your time.
Within the park, hiring a private car with a driver or joining a guided tour is recommended for convenience. Some visitors rent scooters, but be aware of the winding roads.
While direct public transport is limited, you can take a bus from Chiang Mai to Chom Thong and then arrange local transport or a shared taxi to the park entrance. Hiring a private car is generally more straightforward.
The drive from Chiang Mai city to the Kew Mae Pan trailhead typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission charge for the trail itself, but you must hire a local guide for 200 Baht per group (up to 10 people). There might be a national park entrance fee for Doi Inthanon. +1
Guides are hired on-site at the trailhead. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to ensure guide availability.
The trail is typically open daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, it's best to confirm current hours upon arrival.
No, the trail is usually closed during the rainy season, from June to October, for maintenance and safety. It reopens around November.
The primary cost is the 200 Baht for the mandatory guide. Some reviews mention additional fees at checkpoints within the national park, so be prepared for minor expenses.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trail is considered moderate. It involves an initial uphill section with many stairs, followed by a mostly downhill path with some ups and downs. It's a 3 km loop and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots as the terrain can be uneven and involves stairs. Dress in layers, as temperatures can be cool at this altitude.
While there are no strict restrictions, the trail's stairs and uneven paths make it challenging with a stroller. A baby carrier or sling is recommended if bringing an infant.
On clear days, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail also features a beautiful mossy forest and a small waterfall.
The loop trail is approximately 3 km and typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, including stops for photos and enjoying the scenery.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
There are usually small food stalls and coffee shops near the trailhead or at the visitor center where you can purchase refreshments and local snacks.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. It's a good idea to pack snacks and water, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time in the park.
There are local restaurants and cafes in the villages surrounding Doi Inthanon National Park. Some tours may include lunch.
Yes, some visitors enjoy stopping at the coffee shop at the hilltribe village at the end of the trail for a refreshing drink and to support the local community.
You can find local Thai cuisine, including Northern Thai specialties, in the towns and villages near Doi Inthanon.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic shots. The mossy forest, unique flora, and the waterfall are also excellent subjects for photography.
The trail is well-maintained, making it easy to navigate and find good vantage points. Lighting can vary, so be prepared for different conditions, especially if it's misty.
Early morning often provides softer light and fewer crowds. However, the views are highly dependent on the weather, so a clear afternoon can also be spectacular.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check park regulations before flying a drone.
The primary observation deck at the highest point of the trail offers the most iconic panoramic views. Your guide can also point out interesting spots along the way.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options within the trail itself are limited. The mandatory guide ensures safety, but be prepared for varying levels of English communication. The overall experience can be a great way to introduce children to the wonders of nature and mountain landscapes in Thailand.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save on transportation, consider joining a group tour from Chiang Mai, which often includes transport and other Doi Inthanon attractions at a fixed price. Alternatively, if traveling with friends, hiring a private car and splitting the cost can be economical. Packing your own snacks and water will also help keep expenses down. The trail provides a significant natural experience without a hefty price tag, making it a top choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail: A Hiker's Guide
Essential Gear and Preparation: Given the altitude (around 2,200 meters or 7,200 feet), temperatures can be cooler than in the lowlands, so dressing in layers is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are a must due to the stairs and uneven terrain. Bringing water is crucial to stay hydrated throughout the hike. While the trail is generally safe due to the mandatory guide, being prepared with appropriate attire and essentials will enhance your experience.
The Role of the Guide: Hiring a local guide is compulsory for the Kew Mae Pan trail. The fee is 200 Baht per group, which supports the local community. While guides are essential for navigation and safety, their English proficiency can vary significantly. Some visitors have reported that their guides were more focused on completing the hike quickly rather than providing detailed information. However, they are knowledgeable about the trail and can point out interesting flora and fauna.
The Magic of Doi Inthanon's Views
Timing is Key for Scenery: The quality of the views is heavily dependent on the weather. Misty or foggy conditions, common during certain times of the year or day, can significantly obscure the scenery, turning a potentially stunning panorama into a white-out. Therefore, checking the weather forecast and planning your visit accordingly is highly recommended. The dry season, from November to May, generally offers the best chances for clear skies and optimal viewing conditions.
Beyond the Main View: While the main viewpoint is the star attraction, the trail also features other points of interest, including a small, refreshing waterfall. The journey through the forest itself is an experience, with opportunities to observe the diverse plant life and enjoy the cool, crisp mountain air. The combination of these elements makes Kew Mae Pan a rewarding natural escape.
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