Thailand Mountain Trail has spent several years to investigate the most beautiful and interesting mountain trails around Chiang Mai. We discovered those different routes in the Doi Suthep mountain at the beginning of our researches. We were immediately seduced by the beauty and the wildness of those areas located at the doorsteps of the city.

This trip will lead us to the summit of Doi Pui, the highest mountain around Chiang Mai at 1685m above the sea level. From the city it is a long climb up in the tropical forest until the summit surrounded by pines trees. It requires significant efforts to hike up there, but at the top the view on the valley of Chiang Mai and the other mountains is a well-deserved reward.

In the early hours of the morning we leave Chiang Mai towards the North and climbs straight up into the forest on a track used by pilgrims and villagers.This was the 1st path that linked the city of Chiang Mai to the temple of Wat Doi Suthep and the Hmong village of Khun Chang Khian 1000m higher. It was traced many years ago before the 1st concrete road and was the only way for Hmong people who lived up in the mountains to go to the city.

After crossing 2 beautiful temples, without a break we plunge headlong into a first stretch of jungle. For many it comes as a big surprise. We have to find our bearings very quickly in these long green tunnels whose very density is impressive. The undulating paths are almost free of obstacles but in many places they are punctuated by fallen branches and tree trunks which we have to step over. After 2 hours hiking in this atmosphere, we arrive in a Hmong village located at 1400m high at the footsteps of the Doi Pui summit.

After a break in the village, we continue to hike up. The slope gets progressively harder and becomes so steep that we have to use our hands to help us at some points. High in the sky we follow a magnificent line of ridges edged in pine trees. All around us we can observe fields and mountains. Soon the reward is here; just in front the summit of Doi Pui (1685m) stands out in the distance. The view on the mountains around as the valley of Chiang Mai is wonderful.

After a deserved break enjoying the scenery, it’s time to plunge again into the jungle. The atmosphere becomes wilder. It’s a surprising mix between pine forests and tropical forests until we enter a deep jungle again. We enjoy a comfortable route that is slightly down until the last Hmong village of Ban Doi Pui. This village surrounded by trees and flowers has a great market where local people sell their farming products. It’s recommended to buy some fruits there before going back to the big city.