Doi Chiang Dao

Facts

• Elevation: 2,175 m (7,136 ft)
• Prominence: 1,249 m
• Ribu category:  Tinggi Sedang
• Region:  Northern Thailand
• Coordinates: 19.3969, 98.8896
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• Other names: ดอยหลวง เชียงดาว
• World Ribus ID: 68599

Doi Chiang Dao (Doi Luang Chiang Dao) is Thailand’s third-highest peak, located in the Daen Lao Range of Chiang Mai Province, near the Myanmar border. It lies within the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, recently designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2021. The rugged massif is limestone, with dramatic cliffs rising above cloud-forest saddle valleys and meadows.

It’s possibly Thailand’s finest mountain and very popular hike with locals, so avoid weekends and public holidays if you prefer solitude. There are several trails shown on some online maps but the main hiking routes begin at Den Ya Kat substation around 1,450 m to the south-west of the peak or Pang Wua around 1,100m to the north-west of the peak. You may ascend by one route and descend by the other. After meeting at at the Sam Yaek trail junction (1,600m) due west of the summit, the route leads deeper into the Ao Salung Valley, surrounded by sheer limestone walls. Most hikers set up camp either at Dong Noi (1,710m) or Ang Salung (2,040m) just beneath the summit. Panoramic views across northern Thailand and western Myanmar are best enjoyed at first light.

The terrain is moderately challenging. Expect 4–6 hrs for the ascent (8–8.5 km), which includes sections that can be muddy and slippery and require scrambling. Many local trekkers and tour companies complete the hike in a single long day, but overnight camping arguably improves the experience.

Practicalities

• • Getting there: From Chiang Mai, drive north (approximately 1.5 hr) to Chiang Dao town (east of the mountain, around 450m above sea level), then continue northwest toward the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary HQ. From the office, you can arrange park-licensed transport (pickup truck) to either of the trailheads. Some locals offer shared transfers from Chiang Dao or Fang town. On-site registration is required before the hike begins.

• • Permits: Apparently only open November to February. Hiking requires booking a certified park guide in advance (typically at least one day prior via the park office). Solo or unaccompanied hikers are not permitted and may be turned back. Guides cost around 1,000 THB per group. Park entrance is 200 THB per person, plus a vehicle fee (approx 30 THB), and a trash/deposit fee (approx 600 THB) if camping overnight. Daily hiker numbers are limited (approx 150 people). Porters are available.

• • Water sources: No water available on the Pang Wua route. It is recommended you take sufficient supplies with you. Plan to carry at least 3 litres per person, ideally more. No facilities are available mid-trail.

Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Chiang Mai)

Location