Doi Pha Hom Pok

Facts

• Elevation: 2,285 m (7,497 ft)
• Prominence: 1,461 m
• Ribu category:  Tinggi Sedang
• Region:  Northern Thailand
• Coordinates: 20.0708, 99.1417
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• Other names: ดอยผ้าห่มปก
• World Ribus ID: 68547

Doi Pha Hom Pok, Thailand’s second-highest peak, lies within the Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park in Chiang Mai province near the Myanmar border. It is best accessed from the Kiew Lom Campground, the highest campsite in Thailand at around 1,920 metres above sea level. From here, a well-marked trail leads northwards to the summit, which lies about 3.1 kilometres away, making for a round-trip of approximately 6.2 kilometres with an elevation gain of just under 400 metres.

The trail begins gently and passes through lush cloud forest before ascending more steeply in its final section. Most hikers take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top and just over an hour to descend, making it a relatively short and straightforward trek for those already acclimatised. Sunrise views are fantastic, with mist filling the valleys and Myanmar clearly visible to the west on clear mornings. The park is known for its cool climate, wild orchids, rhododendrons and rare butterflies.

Most hikers opt to camp at Kiew Lom and set off for the summit before dawn, usually around 5am, to enjoy sunrise from the top. Note that Doi Pha Hom Pok is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the highest peak in the Daen Lao Range, but that title actually belongs to Loi Pangnao (2,563m) in Myanmar. You may also find the inccorect name Huamereng given on some maps for Doi Pha Hom Pok.

Practicalities

• • Getting there: Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park can be reached from Fang, a town about 2–3 hours north of Chiang Mai. From Fang, take Route 4054 westwards for 7–8 kilometres until the park entrance. From the headquarters, continue on a steep, narrow road to the Kiew Lom Campground. This section is only suitable for 4WD vehicles or park-licensed transport, usually shared with others unless you sre in a large group. If arriving by public transport, it is possible to charter a songthaew or private car from Fang to the park HQ, and onward transport to the campground can usually be arranged at the entrance.

• • Permits: The entrance fee for foreign visitors is currently 300 Baht for adults and 150 Baht for children. Thai nationals pay 50 Baht (adults) or 20 Baht (children). The fee covers a period of 5 days. An additional fee is charged for camping at Kiew Lom and tents, sleeping bags and blankets can be rented on site. A guide is not required for the summit hike, though one can be arranged through the park if so desired.

• • Water sources: There are no reliable water sources along the summit trail from Kiew Lom, so hikers should carry all their drinking water with them. Water and basic supplies are available for purchase at the campground and at Fang Hot Springs near the park HQ.

Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Chiang Mai)

Location