Doi Pui

Facts

  • Elevation: 1,685 m (5,528 ft)
  • Prominence: 785 m
  • Peak category:  Spesial
  • Region:  Northern Thailand
  • Coordinates: 18.8322, 98.8880
  • Rating: 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (Bagged it? Be the first to rate it)
    Loading...
  • Other names: ดอยปุย

Bagging It!

Doi Pui (ดอยปุย) is the highest peak within Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, just west of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It forms a twin‑peak granite massif with the slightly lower Doi Suthep (1,601 m) and is a well-documented destination for local hikers and mountain bikers.

Various hiking routes exist, from nature trails at the roadside saddle to unwinding ridge hikes via Hmong village or campground. From the Doi Pui campground (1,500m) a branch off the 2.6 km nature loop climbs around 160 m over 1.2 km through pine woodland to the summit. Less than 1km north of the summit is Doi Hua Moo viewpoint (1,642m). 

Longer loops traverse from Ban Hmong Doi Pui village, through forests, ridges and descending back via temple grounds or the road, up to a 5‑hour hike. Biking up the paved summit road from Chiang Mai city is also common, with around 1,200 m of ascent.

Doi Suthep is much more popular and crowded due to its 800 year old Buddhist temple.

Practicalities

    • Getting there: Drive or ride from Chiang Mai city towards Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then continue past Bhubing Palace and take the right turn onto the park road. The summit viewpoint and parking are about 24 km from the old city centre of Chiang Mai.
    • Permits: Summit closed 1st May – 31st October so avoid this period. Doi Pui falls within Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, and standard entry fees apply (around 100 THB for foreigners, less for Thai nationals). No special summit permit is required. Registration is usually at the road checkpoints.
    • Water sources: Water is available at cafés, shops, or village stalls in Ban Hmong Doi Pui (around 1,300 m elevation) to the south-west of the peak or at lower park facilities. There are no water sources on the short summit trail—carry at least 1–2 L with you, though longer loop hikes may intersect forest streams suitable for filtering.

Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Chiang Mai) Average precipitation (rain/snow) in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Location

Click on the blue arrow (top right) to see your current location on the map

Origins and Meaning

The name Doi Pui (ดอยปุย) literally means “Cotton Mountain.” It refers to the summit ridge covered in wispy grasses, pine moss, and occasional fog, giving a soft, fluffed appearance. While no written legend exists, the peak is entwined in local Lanna folklore and spiritual tradition, shared with the twin peak of Doi Suthep, an important temple mountain dedicated to the hermit Prarusiwa Suthep. Guardian spirits Pu Sae and Ya Sae are venerated on this range, reflecting deep cultural significance.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top