Kew Mae Pan Trek & Pa Pong Piang, 2 Days
Sunset over the terraces, sunrise on Thailand's highest peak, then the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail through cloud forest and grassland ridges.
- Duration
- 2 days, 1 night
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- November to March
- Pick-up
- 08:00
- Guide language
- English or Thai
Kew Mae Pan is a 2.78 km nature trail inside Doi Inthanon National Park, at around 2,200 metres above sea level. In one short walk it passes through three different landscapes: mossy cloud forest, golden grassland and open mountain ridges, with what many people call the best panoramic view in Thailand.
On this trip you spend the night at Pa Pong Piang and learn about Karen hill tribe life, then rise early for sunrise at the summit before hiking the trail with a local hill tribe guide.
Walking: 1–2 hours uphill to waterfalls on day 1; about 2 hours on the Kew Mae Pan trail, with stairs, on day 2
Itinerary
Day 1: Waterfalls and sunset
08:00Hotel pick-up
A stop at a local market for snacks, food and drinks.
11:00Coffee in the mountains
A break at an organic, handmade coffee shop.
13:00First hike
A short but uphill walk to three waterfalls, about 1–2 hours. The last one has clear mountain water to cool off in.
15:00Arrive at Pa Pong Piang
Your guide shares how the Karen hill tribe live, then you're free to explore.
Evening
Traditional dinner while the sun sets over the terraces, and a night in a local guesthouse. In this season the fields have been harvested.
Day 2: Summit and Kew Mae Pan
05:50Sunrise at the summit
An early drive to the highest point in Thailand.
07:00Breakfast
Rice porridge and coffee. We can hike first and eat after if you prefer.
07:30Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
About two hours through cloud forest to the famous viewpoints.
09:30Royal Pagodas
The King and Queen Pagodas.
11:00Wachirathan Waterfall
Chiang Mai's most visited waterfall.
12:00Noodle lunch
14:00Tour ends
Included
- Guesthouse accommodation
- Mosquito net
- Transport
- Meals
- Guide
- Park and trail fees
Not included
- Beer and soft drinks
What to bring
- Clothes and belongings for two days
- Insect repellent
- Toilet paper
- Towel
- A jacket
Good to know
- All tours are guided in English or Thai.
- Runs November to March. The Kew Mae Pan trail is closed by the national park from June to October.
- Pick-up: 08:00 from your Chiang Mai hotel.
- Wear comfortable shoes that are good on stairs and uphill paths.
- Mornings at the summit are cold in the cool season. Bring a warm jacket.
- Kew Mae Pan is guided by local hill tribe guides with expert knowledge of the trail.
Photos from this trip
Questions about this trip
When is the Kew Mae Pan trail open?
The national park closes the trail from June to October for the rainy season. We run this trip from November to March.
How long is the Kew Mae Pan hike?
The trail is 2.78 km and takes about two hours with stops. It includes stairs and uphill sections.
What does the 4,700 THB price cover?
Guided tour and transport (3,500 THB), homestay (700 THB), national park entrance (300 THB) and the Kew Mae Pan trail fee (200 THB). Meals and a mosquito net are included.
Read more about Pa Pong Piang Rice Terraces, Doi Inthanon National Park and Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.
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All tours are guided in English or Thai.