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Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail
Activities & Tours
Chiang Mai

Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail

4.6(512 reviews)

Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail offers a rewarding half-day hike through the forested hills of Chom Thong District, winding past several waterfall spots and ending at a traditional village where locals demonstrate weaving and offer complimentary coffee and tea samples. The trail sits within the Doi Inthanon National Park area near Ban Luang, making it a practical choice for travellers looking to experience northern Thailand's natural landscape without a full-day commitment. Visitors can choose between two route options: a 3-kilometre loop that returns to the starting point, or a one-way 3-kilometre walk through to the coffee village, with a car available for the return journey at an additional 150 baht. The terrain involves some inclines and is moderately steep in places, with the full walk taking approximately one and a half to two hours. A strawberry farm also features along the route. Local guides are friendly and attentive, often pointing out wildlife such as snakes and assisting with photographs. A local guide is compulsory and costs 220 baht per group of up to ten people, so solo travellers and small groups can share the cost easily. Parking at the trailhead fills quickly, but the nearby national park car park 500 metres away offers overflow parking with complimentary transport back to the entrance. Sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended, as is bringing water for the walk. Morning starts are advisable for cooler temperatures, and the dry season from November to February offers the most reliable trail conditions.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

What a great way to start the day! Parking was full, but I got a complimentary scooter ride back from the National Park car park 500m down the road. Our local guide (220 baht for a group of up to 10ppl) spoke a little english and pointed out all of the important plants, we were lucky enough to have two Thai people join us who also helped translate. The walk follows the river through lush rainforest, with many waterfalls, beautiful bamboo bridges, strawberry farms and rice fields along the way. You can stop and see local women weaving with the opportunity to buy beautifully hand made bags and garments. Final stop is a complimentary coffee and tea tasting, before getting in the back of a truck to take you back to the car park (150 Baht)

Local guides are compulsory for 220thb per group. At the end of the trial, you can see locals doing weaving and free coffee/ tea samples. You either walk to the middle and walk back to the start or walk all the way to the end (where you get to the coffee) and take a motor taxi out for 50thb.per pax. Nice nature trail with waterfalls along the way and it's overlooking the rice fields.

The walking route is not too long about 3-4 km. Using about 1.30-2.00 hours. Along the way you can enjoy the nature with several waterfalls spot. The walk way has up and down and a bit stiff. However it’s not slippery. At the end of the village will have traditional coffee shop where you can enjoy and relax and take the car up to your parking space. Do come and enjoy the place :)

Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Book Through Klook or GetYourGuide

These platforms offer instant confirmation, free cancellation on most activities, and prices that are often lower than walk-up rates. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.

Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

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Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – October

Avg. temperature

15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)

Getting there

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.

Getting around

  • Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
  • Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)