Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary

It's definitely the most beautiful mountain area in Thailand. This is the 3rd highest summit in the country but that's a real mountain contrary to Doi Inthanon and Doi Phahompok that are big hills. It's full of peaks, cliffs, limestone rocks and the nature is wild and various. The views at the summits are imposing and majestic especially for sunset and sunrise. Unfortunately it is now almost impossible to visit due to restrictions by National Park. It is open only 4 months a year (November to February) and limited to 50-100p a day. The process to apply is also very complicated and almost impossible if you don't speak Thai. In addition, conditions of admission change every year. Hopefully there are also secret routes all around the mountains that allow enjoying Doi Chiang Dao without all these bureaucratic paperwork and conditions.

We thought that we could go to the top of the mountain BUT there was fire, so the mountain was closed. We did another hike on the same mountain range. Your entry pass is good for 1 day at both access of the park. So, I recommend renting a scooter and visit both areas in the same day.

My experience was different from the other reviews. It is actually impossible to go hiking or see anything without prior authorization, which must be reserved in advance. A guide will inform you of this once you reach the top, not at the gate where you are requested to pay 200 baht. There are no signs indicating the restriction before the top. It takes about 40 minutes to drive on the gravel road... Once I came back down, the guy didn't really know how to justify himself, but he finally understood my annoyance at wasting my time. He informed me that the ticket also gave access to the "Doi Luang Chang Dao viewpoint," where I was able to go next.