Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (Doi Inthanon)

A local Hmong guide will lead you through forest and open grassland to scenic vistas high on the slopes of Doi Inthanon.

Scenic vista on Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

The trail starts in sun-dappled rainforest and you pass by a scenic waterfall. Beyond this first section, the trail emerges into wind-swept open grassland – a sub-alpine meadow.

Sub-alpine Meadow on Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

There is a viewpoint with grand vistas at the highest point of the trail (around 2,200m elevation). You then walk down along an escarpment with views to Mae Chaem district, with impressive rhododendrons in the foreground.

The Royal Pagodas viewd from Kew Mae Pan

You are rewarded with an elevated view of the Royal Pagodas, before returning to the forest canopy for the final third of the trail. This last section descends and climbs through several re-entrant gullies.

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Although only 3 km in distance, the circular hike takes about 2 hours. Exact time will vary based on fitness levels. The combination of altitude and trail gradient may make it difficult to breathe if you are not accustomed to this type of activity