Doi Mon Jong, located in Nanthaburi district in Chiangmai, is the golden mountain of Thailand. It is full of beautiful scenery with the green landscape. On the Doi Mon Jong, tourists will enjoy seeing the incredibly beautiful sunrise and sunset views. During the beginning of December and January, it is a good chance for tourists to visit and see the field of rhododendron blossom, a rare flower that can only be found in this period. With the height of 1,929 metres, Don Mon Jong is one of the top ten peaks in Thailand and the highest peak looks like a lion’s head.
Overall, Doi Mon Jong is a great escape for two days and one night to feel the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful views like sunrise and sunset up there. It takes only 3-4 hours to get there by feet. It is better to hike in the morning since there will be fewer people going on the trail.
Best time to visit: Winter from December to January
Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Thailand’s third tallest peak, is 2,225 metres above the sea level. There are two trails that lead hikers to the summit. If you prefer watching the beautiful sunrise and the stunning view of the sea of fog, Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint is the right destination. However, you can also enjoy seeing both sunrise and sunset at the peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao is not a single mountain. It consists of many recommended mountains that hikers should not miss which are Doi Sam Pee Nong, Doi Pyramid, and many more. Spending time over this Doi for three days two nights will be perfect for getting fresh air to clear your mind and see the stunning views on the top of the mountain. It takes about 4 – 6 hours to hike up there and on the way, you will see the gorgeous forests with tropical plants and many different kinds of birds as well as possibly see the goral in the near distance.
Recommendation: able to travel either independently or with a guide
Best time to visit: From the beginning of November to the end of March
Mon Tu Le, located in Tha Song Yang in Tak province, is 1,350 metres above the sea level. This mountain has its golden colour during November and January since the field turns its colour to gold. You will be amazed by the stunning colour of the mountain and the sea of fog in the winter season.
The highlight of this mountain is a photography spot where you can take a picture with the sea of fog in the morning as well as the sky full of stars at night. You can spend either 3 days 2 nights or 2 days 1 night over there, depending on what activities you would like to do. This trail is pretty hard to hike so it best suits with hikers who have experience on other Trekking spots in Thailand and it takes about 5 – 7 hours to hike to Mon Tu Le.
Best time to visit: Winter in Thailand or October onwards