Hiking Kew Mae Pan Trail in Doi Inthanon

During our second trip to Chiang Mai, we knew we had to visit Doi Inthanon National Park—the “must-go” destination we missed the first time.

This time, we set our sights on the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, a highlight for anyone who loves trekking and nature. The Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is at the 42 km mark along the Chom Thong - Doi Inthanon Peak Road. At an elevation of about 2,000 meters, this 3.2 km trail offered us a mix of lush rainforest and stunning mountain ridge views.

Guided by a local, this experience turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our trip to Doi Inthanon National Park.

How to Get to Kew Mae Pan

The drive to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai takes about 1.5 hours, but it’s closer to 2 hours to reach the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, which is deeper inside the park. Here’s what we found about transportation:

• Driving or Motorbike: If you want flexibility and plan to explore other spots in the park after the hike, this is the best option.
• Taxi or Grab: Private taxi services, like this one, are convenient but pricier.
• Public Transport: Songthaews are cheaper but involve 1-3 transfers and take 2.5-3 hours each way. Unless you’re on a tight budget, I wouldn’t recommend this option.

Tip: Driving also gives you the freedom to visit other attractions, like Wachirathan Waterfall and the Twin Pagodas of Doi Inthanon, once you’re done hiking.

Kew Mae Pan Entrance Fee

• Doi Inthanon National Park: 300 Baht for adults and 150 Baht for children aged 3-14. Thai citizens pay 60 Baht (adults) and 30 Baht (children).
• Kew Mae Pan trail fees are included in the park entrance fee.

The Hiking Experience

Guide Requirement: Guides are mandatory for the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. These local Hmong hill tribe guides are experienced with the route, though they don't speak much English. While the trail is quite straightforward, hiring a guide supports the local community and conservation efforts.

Arranging a guide is easy. We simply arrived at the trail entrance, paid the 200 Baht fee (for groups of up to 10), and were assigned a guide within minutes. They even provided us with wooden hiking sticks for support.

Hiking the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

The trail starts in a cool, shaded rainforest filled with ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, and tiny waterfalls. The terrain varies—some areas are muddy, others have wooden steps—so sturdy hiking shoes are a must.

Then, the landscape transforms as you emerge onto an open mountain ridge. The contrast between the lush forest and sweeping grasslands was breathtaking.

Our guide also shared fascinating tidbits about the plants and trees we encountered, including rhododendrons and edible berries.

The trail’s highlight came when we reached the cliffside viewpoint (Kew Mae Pan viewpoint).

To one side, the majestic Twin Pagodas of Doi Inthanon were visible; to the other, a sea of clouds and rolling mountains stretched endlessly.

After soaking in the views and snapping a few photos, we made our way back down the trail, completing the loop.

Wachirathan Waterfall

After finishing the Kew Mae Pan trail, we drove to the nearby Wachirathan Waterfall—a must-see in Doi Inthanon National Park. This massive waterfall is just a short walk (about a min) from the car park.

The mist from the powerful waterfall was a refreshing treat after our hike.

Climbing the stairs on the left gave us a good bird’s-eye view, while descending the stairs on the right offered better photo spots.

Wachirathan Entrance Fee: Covered under the Doi Inthanon National Park admission.

After our sweaty hike, the cool mist of Wachirathan waterfall was a good way to refresh. This stop is an essential inclusion on any Doi Inthanon itinerary.

Trail Difficulty Level

• Length: 3.2 km.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Although there are plenty of steps, it’s definitely less challenging than hikes like the Dragon Crest Mountain in Krabi. A basic fitness level should be sufficient.

Best Times to Visit Kew Mae Pan

• Trail Availability: The trail is open from November to May. It’s closed from June to October for forest recovery, so plan your trip accordingly.
• Ideal Weather: Visit between November and February for cooler temperatures. Doi Inthanon’s weather during this time can dip below 10°C in the mornings.

What to bring & wear

• What to Wear:
  • Layered clothing to adapt to temperature changes. It’s warmer at the base and cooler at the top.
  • Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for the slippery rainforest sections.
• Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera.

Overall Thoughts on this hike

I’m trying to be more discerning in my reviews, but honestly, Kew Mae Pan is an undeniable highlight of any Chiang Mai or Doi Inthanon itinerary.

While visiting the twin pagodas is worthwhile, the Kew Mae Pan trekking experience itself is one I will cherish—complete with stunning views of rolling hills and clouds.

If there's one thing I could encourage you to do, it's to lace up your hiking boots and experience this trail for yourself.