Thailand is famous for its beautiful beaches, majestic temples, and lively nightlife, but it also has some world-class hiking trails under its belt. From trekking to see the Lahu hill tribes of Ban Mae Ma to soaking up the views from atop Krabi’s mighty Dragon Crest Mountain, here’s a roundup of the best places to go hiking in Thailand.

1. Khao Yai National Park

When it comes to the best hiking in Thailand, you can’t go wrong with Thailand’s first national park. Established in 1962, Khao Yai National Park is the best place for a jungle trek, particularly if you don’t want to stray far from Bangkok. Located less than three hours from the capital city, Khao Yai has more than 50 km (31 mi) of hiking trails humming with activity from Thailand’s animals. Think macaques, gibbons, and many endemic bird species — even elephants. If you’re interested in beautiful Thailand waterfalls, the park is home to the 150m-high (492 ft) Haew Narok waterfall and Haew Suwat, the cascade made famous by the 2000 film The Beach.

2. Ban Jabo, Thailand: Hilltribe Trek

Leave the streets of Chiang Mai behind and head deep into the bamboo and teak forests of Northern Thailand on the Ban Jabo Hilltribe Trek. Tucked away in the hills surrounding Chiang Mai are where travellers can meet and interact with traditional communities that have remained unchanged for centuries. These diverse hill tribe villages have their own unique languages and cultures and provide deep insight into the layered fabric of Thailand. This trek is not for the faint of heart, which leads from village to village before arriving in Ban Jabo, a village of Black Oahu people who originally hail from China. The lush landscape, natural beauty, and cultural exchanges make this one of the most memorable hikes in Thailand.

This Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek takes you from Chiang Mai up into the mountains to Ban Jabo and other hill tribe communities, like Ban Phi Mon and Ban Muang Pam. You can also combine your hilltribe trek experience with a dose of Bangkok with this eight-day Northern Thailand adventure, which begins and ends in Bangkok.

3. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world — literally — when you set out on the Kew Mae Pan trail. Located within Doi Inthanon National Park, this trail takes you to the highest point in Thailand, the summit of Doi Inthanon Mountain. This stunning trek begins in the lush rainforest before gradually opening up to incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks, including the famous Royal Twin Pagodas within the national park. Come prepared for the weather, as it can get chilly up here on the top of Thailand’s peaks. Additionally, you may be required to hire a local guide, which you can do at the park entrance.

4. Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

As far as culturally immersive treks go, you cannot do better than the hike from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. This laid-back journey takes hikers through the heart of northern Thailand as they move from homestay to homestay. The route begins in Baan The Sob Van in the Chiang Kham District and winds through Dot Luang National Park to Ban Maena, a community of Lahu people, before concluding in Chiang Mai. One of the best ways for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture, the Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai trek is perfect for those seeking cultural exchanges and a deeper understanding of Thailand’s rich northern heritage.

If you’re interested in learning more about Thailand’s hill tribes, this active 14-day Hike, Bike & Kayak itinerary takes you out of cities and deep into the remote, cultural corners of Thailand.

5. Tiger Cave Temple

It’s not a long trail, but you’ll feel the burn as you tackle the more than 1,200 steps to Tiger Cave Temple. Located on a 278m-high (912 ft) limestone cliff overlooking Krabi Town, Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is the reward for a short (but steep) hike. Legend has it that tigers once lived in the caves in the lush jungles of Krabi province. While no felines reside here today, the golden stupas of the temple remain, offering breathtaking views of the limestone karsts and emerald forest in every direction.

6. Doi Suthep Monks Trail

Chiang Mai is a veritable treasure trove of great hikes in Thailand. The Doi Suthep Monks Trail is one of the best in the area. The trail winds its way through the lush forests of Chiang Mai, leading to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, one of the most revered in the country. The pilgrimage path ventures deep into lush forest, crossing babbling streams and passing by hidden surprises like the jungle-shrouded Wat Pha Lat temple. The trail ends atop the mountain where the gold-covered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep overlooks the city.

7. Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son

Serious trekkers can level up with the multi-day Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son trek. An ancient trade route through the coniferous forests of northwestern Thailand, the trail from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son will take hikers into the most remote areas of Thailand. The route starts in Chiang Mai and passes through hill tribe villages, winding up orchid-covered mountain slopes, down into lush valleys, and across verdant rice and tea fields.

The week-long trek ends in the city of Mae Hong Son, the capital of the province by the same name, and one of the best places in Thailand to step away from the tourist fray. In fact, Mae Hong Son is part of the famous Mae Hong Son loop, a popular motorbike route from Chiang Mai that passes through other small towns like Mae Sariang and Pai.

8. Dragon Crest Mountain

Krabi may have some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, but its hiking trails are nothing to overlook. The Dragon Crest Mountain hike, located within Khao Ngon Nam National Park, is renowned for its thigh-burning ascent and breathtaking panoramic views. After a challenging scramble up the slopes (leave the flip-flops at home; hiking boots are a must), hikers are rewarded with views of the limestone mountains, lush countryside, and the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea.

9. Huay Kaew Waterfall

Not every hike in Thailand has to be a personal challenge. The Huay Kaew Waterfall in Chiang Mai is a short urban hike with a lovely picnic spot and swimming hole that is perfect for casual hikers. The entire hike is less than three kilometres (1.86 mi) and is the perfect dose of nature to get you out of the city. The Huay Kaew waterfall is a hidden gem, located about 6 km (3.73 mi) outside of the city. It flies relatively below the tourist radar, which makes it extremely tranquil and the perfect place to take a refreshing dip.