If taking sunrise and sunset photos is your favorite way of creating travel mementos, your adventure bucket list deserves having a mountain in Thailand or two. Many of Thailand’s mountains offer a striking view of both the sunrise and sunset, giving your adventure a postcard-perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Depending on the time of year or the mountain you visit, you can even catch the sea of mist sprawled in Thai landscapes and across neighboring countries—a dramatic scenario that would make you feel that you’re on top of the world.
So if you’re planning a hike in Thailand for your soul-searching or your adrenaline-pumping adventure, here are a few you can consider visiting:
Doi Kio Lom Viewpoint, Chiang Mai
At Doi Kio Lom Viewpoint in Huai Nam Dang National Park, visitors can see the sunrise and a sea of mist shrouding Thailand’s third highest mountain, Doi Luang Chiang Dao. Visiting this mountain in January also gives you time to admire the full bloom of the Wild Himalayan Cherry planted at the Tourism Centre. You can also appreciate this mountain’s views while relaxing at bungalows and restaurants at the Viewpoint, where campsites are also available for overnight stays.
If you want more information, you can get in touch with Doi Luang Chiang Dao National Park.
Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai
At 1,628 meters above sea level, Phu Chi Fa is one of the best places in Thailand to view the sunrise in a sea of mist, offering a sweeping 360-degree view of the mountain range spanning the Thai-Lao border. If you schedule your visit in February to March, you can event catch the orchid trees’ white flowers in bloom.
Before hiking to Phu Chi Fa, it is better to contact a village at the foot of the mountain so you can catch a pickup truck. You can also avail the pickup truck service at the Tap Tao Sub-district Administration Organisation’s Visitor Centre.
Ban Cha Bo, Mae Hong Son
Visiting Ba Chan Bo gives you a unique opportunity to immerse in the life of the Lahu hill tribe village. Ba Chan Bo is surrounded by limestone mountains, which gets shrouded by sunrise and mist in the morning—a view you can relish early in the morning. The village has homestay accommodation which you can book for overnight visits.
You can contact the Ban Cha Bo Ecotourism Community if you want to schedule a visit.
Pha Taem, Ubon Ratchathani
If you want to take pride in watching Thailand’s earliest sunrise, Pha Taem is the place to go since it is is situated in the easternmost part of the country. It is located at a steep cliff where you can see the Mekong River, a natural border between Lao PDR and Thailand that runs parallel with the cliff. If you’re after the sea of mist, the best times to visit would be the late rainy season. Pha Team is also home to prehistoric paintings that date back 3,000 years, which you can access through a 500-meter pathway from the cliffs.
To find more about Pha Taem’s offerings that include bungalows, camping sites, and restaurants, you can make your inquiries via phone call at the Pha Taem National Park.
Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, stands at 2,565 meters above sea level. On your way to the summit, you can explore nature trails, visit several waterfalls, and even relax at restaurants. Doi Inthanon is cold all year round and fog will be consistently present during your hike. During the months of January and February, you can see the rare Rhododendron arboretum tree in full bloom at the peak.
If you are planning to visit Thailand’s highest point, you can get in touch with the Visitor’s Centre of Doi Inthanon National Park.
Since visiting these spots involves a lot of risks, it is important to take note of some safety precautions. First, it is important to take note of the route so you can also prepare physically. Take pictures with caution since most viewpoints are situated on high mountains and cliffs.
You should also make sure that you’re wearing the right gear, including shoes with studded slips, raincoats, umbrellas, and hats. The best time to catch the sea of mist is often at 6:00AM so be sure to have a flashlight when you’re hiking at dawn.
By creating memories on any one of these mountaintops, you’re sure to create one of the most unforgettable and picture-perfect #THAImazing stories you can ever have.
To know more about Thailand’s mountains, visit www.tourismthailand.org, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TATPhilippines.
