Friday, January 30, 2026

Northern Thailand Hiking and Camping Part 3 (1st post: Sunrise and Sunset)

A nice experience hiking and camping in northern Thailand in this time of the year from 17 to 25 Jan 2026. Weather is dry and cold after the sun sets; it was so predictable that it would not rain, and we have the colourful sunrise and sunset daily. Night time temperature was around 10°C; hence, one needs to bring thermal and fleece jackets, and even down jacket.

Do CLICK HERE to view 232 photos taken by yours truly, KC Leong. 

Moon Shadow Resort, Doi Pha Tang

This posting covers the following areas (Chiang Rai and Chiangmai):

1. Doi Pha Tang, Moon Shadow Resort;

2. Pha Tang Hill hiking: Viewpoint 102, 103, 104, 107;

3. Phu Chi Fa Forest Park for sunrise;

4. Phu Chi Dao Viewpoint hiking for sunset;

5. Shrimp Pond Restaurant for lunch (Best Tom Yum Goong and grill prawns in Chiangrai);

6. Singha Park lakeside walk;

7. Khun Chae National Park Registration Office.

Moon Shadow Resort, Doi Pha Tang

Team Members (18 pax):

KC Leong (Team Lead); 

Cheng Lai, Jadrien Kum, Nelson Lim, Patrick Soh, Tong San Hee;

Amy Thew, Christine Bong, Catherine Cheong, Cheng Li, Edance Tong, Fong Kwee Moy, Ivy Chin, Josephine Lee, Joanne Low, Shu-Lin, Swee Yong, Vandy Yap.

Pha Tang Hill hiking: Viewpoint 103

Best Time:

Best months to go for hiking and camping in norther Thailand are December and January. Other than the dry season, it is cold; and Sakura flowers are blooming.

Feb, March, April, May, June = dry but hot (mountains could be closed because of forest fire);

July, August, Sept = raining season (mountains could be closed because of wet weather);

Oct and Nov = weather improves; still with unpredictable rain and mist in the morning that may affect viewing of sunrise.

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park for sunrise
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park for sunrise
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park for sunrise
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park for sunrise
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park for sunrise
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park - the Sakura full bloom was two weeks earlier
Phu Chi Dao Viewpoint hiking for sunset
Phu Chi Dao Viewpoint hiking for sunset
Pha Tang Hill hiking for sunrise: Viewpoint 104
Pha Tang Hill hiking for sunrise: Viewpoint 104
Pha Tang Hill hiking for sunrise: Viewpoint 107
Pha Tang Hill hiking for sunset: Viewpoint 102
Pha Tang Hill hiking for sunset: Viewpoint 102
Pha Tang Hill hiking for sunset: Viewpoint 107
Pha Tang Hill hiking for sunset: Viewpoint 107
Shrimp Pond Restaurant for lunch (Best Tom Yum Goong and grill prawns in Chiangrai)
Shrimp Pond Restaurant for lunch 
Singha Park lakeside walk
Singha Park lakeside walk
Dinner in Chiang Rai

Khun Chae National Park Registration Office

This time, we have a better system. Renting of camping tents, sleeping bags and pads, because they are of constant weight, do not need to individually weigh again.
We only need to weigh the personal items kept in various big bags due to variable weight. An assistant would take the "mug shot" of each team member showing the weight and person, pay after returning from the hike.

Renting camping gear is better as compare to brining them from Kuala Lumpur as they take up space in our luggage bags. If one brings own camping tent, one needs to set up by himself/herself. 

Do click here to view the second posting of this trip. 

Do click here to view Part 2 (Wawajo) or Part 1 (Phu Kradueng) of Northern Thailand Hiking and Camping trips.


Posted by KC Leong

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