Thailand Mountain Trail a passé plusieurs années à dénicher les plus beaux sentiers de montagne aux alentours de Chiang Mai. Au début de nos recherches, en 2013, nous avons exploré le magnifique parc national de Doi Pui Suthep, situé aux portes de la ville. Nous avons immédiatement été séduits par la beauté et le caractère sauvage de ces lieux, qui étaient encore peu connus à l’époque.
LE VOYAGE
En deux jours, nous parcourrons tout le massif, d’est en ouest, en montant et en descendant. C’est le voyage idéal pour découvrir différentes ambiances à proximité de Chiang Mai (de la jungle sauvage aux crêtes dégagées, en passant par des temples et des villages de tribus montagnardes) tout en profitant des meilleures conditions pour récupérer après chaque journée de course. Se détendre au bord de la piscine, profiter d’un massage thaï traditionnel, déguster une excellente cuisine thaïlandaise, flâner dans la vieille ville : à vous de choisir.
The view over the valley of Chiang Mai is panoramic and imposing.
In the early hours of the morning the run leaves Chiang Mai towards the North and climbs straight up into the forest on a track used by pilgrims. Without transition we pass into rocky terrain which lasts until the almost fairy tale appearance of Wat Palaad, nestling on the bank of a river. A few kilometers further on the course crosses the site of Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most holy temples in Thailand.
We have to find our bearings very quickly in these long green tunnels whose very density is impressive.
The route runs down the dizzyingly steep staircase from the temple of Doi Suthep, and then, without a break, plunges headlong into its first stretch of jungle. For many it comes as a shock. The undulating paths are almost free of obstacles but in many places they are punctuated by fallen branches and tree trunks which we have to step over…
If we can see it, our feet can take us there!
As we emerge from the jungle, the run starts to climb again, up to the village of Chang Khian, the first Hmong village. After a break to enjoy local Arabica coffee, the slope gets progressively harder and becomes so steep that we have to use our hands to help us at some points. When we reach a magnificent line of ridges edged in pine trees, Doi Pui stands out in the distance.
It’s maybe the most pleasant part of the trip.
After the summit, the last 5 kilometers lead us through the jungle again on a nice trail down to the finish point. After a long and difficult climb, we enjoy a comfortable downhill on an easy trail surrounded by tropical trees, bamboo and banana trees. We can relax our legs and increase the speed without any effort until we reach a beautiful garden that marks the entrance of the final Hmong village.
DAY 2
29K
1’800M+
The 2nd day of the trip leaves the valley of Chiang Mai on a steep footpath alongside a beautiful stream. It’s an opportunity to warm up and check our legs already tired from the 1st day. The muscles are still a bit cold when the path goes steeper. For 7k and 1’100m+ it’s a regular climb in the forest and the jungle until we reach the Hmong village of Chang Khian.
We will enjoy a nice view on the city at the sunrise, then we climb straight up into the forest on a wild trail.
After a short break to refill water and get a local coffee, we enjoy a great way down in a bamboo jungle. The undulating path is dense and technical in some parts. In many places it is punctuated by cut or fallen bamboo tree trunks. At its top stands the summit of Doi Pa Klong, the objective of the day.
As we emerge from the jungle, we can see the mountain ridge in a tooth shape surrounding us.
After a new climb and a run alongside the ridge, finally we reach the summit at 1650m high. On the east side the view over the valley of Chiang Mai is panoramic and imposing. We will take a break here at the top of Chiang Mai to enjoy some food and rest before the last drop.
On the west side as far as we can see, it is an ocean of green mountains.
The last part is a long way down back to Chiang Mai. It’s more and more technical and running can be sometimes difficult, especially with tired legs. Hopefully we can stop and take a break at a waterfall to cool down and refresh our legs. This is the sign that we are not far from the finish point; few more kilometers down and we are back to the city.
The closer we are to the city, the wilder the jungle becomes.
Nos circuits sont tout compris. De la prise en charge à votre hôtel dans le centre-ville jusqu'à votre retour, vous n'avez rien à payer en plus. Nous prenons en charge tous les repas (au restaurant, dans les villages ou à emporter, avec des produits locaux de qualité) ainsi que toutes les collations pendant le voyage. Nous gérons nous-mêmes notre hébergement dans des villages de montagne chez l’habitant. Nos séjours chez l’habitant exclusifs offrent tout le confort nécessaire : chambres privées, vrais lits, draps et couvertures propres, douches chaudes. Tous les droits d’entrée dans les parcs nationaux et l’assurance sont également inclus. Participer à un voyage TMT, c’est la garantie de bénéficier d’une attention toute particulière et du meilleur service possible.
WHAT IS ALWAYS INCLUDED
EXCLUSIVE TMT TRAILS
Routes we reopened ourselves and no one else runs.
GROUPS OF 6 MAX
Small enough to move fast and stay welcome in a village.
CERTIFIED GUIDES
Licensed, local, and running these hills for years.
MEALS INCLUDED
Local quality food, cooked fresh, morning to night.
TRAIL SNACKS
Fruit, water and refuel stops carried for the whole day.
VILLAGE HOMESTAYS
Our own houses with private rooms and hot showers.
BEDS & LINEN
Real beds, clean sheets and blankets — not a mat on a floor.
HOTEL TRANSFERS
Door to trailhead and back, every day of the trip.
INSURANCE & FEES
National Park fees and trip insurance already covered.