Start our journey with trails ideal for beginners and families with children. These trails offer gentle climbs, beautiful views and are relatively short, making them an excellent choice for a day trip.

1st Wat Pha Lat Hike (Monk's trail). Located in Chiang Mai, this relatively short trail of about 2 km leads to the hidden temple of Wat Pha Lat. The trail is easy and well-marked, making it ideal for families with children. The hike takes about 45 minutes one way and offers beautiful views of the city and a chance to explore a quiet temple less frequented by tourists. It's worth setting out early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Be sure to bring water and appropriate footwear, as the path can be slippery during the rainy season.

2 - Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail This scenic trail of about 3 km is located in Doi Inthanon National Park. The trail follows a stream and offers a series of wooden bridges and viewing platforms. It is an ideal option for families who want to experience the beauty of Thai nature without having to undertake a difficult climb. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete and ends at a local village, where you can rest and enjoy traditional snacks. It is advisable to bring trekking poles, especially if you go here during the rainy season.

3 - Ang Ka Nature Trail Located in Doi Inthanon National Park, this short but extremely charming 360-meter trail is accessible to everyone, even wheelchair users. Wooden bridges lead you through a picturesque mist forest, offering an unusual experience of walking among the clouds. It's an ideal place for bird watching and admiring the unique vegetation, including rare mosses and ferns. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the fog rises above the forest, creating a magical atmosphere.

When comparing these trails, it's worth noting their accessibility and level of difficulty. Wat Pha Lat Hike offers a bit more of a challenge due to its steeper approaches, but it is shorter and close to town. Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail is longer, but flatter and offers more attractions along the way, such as waterfalls and bridges. Ang Ka Nature Trail is the shortest and easiest, ideal for people with limited mobility or families with young children. All three trails offer unique natural and cultural experiences, making them an excellent introduction to trekking in Thailand.

For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, but not yet ready for extreme climbing, Thailand offers a number of trails with an intermediate level of difficulty. These routes provide the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility.

4th Kew Mae Pan nature trail This scenic 2.8 km trail is located in Doi Inthanon National Park and is considered one of the most beautiful in Thailand. The trail passes through a variety of ecosystems, from misty forest to open spaces with breathtaking views of the valley. The hike takes about 2-3 hours and requires average physical condition. There are wooden platforms and stairs along the route, making it easy to walk, but some sections can be steep. It is advisable to bring warm clothes, as it can be chilly at altitude, and trekking poles for the more challenging sections.

5 Doi Pui Nature Trail Located near Chiang Mai, this 4km trail offers a fascinating journey through a tropical rainforest. The trail is well marked and maintained, making it accessible to most hikers. The hike takes about 2-3 hours and leads to a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is especially attractive during the dry season (October to May), when you can enjoy the lush greenery and variety of butterflies. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as the path can be slippery, especially after rain.

6 Mindfulness Hill This trail, located in the Wat Pha Lat temple complex in Chiang Mai, offers not only a physical challenge, but also a spiritual experience. The trail leads through a dense forest to the temple located on a hill, offering beautiful views of the city along the way. The hike is relatively short but steep, requiring good fitness. This is an ideal destination for those looking to combine physical activity with elements of meditation and contemplation. It is advisable to plan your visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the tranquility of the temple before more tourists arrive.

Comparing these trails, the Kew Mae Pan nature trail stands out for its variety of landscapes and is considered the most scenic, but also requires advance booking of a guide. Doi Pui Nature Trail is more accessible and does not require a guide, offering flexibility in trip planning. Mindfulness Hill, though shorter, offers a unique combination of trekking and cultural and spiritual experience.

All of these trails are accessible most of the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (November-April), when the trails are less slippery and the views clearer. Admission prices to the national parks range from 200 to 300 baht for foreigners (as of 2023), but it's worth checking current prices before visiting. Each of these trails offers unique experiences and views that will long be remembered.

For seekers of real challenges and unforgettable adventures, Thailand offers several trails that will test the skills of even the most experienced trekkers. These trails require good physical fitness, adequate preparation and often a guide, but reward you with incredible views and authentic experiences.

7th Thailand Mountain Trail This is not a single trail, but rather a network of trekking routes in northern Thailand, offering a variety of challenges for experienced trekkers. The expeditions organized here can last from one to several days and take you through the wild mountainous terrain of the Chiang Mai and Chiang Dao regions. The routes offer opportunities to explore remote hill tribe villages, climb high peaks and stay overnight in simple local lodges. The level of difficulty is high, with long, steep ascents and descents, often over difficult terrain. Good physical preparation, proper equipment and an experienced guide are required.

8th Khao Chalak Trail Running Located in Chonburi province, this trail offers an intense experience for mountain running and trekking enthusiasts. The trail, about 2.5 kilometers long, leads to a peak about 300 meters above sea level. Despite the relatively short distance, the trail is demanding due to steep climbs and difficult terrain. The reward for the effort is spectacular views of Si Racha city and the Gulf of Thailand. This is the perfect place for those looking for an intense workout combined with natural beauty. It is best to visit this place early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

9 Doi Pha Ngam This trail, located in northern Thailand, offers a real challenge for experienced trekkers. The trail leads through dense rainforest to the top of the mountain, offering breathtaking views along the way. The hike can take five to six hours round trip and requires good physical fitness. The trail is steep and can be slippery, especially during the rainy season. There is a lookout point at the top, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is an ideal place for those looking for a real adventure off the beaten tourist path.

10th Trail No. 3 : 33th km - Nong Phak Chi Nature Trail Located in Khao Yai National Park, this trail offers a unique trekking experience through a wild rainforest. The trail, which is about 3 kilometers long, leads to an observation tower from which you can view the park's wildlife. The trail is relatively flat, but requires attention due to the possibility of encountering wild animals, including elephants. The company of a park guide is required. This is an excellent option for those who want to combine trekking with wildlife observation.

Comparing these trails, Thailand Mountain Trail offers the most comprehensive and long-term experience, ideal for those who have more time and want to deeply immerse themselves in the culture and nature of northern Thailand. Khao Chalak Trail Running is an intense but short challenge, perfect for those looking for a fast but challenging workout. Doi Pha Ngam offers a more isolated experience and is ideal for those looking to get away from the tourist crowds. Trail No. 3 in Khao Yai is unique for its wildlife viewing opportunities and is a good choice for nature lovers.

All of these trails require good preparation, proper equipment and often a guide. Prices for guides and organized expeditions can vary widely, from a few hundred to several thousand baht, depending on the length and difficulty of the route. It is advisable to plan such expeditions carefully, taking into account the season (the dry season from November to April is best) and your physical capabilities. Regardless of the route chosen, these advanced trails offer an unforgettable experience and views that will forever remain in the memory of any mountain hiker.