Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is a heaven on Earth

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Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is a Natural Study trek on Doi Inthanon National Park starts from Km. 42. This short trail, winding through pristine forest for about 3.2 kilometres, a 2-4 hour trek, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand.

Getting truly experience by Trekking along Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail through the beautiful green forest, passing giant Rhododendrons, waterfalls and streams which leads to a cliff where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is famous for its red rhododendrons, a rare sight elsewhere in the country, various species of birds, the goral and nature in its purest form. The air was chilly when we visited there recently, ideal for a trek that wasn’t supposed to be that taxing, but one which still left us city slickers panting for breath as we climbed one slope after another on the circuitous trail.

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kew mae pan nature trail, kiew mae pan, kiew mae pan nature trail, kew mae pan

The 3.2kms-long trail takes you through a forest teeming with biodiversity. All 21 stations offer detailed explanations about the plants and ecosystems, whether it be ferns from ancient times, Himalayan flora species, dense cloud forest or grassland. where you can find 3 different type of forest start from the rain forest with full of moss and fern.

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Led by a Hmong guide, The first stage of Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is rainforest full of moss and ferns, competing with growing towards sunlight. The evergreen forest is a watershed area because of its key role in trapping moisture in the cloud. The forest floor was littered with leaves and organic matter forming a dense layer that would take long to decompose because of the cold climate. This section of the forest was devoid of human activity and therefore in superb condition.

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After passing through the thickest of the forest, you will enter into a large field, which changes color from green in rainy season to beautiful golden brown in the dry season. Thick misty fog floating right on the surface. If you take a close look, you will see animal trails. One of the thing here called Ngam Noi, twin rocks on slope whit a small heart-shaped stone at the base.

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When continue walking, you will see numerous numbers of big, beautiful ‘Thousand-year red roses’ (rhododendron trees) along the cliff, they bloom in the first month of the year and last until March of every year. This particular type of rose is well known and is a highlight of ‘Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.

This was the area where the pathway is narrow between two slopes in the opposite direction. On the left was the slope falling into the forest where trees grow green, tall and strong. On your right, the mountain just drops into a plunging valley that merges into other valleys, creating a beautiful contour of blueish-green. The reason why this happens is that there is more sun, rain and moisture on one side whereas the other side just gets washed out to form a slope. It was slightly dangerous because if we weren’t warned about the forest slope on our left. Once you pass the check point, keep driving and you will see the Royal stupas on your left. Immediately after the stupas is Kew Mae Pan.

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kew mae pan nature trail, kiew mae pan, kiew mae pan nature trail, kew mae pan

After that, you will be led back to the forest again. You are nearing the end of the trail when you pass a little podium built for visitors to sit and enjoy the music of the forest. That was in reference to the sounds of nature: subtle rustling of the leaves in the cold breeze, the chirping of birds in conversation, the lapping of the streams that breathe life and the voices of a million other creatures.

It is a great activity for most people to enjoy. The hike is 3.2 kms (2 miles) long with elevation. Not recommended for those who cannot climb stairs. And don’t forget to have full battery on your phone/camera. The view is amazing.

The trail open from beginning of Nov until the end of May each year.

There is a 200 baht entrance fee which pays for a local guide, which isn’t optional.

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kew mae pan nature trail, kiew mae pan, kiew mae pan nature trail, kew mae pan

How to Getting there

Doi Inthanon National Park is Thailand’s highest mountain. The peak is about 110km from Chiang Mai, Drive on highway 108 and 1009. Once you pass the check point, keep driving and you will see the Royal stupas on your left. Immediately after the stupas is Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. The drive up past the stupas is a little steep so you might want to press that gas pedal a little harder!

Booking : Trekking at Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
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Ban Mae Klang Luang

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Mae Ya Waterfall

Nearby Places

Ban Mae Klang Luang is a stunning place with flawless nature now, being loved by many tourists. This village was once a land for opium planting, but later, due to the kindness of King Bhumibol, the villagers switched to creative agriculture instead.

MaeYa Waterfall is the biggest and the most beautiful waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park. With a height of over 260 metres, Mae Ya Waterfall, which falls into a series of cascades down towards the pool, can be seen from a very far distance. The clear water in the pool surrounded by a serene forest landscape is irresistible to swimmers.