After nearly a year of not hiking up Doi, I decided to go all out upon my return. I had seen countless reviews, shared and reshared until I finally had the chance to experience it myself. Chiang Mai, in all honesty, is a place I can visit over and over again. There's always something to explore, whether in the city, suburbs, or outskirts. So much so that people often ask, "Are you going again?" Despite my numerous visits, I still haven't seen everything Chiang Mai has to offer. I wonder what it is about this place that keeps drawing me back, time and time again. Perhaps it's the allure of places like Mon Chong...

**General Information about Doi Mon Jong**

Located in the central part of the Thanon Thongchai mountain range, Doi Mon Jong is currently situated in the Nan Thuri district. Originally, it was located in Mae Tuean sub-district, Omkoi district. The word "Mon" in the northern Thai language refers to a hill or mountain, while "Jong" also in the northern Thai language, pronounced as "Jong", signifies a triangular gable at the highest point. Doi Mon Jong ranks among the top 10 highest peaks in Thailand. The highest point of Doi Mon Jong is called "Head of the Lion" due to its resemblance to a lion's head, standing at an elevation of approximately 1,929 meters above sea level.

Contact Doi Mon Jong http://www.doimonjong.com/

Cost per person (6 people)

  • NCA First Class Bangkok-Chiang Mai 765 baht
  • VietJet Airlines Chiang Mai-Suvarnabhumi 1672 baht
  • 4WD vehicle from Tourist Service Center to trailhead (round trip) 3000 baht, 500 baht per person
  • 2 porters, 600 baht each, total 1200 baht, plus 200 baht tip each, total 1600 baht, 266 baht per person
  • Entrance fee 20 baht per person for 6 people + tent rental 50 baht per tent for 2 tents, total 220 baht, 35 baht per person
  • Sleeping mat rental 100 baht per person
  • Camping equipment purchased together 950 baht, 160 baht per person
  • Honda Freed car rental 1700 baht/day for 3 days, 5100 baht, 850 baht per person
  • Accommodation at Chalermpan Resort, Omkoi District http://www.chalermpan.com/, excluding breakfast, 200 baht per person
  • Fuel 2040 baht (multiple destinations), 340 baht per person
  • Entrance fee to Pha Chor 20 baht per person, car fee 30 baht, total 150 baht, 25 baht per person
  • Entrance fee to Grand Canyon 50 baht per person
  • Provisions for lunch and dinner on the mountain, including porters, 245 baht per person
  • Other food expenses not included, approximately 1500 baht

Total 5200 + 1500 = 6700 baht (approximately). In reality, it is more than that. 55+

This travel plan will only cover the Grand Canyon, Pha Chor, Bo Kaew Pine Forest, and Doi Mon Jong. (December 28, 2016 - January 1, 2017)

Photo credit to the owner.

Day 1: Chiang Mai - Omkoi

We traveled by NCA First Class bus, departing at 20:20 and arriving in Chiang Mai around 5:30. This was our first time experiencing NCA First Class, and it was quite an adventure with our large luggage. But wait, there's more!

Time to get on the bus.

Food, snacks, water, soft drinks, and cold towels are all served.

Nakhornchai Air Chiang Mai offers shower services. Cold water costs 10 baht, hot water costs 20 baht, or you can use the toilet for 3 baht. In this weather, I definitely need a hot shower! 55+

We scheduled the rental car to be delivered at 7:30 AM. By the time we finished our personal errands, the car arrived. We checked the car for any scratches or dents and verified the fuel level. I have rented from Bigjump Travel in Chiang Mai before, and their service is excellent.

He then headed into the city to the Waroros market to eat "Pa-tong-go" from "Ko-Neng" or the dinosaur-shaped "Pa-tong-go", but there were so many people. He had to wait in line for a long time, so he ended up eating just a regular "Pa-tong-go".

He went to buy fried pork and crispy pork belly from Damrong's shop to eat as a snack. The pork belly was excellent.

Our next destination was our accommodation for the day, Chelimphun in Omkoi district. On the way, we passed by many tourist attractions, the first of which was the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai.

The entrance fee is 50 baht per person, and you can jump as much as you want. It's really high, and mostly foreigners jump. There are also Thais, but not many. Most people go in to take pictures.

After jumping, you have to climb up like this.

The next destination, Pha Chor, is located in Mae Wang National Park. All types of vehicles can drive in. The road is not difficult, just a gravel road. The entrance fee is 20 baht per person and the car fee is 30 baht.

From the parking lot, it's a short walk of no more than 400 meters, which can be considered a warm-up for the hike up Doi Mon Jong.

400 meters, that was quick!

Leaving Pha Chor, we continued driving, stopping for lunch and supplies at Lotus Chom Thong before heading to Bo Kaew Pine Forest. We originally planned to visit Ob Luang National Park, but considering the time, we decided against it to avoid arriving at our accommodation after dark.

We have arrived at Bo Kaew Pine Forest Park. People say it looks like Nami Island in Korea, but I've never been there myself.

The lush and refreshing surroundings made it easy to spend a considerable amount of time here.

After that, we drove straight to our accommodation, which was about 50 kilometers from the pine forest. We checked in and paid 200 baht per person for our stay. We also ordered lunch from the resort for our hike up Doi Phra the next day. We asked them to prepare nine sets of grilled pork with sticky rice: six for us, two for the porters, and one for the guide. Afterwards, we went to find something to eat in Omkoi district. We ended up having noodles in front of the only 7-Eleven in the district.

and rest up for tomorrow's walk.

Day 2: Ampoe Omkoi - Mon Chong

The morning atmosphere is very cold, but bearable.

Breakfast consisted of a 30 baht bowl of rice porridge from the resort to fuel up, along with the 45 baht sticky rice with pork ordered the previous day.

After checking out, we traveled to the Musoe Village, where we met the villagers who had arranged our trip up the mountain. They then took us to the tourist service center.

The village is full of Hmong people.

Upon arrival at the service center, visitors will handle their luggage and pay the following fees:

  • Entrance fee: 20 baht per person
  • Vehicle fee: 30 baht per car
  • Camping fee: 50 baht per tent, with a total of 100 baht for two tents
  • 4WD vehicle rental: 3,000 baht for 6 people
  • Porter fee: 300 baht per person per day, totaling 600 baht for two days
  • Guide fee: 600 baht for roundtrip transportation

The cost of porters and 4WD vehicles is paid on the day of descent from the mountain. Officials informed us that due to the high number of tourists during this period, there are no available guides. Porters can be hired as an alternative. In conclusion, we do not need to pay for a guide, resulting in additional savings.

We are the first group of the day.

After preparing our belongings, we parked our car at the service center and took a 4WD vehicle to the starting point of the hike. The journey from the service center to the starting point was approximately 16 kilometers and took over an hour.

The road is extremely rough and will leave you with a sore bottom. Women are advised to take care of personal needs beforehand, as there are no usable toilets on the mountain. While toilets may be present, they are not functional.

Along the way, there are tall pine trees.

Arrival at the starting point of the walk.

Let's take a look at how the porters prepare their belongings. Our porters consist of one Burmese individual (whose comprehension of instructions varies) and one Thai individual.

We carried our personal belongings, with our bags, backpacks, and cameras ready.

Remember to grab a stick each to support yourselves. It will be very useful.

Let's go!

The initial section of the trail is a comfortable, flat path.

The road descends for a while, offering scenic views of tall, majestic pine trees.

Meanwhile, the female friend had to pee. She had been holding it in since the 4WD ride and still hoped there would be a bathroom ahead. They continued walking, taking breaks and photos along the way.

We took a break.

The porter's resilience is evident as they effortlessly walk past.

Passing by people here and there, greeting everyone. The voices I heard from them were "Just a little more, not far." But believe it or not... it wasn't.

They sat down to rest at any wide-open space they could find. 55+

We reached a point with large rocks that required climbing. The view was stunning, so we stopped to take photos for a while.

Due to the limited space, we had to take turns going up. I asked someone else to take the photo for me because it would be dangerous to walk back and forth.

The porters waited patiently for us to finish taking photos before continuing their journey.

We stopped for lunch at a campsite before reaching Doi Ma Ho. We were all very hungry at that time. 55+ My friend who was holding back her pee continued to hold it.

The trail then reaches the peak of Doi Ma Hop, also known as "Dog Panting Hill," which is incredibly steep and requires climbing.


However, the mobile signal is strong here, unlike in the past when there was no service at all. The network providers, ranked from strongest to weakest signal, are AIS, True, and Dtac.

But if you can make it up, forget everything and look around.

We will arrive at the campsite soon.

The left path leads to the camp, while the right path leads to Pha Huasing Cliff.

Upon arrival, we set up our tents, prepared dinner, and rested briefly before heading to Pha Huasingh to watch the sunset. The porters helped us build a fire and cook rice.

Done.

The villagers and officials have built a toilet, but I don't want to describe it in detail. It's so disgusting that I almost vomited. My friend who needed to pee couldn't even use it and had to hold it in.

It's time to go to the lion's head. From where I was standing, I could see the lion's head, but it didn't seem that far away. However, it turned out to be very far away, or maybe it was because I was walking and taking pictures at the same time. 55+

Walk slowly.

Take it slowly.

This mountain resembles Mount Fuji, albeit slightly lopsided.

With the warm atmosphere and sunlight, a group photo is a must.

A lion's head is visible in the near distance.

And then we arrived at the Lion's Head, the highest point of Doi Mon Jong.


The weather is pleasant and the breeze is cool.

As the sun dips below the horizon, it's time to grab your flashlight and head back to camp.

Let's cook quickly. Today's meal will consist of fried eggs, grilled and fried pork, and sausages. Whether it's delicious or not, we have to eat it! 55+

After dinner, we prepared to go to sleep. My female friend who needed to pee tried to find a way to relieve herself, but she was unsuccessful. She continued to hold it in. Meanwhile, my friends and I decided to go stargazing. We originally wanted to go to the path leading to Huasingh, but it was too dark and cold, so we ended up staying near the campsite.

The number of stars is truly vast, countless. 55+

Then go back to sleep.

Note: The tent next door is very noisy. They have no consideration for others.

**Day 3: Monjong - Chiang Mai**

Woke up around 7 am. Originally planned to watch the sunrise, but decided not to. 55+

Boil hot water to make Ovaltine. Boil instant noodles with egg and bacon.

Gathering belongings and preparing for the return journey. We set off on foot at 9:30 AM. As usual, the friend who needed to pee still hadn't gone. Holding it in for longer.

Along the way, I couldn't help but take another picture. Consider it a retake. Hehe.

Looking back, I don't want to go back at all.


We arrived at the campsite where we had lunch yesterday. My friend couldn't hold it in any longer and...well, you can guess the rest.

Upon returning to the tourist service center, we paid the driver and porters. As a small token of appreciation, we gave each porter an additional 200 baht, bringing the total to 800 baht per person.

A porter was called by an officer to help carry goods up the mountain again because there were not enough porters. Wow! He had just walked down and was asked to go up again. Wow, amazing! I heard that he hasn't showered in days. Keep fighting, brother! 55+

This trip was the most memorable one I've ever had. If I have the chance, I will definitely come back to Mon Chong.

Thank you to everyone who has read and enjoyed our journey. Please like, share, and care for us.

Follow my adventures on the "Traveling on Foot" page by Fun_O.

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#chiang mai#doi mon jong
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