Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

Located within Doi Inthanon National Park, Kew Mae Pan is a short nature trail accessible at kilometer 42 of the Chom Thong-Doi Inthanon road. This 3-kilometer loop trail offers a scenic exploration of the surrounding environment at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level.

Listen to the sound of the waves at "Kiew Mae Pan"

DAY 3

08 JAN 2017

At 4:30 a.m., we woke up from our tent to prepare for our journey to Kew Mae Pan, which was the highlight of early 2017. The buzz started at the end of 2016, so we waited for the right time when the weather was good and everyone was available to travel to see the sea of mist at Kew Mae Pan.

Before we left, the kind aunt got up to boil hot water and find snacks, coffee, and Ovaltine for us to eat. It was a pity that we had to leave the beautiful view before dawn, so we didn't see the natural scenery of the rice fields and mountains around the accommodation.

The little cat waited to see us off early in the morning.

The journey from the accommodation to the starting point of the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail takes approximately one and a half hours. As the sun began to rise, the number of visitors and parked vehicles steadily increased, filling the parking lot. Although the official opening time for the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is 6:00 AM, many tourists had already gathered at the sunrise viewing point by that time.

Everyone eagerly awaits the sunrise.

: First Light at Kew Mae Pan :

As everyone eagerly awaited and admired the first light of day, we found joy in the sight of the sea of mist in the dimness of early morning. We believed that on this day at Kew Mae Pan, we would witness the waves of mist floating above the mountains, welcoming us to ascend and behold its beauty.

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Having fun taking photos.

Lost in the moment, we were taking photos and having fun. When we finally turned around, we were shocked! The line to register was incredibly long, and there were many others who were also taking photos like us. 555

Before the line gets any longer, and before the fog disappears in the late morning, we should get in line. If we wait too long, the fog will gradually dissipate, and the view won't be as beautiful as it is now. Let's stop taking pictures and get in line. Haha, the long line is a bit discouraging. 55

Walking around to find the end of the line...lol

As they waited in line, people took turns going out to buy breakfast. There were young children and grandparents, all waiting to talk to each other with happy smiles.

Restaurants and coffee shops in the surrounding area open from early morning.

Sipping hot coffee and eating hot porridge with soft-boiled eggs in this chilly weather would be delightful. However, we bought some meatballs to snack on while waiting in line. It didn't take too long, though, about an hour. Haha!

Note: Bring water before you start your hike. Even though the trail is easy to walk, you will sweat a lot. You may even get a little out of breath.

Register to queue for a guide to pick you up and guide you to your destination.

Upon registration, a local guide will be assigned to lead your group. A fee of 200 baht per group is payable directly to the guide upon completion of the tour. Please note that independent exploration is not permitted, and all payments are to be made directly to the guide.

Most local guides are students looking for part-time work to help their families during the holidays.

Giew Mae Pan Nature Trail

As we embark on the nature trail leading to Kew Mae Pan in the early morning, the initial section of the path is damp and slippery, requiring cautious navigation. The forest at this stage is verdant and dense, with limited sunlight penetration. Consequently, the trees are exceptionally tall, adhering to the natural principle of survival where each tree strives to reach sunlight. Along the path and beneath the towering trees, an abundance of ferns and mosses thrive, favoring the humid conditions and low light levels.

On steeper sections of the trail, wooden stairs have been constructed to facilitate climbing. Once you have ascended these stairs, you will encounter the "Lansadet Waterfall".

Lansadet Waterfall on the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

Lansadet Waterfall is the first waterfall encountered on the Giw Mae Pan Nature Study Trail. The area surrounding the waterfall is enveloped by a dense mountain rainforest, creating a shady atmosphere. Green moss covers the base of the trees and the banks of the stream around the waterfall.

The higher we climbed, the more sunlight we saw. The forest gradually thinned out, allowing sunlight and cool breezes to penetrate, providing some relief from the heat. Despite wearing a jacket, I was still drenched in sweat. The trail continued to ascend and descend, making for a tiring climb. It took approximately 45 minutes to reach the Mae Pan viewpoint.

The first glimpse of the lush rainforest left me speechless.

"Wow! This is absolutely stunning!" I exclaimed, my voice echoing through the dense foliage.

Can only scream internally. 555

After leaving the rainforest, we were greeted by a spectacular sea of mist.

The fatigue from the climb vanished upon witnessing the breathtaking view of the sea of mist. Everywhere we looked, we were met with the mesmerizing sight of the mist-covered mountains and sky, a landscape we deeply cherish. It felt like we were standing in a place where we truly belonged, where we were meant to be. 555

As children, we all dreamt of becoming countless things. However, as we grow older, the number of aspirations we hold dear dwindles. Today, my sole dream is to become a traveler. I no longer wait for opportunities to be presented to me; instead, I take the initiative to step outside of my comfort zone, escape the monotony of daily life, and embark on journeys to destinations that ignite my wanderlust. The world is my oyster, and I am eager to explore its every corner.

Flowers on the Giw Mae Pan

The path on the left leads to a sea of mist. We will walk to the viewing platform, which is a wooden deck.

To capture the perfect shot from this angle, be prepared to wait in line. The wooden platform offers two vantage points: the upper level and a lower level accessible by a short walk. The lower level is particularly popular among photographers, as it provides the ideal backdrop for capturing those trendy, hipster-style travel photos.

While our friends wait in line, we'll take some time to capture the atmosphere.

Three aunts, more hip than hippos (seriously, more hip than hippos!)

We are old and don't have the energy to do crazy things like young people. Besides, we are afraid of heights. We see people who like mountains and climbing, crying and blowing their noses all the time. It takes a lot of effort to get over each mountain ridge, wiping away tears all the time. 5555

After capturing stunning photos with the breathtaking sea of mist, we continued our hike along a narrow mountain ridge with a steep drop-off on one side. Although a wooden fence provided some protection, there were moments when our legs couldn't help but tremble.

"Kew Mae Pan: Heaven on Earth"

The path descends along the shoulder of the mountain and continues along the ridge.

Serow Find Refuge in the Rocky Cliffs

Serows, known for their affinity for high-altitude meadows and rocky cliffs, are a rare sight in the Doi Inthanon mountain range. Once abundant, these elusive creatures are now classified as critically endangered. While encounters with serows are uncommon, the area remains a haven for diverse wildlife, with wild boar being the most frequently observed species.

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Both viewpoints are located close together with a similar number of visitors when walking down and looking back.

As we descended the mountainside, a distant viewpoint came into view.

: The Path of Flowers :

The descent down the mountain shoulder follows a circular path that wraps around the shoulder to reach the exit on the other side. Along this stretch of the trail, you will encounter a wide variety of beautiful flowers hidden within the forest.

The queen of the forest of Kiew Mae Pan is...

"The thousand-year-old rose"

Rhododendron, the Queen of the Mountains

" Rhododendron "

The Rhododendron Arborea, a rose species found on Doi Inthanon, is identical to its Himalayan counterpart. It can be observed in the Ang Ka area, Mae Pan Ridge, and Pha Ngem. Its deep red flowers, known as "Kham Daeng," are a rare and exceptionally beautiful sight in Thailand. This species is restricted to cold, humid environments on mountain ridges or cliffs, at altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

The rhododendron is revered as the queen of the Himalayas.

The name "thousand-year rose" is derived from the plant's vibrant, rose-like blooms and its gnarled, moss-covered stems, which evoke an ancient, timeworn appearance.

In addition to the thousand-year-old roses, there are many other beautiful flowers growing along the mountainside. I have brought some of them to share with you, as much as I could capture in photographs during my descent...

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Following the path, you will encounter an increasing variety of flowers.

The ancient rose bushes grow along the mountain slopes, and they can be seen all the way in the cool air.

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Wildflowers sway in the breeze.

Continuing along the path, we will arrive at another viewpoint on the other side. This viewpoint will be the last one before we return. We will then walk down through the rainforest to exit again, similar to the way we came up, but on a different path that does not overlap with the ascent to Kew Mae Pan.

: Two Pagodas Viewpoint :

This is a scenic viewpoint where you can see the "Phra Maha That Naphamethinidon and Phra Maha That Naphaphonphumisiri". If you can come up in the morning, you will see the beautiful sunrise behind the stupa.

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360-degree panoramic view

As the morning progresses, the sea of mist gradually dissipates. It's a pity for those who arrive later, as they won't be able to witness the magnificent sea of mist. The beautiful light and clear sky begin to fade, replaced by gathering clouds. It's as if the weather has changed from clear skies to the threat of rain in the distance during the descent.

It's time to say goodbye to the beautiful sea of mist at Kew Mae Pan. Walking down with a full heart. On a good day like this, sometimes you can't be sure of nature...because nature is always great.

The descent path is a mossy mountain forest, with ferns visible all along the way.

The next stop after descending from Kew Mae Pan, we will take you to visit:

• Phra Maha That Naphamethinidon and Phra Maha That Naphaphonphumisiri
• Wachirathan Waterfall
• Pha Chor