10 Must-Visit Winter Destinations This Year

10 Must-Visit Winter Destinations This Year

10 Must-Visit Winter Destinations This Year

Sometimes, it takes a bit of effort to find hidden beauty, but rest assured that it's worth it.

1. Doi Luang Chiang Dao: Located in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Doi Chiang Dao is the highest peak of the Chiang Dao Mountain range. Known as Doi Luang Chiang Dao (meaning "as high as the stars"), it stands at 2,195 meters above sea level and is the third-highest peak in Thailand, after Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok. From the narrow flat summit, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including the sea of mist in Chiang Dao district, Doi Sam Phi Nong, the Chiang Dao mountain range, and the distant Doi Inthanon. The cool climate, strong winds, and abundant flora and fauna make this a must-visit destination. (Note: It's not suitable for large groups to stand on the summit, as it may damage the fragile vegetation). To access the area, you need to request permission from the Wildlife Conservation Division at least two weeks in advance. For more details, call +66 2561 2947.

To reach Doi Chiang Dao, start at Chiang Dao Cave, where you can hire a local guide, porter, and transportation to the starting point. No facilities are available on Doi Chiang Dao, so visitors should bring their own sleeping gear, food, and water.

2. Khao Mokoju: Known for its cold climate, Khao Mokoju is the highest peak in the Mae Wong National Park and the highest in the western forest. At 1,964 meters above sea level, it's about 27 kilometers from the park office and takes 4-5 days for a round trip on foot. Despite the long and challenging journey, many travelers still make it their destination to create a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

The word "Mokoju" is from the Karen language and means "like it's about to rain," as the peak is often covered in mist and fog and has a cold climate. Those interested in experiencing Khao Mokoju should prepare for a physically demanding trek, as the incline is no less than 60 degrees and takes 5 days for a round trip. You'll need to camp in designated forest areas along the route. Additionally, study the trail conditions, weather, and contact park officials for guidance. The park allows treks to Khao Mokoju between November and February each year.

3. Phu Pa Poh, known as the "Thai Fuji," is located in Ban Pha Wai, Nong Hin District, Loei Province, within the Phu Kho-Phu Kradeung Wildlife Sanctuary. It is approximately 7 kilometers away from the beautiful Pha Hin Garden or Kun Ming of Thailand. The viewpoint on Phu Pa Poh is about 900 meters above sea level and offers four different viewing spots, each separated by about 200 meters.

4. Doi Pha Hom Pok, situated within Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, is the second highest mountain in Thailand, with an elevation of approximately 2,285 meters above sea level. The summit features a vast plateau formed by shallow soil layers and granite bedrock, along with strong winds throughout the year. From the peak, visitors can enjoy stunning views, such as a sea of mist and a mountain road parallel to the Thai-Myanmar border, which was built for national security purposes. The forest environment consists of headwater forests and dense mountain forests, which are both diverse and ecologically balanced. Rare and interesting plant and animal species can be found here, such as Rhododendron, golden lotus, Kaiser-i-Hind butterfly, Doi Pha Hom Pok butterfly, white-dragontail butterfly, Talipot palm butterfly, Yellow-rumped flycatcher, and purple-winged roller, to name a few. During the winter, migratory birds such as Red-throated pipit, Gray-winged blackbird, and Chestnut thrush can be observed.

There are three routes to reach Doi Pha Hom Pok: Kiew Lom, Pang Mok, and the Mae Saw Headwater Management Unit. Tourists can set up camp at Kiew Lom, as camping on the summit is not permitted by the National Park due to the steep cliffs and potential danger. The hike to the summit covers a distance of about 3 kilometers and takes approximately 3 hours to complete both ascending and descending. Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park now allows visitors to drive pickup trucks up the mountain, but only before 3:30 PM. Sedans, vans, and buses are not allowed due to the rough terrain.

If you do not have a vehicle, you can contact the park's visitor center for transportation services at Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, 224 Moo 6, Pong Nam Ron Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province 50110, phone: 08 6430 9748, 0 5345 3517-8, fax: 0 5345 3517, email: [email protected].

5. Phu Soi Dao: Phu Soi Dao is located in Phu Soi Dao National Park and features high mountains along the Thai-Laos border with an elevation of 2,102 meters. The climate is cool and chilly almost year-round. The majority of the forest remains fertile, with large grasslands in areas that used to be farmland for the Hmong hill tribe. Attractions within the national park include pine forests, wildflower meadows, scenic cliff viewpoints, Sai Thip Waterfall, and Phu Soi Dao Waterfall. The three-leaf pine forest area is ideal for visiting during August-September, as you can witness sea mists and various wildflowers, especially the blooming Naga Creepers and wild orchids on the large branches. The journey from the base to the top is approximately 6.5 kilometers, with some steep sections, taking around 4-5 hours. There are designated tent sites and restroom facilities available.

For more information, contact Phu Soi Dao National Park, Huay Mun Sub-district, Nam Pat District, Uttaradit Province 53110, Thailand. Telephone: +66 5543 6001-2

6. Mon Jong: Mon Jong is part of the Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers areas in Om Koi District, Chiang Mai Province, and Sam Ngao District, Tak Province. The main attraction that draws nature lovers to Mon Jong is the presence of serow or celestial horses, as well as the stunning mountain scenery. If visiting between December and January, you can see the blossoming of the Thousand-year Rose, which is said to be the largest of its kind in Thailand. Doi Hua Sing is the highest peak in the area. The hike to Mon Jong can be done as a day trip, but it is quite tiring, requiring an early start at 06:30 at the latest. For a more leisurely pace, plan a 2-day, 1-night trip. Before hiking, obtain permission from the Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary, Mu Sue Unit, where the sanctuary office is located.

To get to the Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary (Mu Sue Unit) from Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 and turn left at Hod District onto Highway 1099, which will lead you to Om Koi District. Continue on Highway 1099 for about 40 kilometers, and the Mu Sue Unit will be on your left. The remaining distance to the starting point of the hike is around 16 kilometers, requiring a four-wheel-drive vehicle and an experienced driver due to the rough, narrow, winding roads along the cliffs. Public transportation from Chiang Mai's city center is available at the Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Om Koi, departing around 08:00. Mon Jong has no amenities, so if you plan to stay overnight, bring your own tent and food.

7. Phu Lom Lo is located in Kok Sathon subdistrict, Dansai district, Loei province, and is also a part of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, situated at the border of three provinces: Loei, Phetchabun, and Phitsanulok. The highest point, "Phu Lom Lo Peak," has an altitude of 1,680 meters above sea level, providing cool weather throughout the year. The highlight that attracts many visitors is the opportunity to see the largest number of blooming Nang Phaya Suea Khrong flowers in Thailand. In the past, Phu Lom Lo was a deforested mountain, but later, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park developed the area and planted tens of thousands of Nang Phaya Suea Khrong trees on more than 1,200 acres. From December to January, the blooming Nang Phaya Suea Khrong flowers turn Phu Lom Lo into a beautiful pink paradise. For more information, visit the Facebook page of the Kok Sathon Tourism Promotion Association or contact them at 08 0791 4748 or 09 1373 0903.

8. Khao Luang National Park, an award-winning natural tourist attraction, covers eight districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat province and is considered one of the country's most important national parks with significant global biodiversity. More than 200 species of ferns have been discovered on Khao Luang, including ancient ferns like the water fern and the giant fern, which developed before the dinosaur era. The park is also known as the "ultimate southern orchid hub" with various orchids such as Tem's lion orchid, yellow-paddle leaf lion orchid, eyelash lion orchid, Srite's aerial orchid, and Kiriwong aerial orchid, among others. This forest is home to unique local flora and fauna, such as the Khao Luang thousand-year-old rose, the long-tailed green leaf-eater bird, and many more.

The highest peak in the southern region, Khao Luang, stands at 1,835 meters above sea level. The park offers various types of tourist attractions, including beautiful waterfalls such as Promlok waterfall, Aay Kiew waterfall, Karom waterfall, and Krung Ching waterfall. There are also several short and long nature trails for exploration. Adventurers should not miss the chance to conquer Khao Luang's peak during January to September, the most suitable time for the journey.