Rating: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Operating day: Daily 

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00 

 

Situated within the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers areas of Amphoe Omkoi in Chiang Mai Province and Amphoe Sam Ngao in Tak Province, Doi Mon Chong is a beautiful mountain retreat in Northern Thailand.

 

Attractions include the nearly-extinct and therefore protected mountain goat, as well as breathtaking mountainscape vistas.  Thailand’s largest Azelia (Rhododendron sp.), which blooms from December to January, adorns the mountains with its red-, pink-, and white-petaled blooms.  The landscape includes peaceful, sweeping hills and wide open grassy plains.  The forests and plains are home to many rare birds and other creatures.

 

Hiking trip up Doi Mon Chong can be done within a day, but it would be a very exhausting trip which should not be begun any later than 6:30 am.  Hikers are advised to spend at least 2 days and 1 night for a more pleasurable visit. In addition, advance permission is required from Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary at Musoe Unit, where the office of Wildlife Sanctuary is located.

 

From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108, then take a left turn from Amphoe Hot to Highway 1099 and continue to Amphoe Omkoi.  Musoe Unit is on the left after 40 kilometres.  From the Unit to the trailhead is a 16 kilometres drive on an unpaved, windy cliff road.  Needless to say, it requires a 4WD vehicle as well as a skillful driver. 

 

Busses leave from Chang Phueak Gate in Chiang Mai, taking passengers to Omkoi Town.  Service starts 8 am. Mr. Det Soemmatiwong ferries passengers to and from the trailhead.  Call him at 0 5346 7109.

Visitors can buy supplies in Omkoi Town.  A porter can be hired for 150 baht per day.