Here’s a day-trip with a bit of everything: head to the Doi Suthep Temple first thing in the morning to beat the sweltering heat and hoards of tourists. Continue further up the mountain passing hill-tribe coffee plantations cascading down the slopes and sample a fresh local brew at any of the rustic coffee shops alongside the road. Go further up to the serene Doi Pui Camp Ground where you can hitch a tent for the night or take a modest 1 km hike through the pine forest. While there are many trails along this mountain range, they don’t connect with each other so driving up to this seemingly private spot is your best option. End the day at Changkian Village, an authentic Hmong community where you can shoot a crossbow and arrow for 10 baht or try your hand at grinding rice flour, hill tribe style.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Huay Kaew Road, Suthep; +66 5 321 0244.