Jungle Treks and Hiking

Walks that start from the gate

Several walks start at or near Baanpong Lodge in Ontai village, and the rest begin a 5–10 minute scooter ride away. They range from flat loops around a reservoir to steep climbs up the summits nearby. A morning walk still leaves the afternoon for a dip in the pool.

Huai Lan Reservoir is about 1 km from the lodge along quiet rural roads, and the forest loops are a short walk from the gate. For the longer routes I take a rented scooter to the trailhead. The roads are mostly paved and carry little traffic. Parking is free at most spots, and none of these trails charges an entry fee.

Huai Lan Reservoir and the forest loops

The easiest walking is around Huai Lan Reservoir: flat or gently rolling paths along the shore, with the hills reflected in the water and places to stop and watch fish and birds. Away from the water, the forest routes climb gradually in shade, through bamboo and vine-hung trees, across small streams and over fallen logs.

Doi Ton, 882 metres

The longest of the local walks heads for Doi Ton, at around 882 m. The trail steepens past lakes and thick vegetation, and the top looks out over the valleys towards Chiang Mai, which you can see on clear days. Look for wild orchids on the way up; you may hear monkeys in the canopy.

Ground, seasons and kit

The ground changes a lot from one walk to the next: some paths are muddy after rain, others shaded and cool. Go early, before the heat. Take plenty of water, shoes that grip on roots and slopes, insect repellent and a hat. Keep to marked paths in the denser forest and take the descents carefully. November to February gives the clearest views; in the wet months the forest is greener and the trails slicker.

Hours, fees and facilities

• Hours: the trails have no gates, but walk in daylight.
• Entry fees: none for the lodge-area and reservoir paths.
• Facilities: none on the trails and nobody selling anything, so carry water and snacks. Back at the lodge there are showers, the pool and the restaurant.
• Nearby: San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is a short drive away, and Muang On Cave makes a change from walking.