Doi Pa Klong
Description | Details |
Trail Name: | Buddha Footprint Alternative Route |
Trail Location: | Doi Pui, Chiang Mai |
Trail Type: | Mixed single track, double and paved road |
Trail Difficulty: | Hard |
This is a combination of the popular Buddha Footprint or Doi Pa Klong trail which starts from the junction known to Songteaw drivers as Seam Yeak. From the junction cycling a few km down into the Hmong village, its worth having a quick coffee and snack as the next section is the most difficult. A fun XC singletrack soon turns into an arduous climb to the top of Doi Pa Klong. The effort is worth it however with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside waiting at the top. With an altitude of 1500m the temperature is generally a lot cooler on the summit so its worth taking time to relax and take in some fluids before pressing on.
You will follow the ridge for 1km or so before reaching a junction with a sign saying ‘parking area’. Turn right and you will take the classic route down to Huay Tung Tao, veer to the left and you will follow a double track trail and paved road through more stunning scenery before reaching Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai, which is one of the larger Hmong villages on Doi Pui. The dirt trail unfortunately turns into a paved road heading North before eventually coming out in the village of Pong Yeang in Mae Sa district on the 1096 highway. Thankfully from here it is generally all downhill into Mae Rim where you can arrange pick up or continue to the XC single track between Sala Cafe and Huay Tung Tao. Depending on what route you take it could be up to 50km so take plenty of water and snacks for the trip.