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Top 10 Hiking Trails Around Bangkok You’ll Want to Conquer and Brag About
One time, I walked past a sportswear store, and they had this cool section full of new hiking gear and clothes. Don’t judge me, but it was payday, and I thought, “Hey, I need some new stuff!”
Fast forward 8 months (yes, 8 months…), and my friends finally decided to go hiking. No worries though—those tights and dry-fit jackets weren’t a waste! In fact, hiking has become a bit of a regular thing now.
And here’s the thing: we’re not into gatekeeping, so we’re sharing the love. If you’re looking to hit the trails around Bangkok, here’s our list of top hiking spots that’ll get you out of the city and into the wild (or an urban escape).
Khao Yai National Park
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Address: Nakhon Ratchasima
Distance: 3-10 km round trip
Duration: 2-6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Khao Yai National Park is just a few hours’ drive from the city, this park’s a refreshing change of scenery, with lush rainforest, rolling hills, and even waterfalls.
The best part? The variety of trails. Some are easygoing strolls through dense greenery, while others take you deep into the jungle, where it’s just you, trees, and the occasional call of a gibbon echoing through the canopy.
We also love how the park’s appeal lies in its well-maintained trails and clear signposting, making it easy for groups to navigate even with the tougher routes. Haew Narok and Haew Suwat waterfalls are also highlights, especially after the rainy season when they’re at full force.
Pro tip:
Some trails require registration, and a few longer ones even require a guide. Stop by the visitor center first to check which trails are open and get any necessary permits—it saves a lot of hassle later on.
Khao Sam Lan National Park
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Address: 53 หมู่ที่ 1 Nong Pla Lai, Mueang Saraburi District
Distance: 8 km round trip (main trail)
Duration: 2.5-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, Khao Sam Lan National Park in Saraburi Province offers a refreshing escape into nature. This compact park feels like a secret escape—think misty forests, and surprisingly peaceful trails even on weekends.
You’ll get to choose multiple trails, depending on your skill level and mood. One thing to look forward to is the Namtok Sam Lan Waterfall, a three-level cascade only 300 meters away from the park headquarters.
Other nearby waterfalls like Pho Hin Dat and Roi Kueak Ma offer other places to sit back and relax. And it’s quite accessible—trails are well-marked and manageable, perfect for families or casual hikers looking to stretch their legs without tackling anything too intense.
Pro tip:
Bring a good supply of water and a compact first-aid kit, particularly in rainy weather. A look at the local weather forecast beforehand should prevent any slick surprises along the path.
Nam Pha Pa Yai
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Address: Unnamed Rd Tambon Tha Khlo Amphoe Kaeng Khoi Chang Wat Saraburi
Distance: 7.6 km out-and-back
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
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Though Nam Pha Pa Yai is best known for rock climbing, we can’t ignore their hiking trails since they’re just as rewarding. Tucked away in Saraburi, about two hours from Bangkok, this spot offers peaceful forested paths and stunning riverside views, like the Pasak River.
Not to mention, the trails are open to hikers of all skill levels. Plus, the trails are well-marked and not too technical, so they’re great for a casual day hike.
For instance, the Campground South trail is approximately 7.5 km round trip and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to hike. These trails offer a serene escape into nature, with chances to see all sorts of flora and fauna that you definitely won’t find in a city.
Pro tip:
Avoid visiting from April to May when the camp closes due to extreme heat. Pack sturdy shoes and insect repellent—the jungle’s wildlife includes snakes and mosquitoes.
Phra Pradaeng Loop
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Address: ท่าเรือกำนันขาว 33 ซอย เพชรหึงษ์ Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District
Distance: 12 km round trip
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
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Known as Bangkok’s “Green Lung,” Phra Pradaeng Loop winds through mangrove swamps, elevated boardwalks, and quiet villages, all just a short ferry ride from the city center. The loop’s shaded pathways and waterways make it ideal for a chill hike or bike ride.
It’s also neat that as you hike, you’ll pass by stilted homes, Buddhist temples like Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok, and the weekend Bang Nam Phueng Market, where vendors sell coconut pancakes, herbal drinks, and handmade crafts.
Also, while the trail is mostly flat, the elevated wooden walkways add a touch of “terrain,” especially as they zigzag over the peaceful marshlands.
Pro tip:
Weekends tend to be busier, especially around the floating market. If you prefer a quieter hike, aim for a weekday morning when the trails are more peaceful, and the air is cooler.
Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park)
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Address: Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, แขวง ลาดยาว, Chatuchak, Bangkok
Distance: 3.7 km round trip
Duration: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
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For a quick urban hike that swaps Bangkok’s skyscrapers for shady trails and lakeside freshness, Wachirabenchathat Park—affectionately nicknamed Rot Fai Park (“Train Park”)—delivers.
You definitely won’t get intimidated; the park’s loop circles a lake, passing through manicured gardens, bamboo groves, and open lawns. Yes, it’s not your wilderness trek, but we do commend it for being an accessible place for people to get their steps in, around nature, especially in Bangkok.
It even has a nice butterfly garden, and the miniature town, a whimsical scaled-down version of Bangkok’s landmarks. You can even pause at outdoor exercise stations along the route, while birdwatchers might spot egrets or kingfishers near the water.
Pro tip:
Consider dropping by before 9 AM to avoid the heat and crowds, especially on weekends. While the park’s free, try renting a bike to extend your exploration—the 3-km cycling loop adds a fun twist to the outing.
Benjakitti Park
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Address: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Distance: 2.9 km round trip
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
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You can think of Benjakitti Park as another palace for a refreshing “urban hike.” The park’s loop trail offers flat, shaded paths perfect for jogs, with views of paddle boats across the water and the skyline reflecting off its surface—an Instagram-worthy shot.
The newer Sky Walk (an elevated boardwalk) adds a modern twist as it weaves over wetlands and provides panoramic views of the mangroves and Bangkok’s backdrop.
Expect morning buzz with locals practicing tai chi, while evenings draw crowds for golden hour walks and sunset views. Don’t miss the Green Mile, a raised pathway linking Benjakitti to Lumpini Park, ideal if you don’t want your adventure to end.
Pro tip:
Visit near sunset for cooler temperatures and dramatic skies over the lake. And it’s a good idea to bring mosquito repellent if staying after dark—the park’s wetlands come alive.
Lumpini Park
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Address: Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Distance: 2.5 km loop
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
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Lumpini Park is on our list as a go-to hike if you don’t want to leave the city. This 142-acre oasis offers a flat, paved loop trail perfect for strolls, jogs, or leisurely walks beneath towering rain trees.
The park’s in-city location—sandwiched between skyscrapers and business districts—makes it an accessible place to get some fresh air if you live around the area. We also love it houses an artificial lake where you can rent paddle boats, to get a different perspective of the surroundings.
Along the way, you might spot some of the park’s more exotic residents—giant monitor lizards basking near the water’s edge. They look intimidating, but they generally keep to themselves.
Pro tip:
Bring a bottle of water since vendors inside the park can be a bit pricey. If you’re walking at dusk, keep an eye out for the national anthem—it plays every evening, and locals pause out of respect, so it’s better to know what’s happening.
Khao Laem
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Address: 339 Prang Phe, Sangkhla Buri District
Distance: 1.7-8 km
Duration: 1-5 hours (depending on trail)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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For hikers who aren’t really craving that urban hike vibe, then Khao Laem National Park offers a more untamed and rugged escape. The park’s trails wind through dense forests and past waterfalls like Kra Teng Jeng.
On top of that, adventurous routes, like the Khao Yai Viewpoint Trail, reward hikers with panoramic sights of the Khao Laem Reservoir and mist-cloaked valleys. While shorter walks to Kroeng Kra Wia Pond cater more to birdwatchers spotting kingfishers and hornbills.
Also, try to hear some wildlife like a gibbon’s call, and wild boars rustling in the shrubs, and you might even spot a tiger or an Asian black bear. While some trails such as the steep ascent to Khao Yai are now marked for self-guided hikes, hiring a local ranger is still a good idea.
Pro tip:
To avoid monsoon mud and extreme heat, visiting around November to January is recommended. Mosquitoes are relentless so pack insect repellent, and consider a guide for trails like Kra Teng Jeng.
Khao Chamao National Park
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Address: WP9M+X3F, Klaeng District, Rayong
Distance: 1.6-3.2 km round trip
Duration: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Khao Chamao National Park is just a couple of hours outside Bangkok, and it already feels like stepping into another world. Think lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, and trails that take you into nature.
We have to admit that the highlight here is the Khao Chamao Waterfall, an eight-tiered beauty where you can follow a 1.6 km trail alongside the rushing water. The higher you climb, the steeper it gets, but rope handrails and shaded rest stops make it more doable.
If you’re up for more exploration, you should definitely check out the Khao Wong Caves. The short trail leading there is easy to manage, and inside, you’ll find an incredible display of stalactites and stalagmites—almost like nature’s cathedral.
Pro tip:
The trails can get slippery, especially between May and October, so wear good, grippy shoes. Also, weekdays are your best bet if you want to avoid the crowds.
Khao Krajom, Ratchaburi
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Address: H5JH+GR4, Suan Phueng, Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi
Distance: approximately 19 km round trip
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
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If you’re up for a real adventure, Khao Krajom in Ratchaburi’s Suan Phueng District is a hike worth every ounce of effort. This is a demanding one—about 19 km round trip with an elevation gain of 933 meters.
Don’t be fooled since the first stretch is relatively mild, winding through bamboo forests and occasional open clearings. But you should be physically ready for this one since the trail gets steeper as you climb higher, pushing your legs and lungs to their limits.
The payoff? A 360-degree view at the top makes all that work worth it.
Pro tip:
A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. If you don’t have one, some locals offer rides for a fee (around ฿1,500).
