Tag: trekking

At the roof of Thailand ~ Doi Inthanon National Park
Chiang Mai, 28 November 2024 – this was my first visit to Thailand’s charming northern city. When the idea of a holiday trip in Chiang Mai first came up, my mind was filled with images of beautiful temples, elephant performances, sizzling street food and relaxing Thai massages. That’s probably what comes to mind to most people — especially if they’ve never been there and only know it from guidebooks or travel shows. I wondered if there would be something more of the outdoors, you know, like nature walks, healthy trekking?
In my research, I found that one of the top recommended things to do in Chiang Mai is to explore its natural beauty.
Chiang Mai is a mountainous region, surrounded by forested hills and highlands of northern Thailand. Its city lies in a valley and it’s a short drive to scenic mountain areas like Doi Suthep-Pui and Doi Inthanon, known as Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565m above sea level. This gives Chiang Mai its cooler climate, suitable for trekking, waterfall hikes, and nature-based tourism. And November is an ideal time to go!
So, the national parks of Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep-Pui made it into my itinerary. First stop, Doi Inthanon.
Did you know that it’s part of the Himalayan mountain range? I suppose I can now say I climbed the Himalayas! 😄
When we visited, the temperature ranged from a high of 12°C to a low of 6°C. Well, it’s not exactly Himalayan cold — but still so Shiok! (In Singapore English, “Shiok” means very enjoyable or satisfying.)
Where Is Doi Inthanon?
The national park is located about 70km southwest of Chiang Mai’s Old City. It’s one of the most popular day trips.
According to the Thai National Parks, the park honours King Inthawichayanon, who was dedicated to preserving the northern forests. Nicknamed “The Roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon is a haven for bird watchers, with over 360 species recorded and home to some of Thailand’s most spectacular waterfalls, including:
- Wachirathan Waterfall
- Mae Klang Waterfall
- Sirithan Waterfall
There are trails for all levels, from easy boardwalks to moderately challenging treks, such as the Ang Ka Nature Trail and the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.
Ang Ka Nature Trail
If climbing isn’t your thing — as was the case for our group, which included several seniors — the Ang Ka Nature Trail is a very doable one. Even at a height of 2,500m above sea level, the trail is easy and scenic.
It’s a short 360m loop on a well-maintained wooden boardwalk and concrete steps. It winds through a temperate evergreen forest, home to rare plants like Rhododendron, Sphagnum Moss and Ferns. Wildlife such as the Common European White-toothed Shrew, Pere David’s Vole and Green-tailed Sunbird have also been spotted here.
We strolled at a leisurely pace, taking about 30 min, while pausing often to enjoy the tranquil, misty landscape of thick moss, tall trees and crisp mountain air. Certainly a relaxing walk for all ages. Just be careful if it has rained, as the boardwalk can be a bit slippery.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
On the other hand, the Kew Mae Pan trail is more for the adventurous. The total distance is about 3km, 10 times the length of the Ang Ka Nature Trail, with higher elevations and more rugged terrain. The journey takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the individual. It’s not suitable if you have mobility issues but the views make every step worth it. There’s a reason why it’s among the most popular hiking routes up here.
At 2,200m, you’ll reach one of the most iconic panoramic viewpoints in the region. On a clear day, you’ll see a sea of clouds blanketing the valleys below.
The trail route below might give you a good idea of what to expect.

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📌 Note: The trail is closed from June to October (rainy season). You cannot venture into this area on your own – it is compulsory to hire a guide. You’ll be asked to pay 200 THB per group at the entrance and a guide from the local Hmong hill tribe will lead you on the journey.
Do not be misled by their looks or size, though. They have been doing this for a long time and have guided many tourists on the route.
Our guide was amazing — quick on her feet and knowledgeable. We didn’t finish the loop (we had kids and seniors waiting), but the experience was incredible. We missed the Royal Pagodas viewpoint, but it gives us a reason to return.
Photo of the Royal Pagodas from Freepik.
Anyways, for those of you who are interested in this trail and want to feel like Frodo in the Fellowship of the Ring (we certainly felt like that with the bamboo hiking sticks), pin Doi Inthanon National Park and the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail into your itinerary.
Wachirathan Waterfall
Another spot you should not miss is the Wachirathan Waterfall. While not a very tall one at 80m, it’s arguably the most popular and the most impressive at Doi Inthanon National Park. The viewing platform is just steps from the car park, and the spray from the falls is refreshing and energising! There’s a cafe nearby where you can grab a cuppa coffee and just enjoy the waterfall.
The waterfall is definitely one of the favourite photo spots in the area. But don’t go too near else your camera equipment is going to get all wet.
Photography tips
- Capture people in the frame to show scale.
- Try long exposure shots to give the water a silky effect. This is best taken with a tripod so you can keep the camera stable during the long exposures.
- If you’re lazy like I was (no tripod), just hold your camera steady, lower the shutter speed, and experiment! This can also be done on a mobile phone. Use pro mode or manual, set shutter speed to 1-4 secs and ISO as low as possible.
- Don’t just focus on the waterfall. Explore the surrounding areas, where the water flows,etc.
- For the trails, capture the nature around you. The tall canopies, close-up of the moss, fungi, wildlife or little creatures if you can spot them.
- Wide shots of panoramic views or “sea of clouds” are must-haves.
Getting to Doi Inthanon National Park
First, note that there is an entrance fee of 300 THB per adult for all foreigners.
The best way to get around Chiang Mai, if you are in a big group, is to book a driver with a van. There were 13 of us so we booked 2 drivers and 2 vans for our entire trip, which makes it a lot easier for us to go wherever we want and adjust our itinerary accordingly. So getting to Doi Inthanon from our hotel at the Old City was a breeze. It’s a 2-hr journey.

If you’re travelling solo or as a couple and if you prefer a more free and easy trip, then get a taxi to bring you up the mountain.
There’s a lot to see and cover in Doi Inthanon which will take more than a day. In which case, consider joining day tours where you get a guide to bring you on the best spots. For instance, Klook offers a variety of them.
Here are two options:
1. Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour (≈ USD 56/adult):
  Includes Wachirathan + Mae Klang Waterfalls, Karen Hill Tribe Village, Royal Pagodas, and more.
2. Eco-Adventure Tour (≈ USD 83/adult):
  This is a new tour. A full day of guided hikes, bamboo rafting, swimming, lunch, and even tree planting! There’s also a 2-day option with overnight village stay.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Klook.com
Whether you’re a casual nature lover or a full-blown hiker, Doi Inthanon National Park has something for everyone. From mystical cloud forests to refreshing waterfalls and sky-high viewpoints, it’s a highlight of any Chiang Mai itinerary.
9 June 2025
Into the Blue: Discovering Lake Jūniko
If you’re visiting the UNESCO-listed Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, make sure to carve out time for Lake Jūniko (十二湖).
Lake Jūniko was formed in 1704 when a major earthquake blocked the mountain streams. Jūniko means 12 lakes in Japanese. From the summit of Mt. Ozukure (1,458m), the Ōkuzure Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of 12 bodies of water, giving the area its name. However, the region is actually home to 33 lakes and ponds, among the most famous being the blue pond Aoike. Lake Jūniko is one of those places in Japan where you feel time slows down, and nature whispers a thousand secrets.
The mirror lake reflections – no matter the angle, the view was just marvellous.
Can you hear its secrets?
We were struck by how idyllic Lake Jūniko felt – the stillness, the serenity. It had a completely different energy compared to Oirase Gorge. At Oirase Gorge, you’re guided by the constant, melodic rush of the stream at every turn. But here, at Lake Jūniko, it’s the rustling of the leaves and the gentle chorus of birdsong that accompany your steps. Both leave you hanging for more. Indeed, we could just sit there, basking in its tranquillity.
Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing
Forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku, is the Japanese practice of spending therapeutic time immersed in nature. A walk through the serene paths of Lake Jūniko is exactly that – a respite from the fast pace of urban life that so many of us crave for our mental well-being.
Treat yourself well. You’ve earned it.
You’ve made it this far, so give yourself permission to slow down. Don’t rush.
Listen to the chirping of the birds,
Watch the ducks glide across the glassy blue waters,
Breathe in the crisp, clean air.
It’s the simplest and purest gift nature offers.
Getting There
From the JR Jūniko Station, you can either walk to Lake Jūniko, which takes around an hour, or grab a 15-min Kōnan bus (弘南バス) ride – Jūniko Line (十二湖線) – to the trail entrance. The bus operates between late April and November. Depending on how you want to explore the area, get off at either Ōike (王池前) or Oku Jūniko Parking (奥十二湖駐車場). You can refer to the bus schedule here.
Hiking trails
Its hiking trails are popular with visitors. A 40-min route starting from the souvenir shop Mori-no-Bussankan Kyororo takes visitors to Aoike, Ketoba-no-Ike Pond, lush beech forests, Wakitsubo-no-Ike Pond (沸壺の池) and Ochikuchi-no-Ike Pond (落口の池).
Aoike (青池) is an emerald blue pond. If you’re lucky, the sun shining through the trees will make the waters of Aoike glisten even more vividly.
Ketoba-no-Ike Pond (鶏頭場の池) is one of the largest lakes in the area. The shape of the lake is said to be in the shape of a chicken’s head – if you view it from a helicopter or a mountain lookout. Hence, the name Ketoba.
There are also longer trails you can consider. I’ve done a simple illustration of the two routes.
Photography tips
1. Chase the reflections
  The stillness of the lakes makes for perfect mirror-reflection shots. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to capture these.
2. Try low, shoot wide
  Consider using a wide-angle lens if you are using a DSLR or set your mobile phone to wide mode to capture the expansiveness of the forest and its canopy or the vastness of the lakes. Try kneeling or placing your camera close to the water’s edge for a more immersive, layered shot.
3. Focus on details
  Besides the big lake shots, zoom in on leaves floating on water, tree bark textures, or the play of light through the beech trees on the forest path. These small moments add richness to your story.
4. Capture candid connections
  Bring your photos to life by including people interacting with the environment —friends walking along the beech path, someone pausing in awe by Aoike, or hikers immersed in conversation. These human moments add warmth and relatability.
5. Respect the silence
  Let the mood guide your photography. The stillness and serenity of Jūniko come across best when you capture it without overediting—embrace the soft shadows and natural tones.
Klook.com
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
24 April 2025
The ebbs and flows of Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada’s beauty
This was the reason why we wanted to come to Aomori. Once again, it was the travels of Singapore’s Mediacorp artistes Jeremy and Jessica that sparked our wanderlust – their visit to Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流) on the Double J Baecation programme drew us in immediately.
Oirase Gorge is a must-see when exploring Aomori and the Tohoku region. It is a mesmerising 14km of unspoiled natural beauty. From cascading waterfalls to mossy rocks and winding trails alongside crystal-clear streams, it’s the perfect escape away from the hustle and bustle of daily life into Japan’s serene countryside.
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or just looking to breathe in fresh air, Oirase Gorge promises an unforgettable experience.
The tranquil forest
Walking along Oirase stream
Red autumn leaves
Gentle streams
Kumoi-no-taki Falls
Hikers at the gorge
Choshi Otaki Falls
The tall trees
Our trail: From Kumoi-no-taki Falls to Lake Towada
The entire Oirase trail stretches 14km, from Yakeyama to Nenokuchi, where Lake Towada appears in full splendour. It takes about 5 hr to walk the full trail – but like most, we started somewhere midstream, at Kumoi-no-taki Waterfall.
Waterfall highlights:
- Soryu Waterfall
- Choshi Otaki Falls (the largest waterfall in the gorge)
- Kumoi-no-taki Falls
- Shirakinu Waterfall
- Tamadare Waterfall
Tip: To truly experience its beauty, stay at least for a night , like at the Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel. It’s pricey but oh, so worth it.
We began our trek at 9.30am. On paper, it is a 2-hr journey to Nenokuchi. We took a leisurely 3-hr walk with photo stops and rest stops.
The place is massive, which would be too much to cover in a single day. This was our first experience there but we’ll be sure to return to experience the rest of it!
Lake Towada (十和田湖, Towadako)
Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge are part of the larger Towada Hachimantai National Park. The lake was formed by volcanic activity about 200,000 years ago and is known for its deep blue waters. To enjoy its breathless scenery, hop on a sightseeing boat to immerse yourself in the different views of the lake and its luscious mountains. There are two routes with about 5 to 6 rides each day between April to November. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for this.
Some photography tips
- Go early:
  I like to work with natural light. Mornings are good as the sun isn’t too hot and the light is not so harsh. If you are willing to sacrifice sleep to rise up early, daybreaks are nice as they make for colourful skies. Early mornings are also a good time to capture light rays peeking through the forest foliage.
- Bring a tripod (if you can):
  Oirase Gorge is famous for its flowing streams and waterfalls. A tripod helps you capture that silky water effect with slower shutter speeds. Even a mini tripod works if you prefer to travel light! Or if you have sturdy hands, you could still attempt to shoot a few seconds of long exposure.
- Mind your footing:
  Trails are easy to follow but can be slippery or rocky in places and some run close to the stream. Wear good walking shoes and take your time.
- Experiment with angles:
  Instead of shooting everything straight on, try low angles, near the stream or frame your shots through tree branches. Go wide to also capture the expansive woods and the grandeur of towering trees, or the vastness of Lake Towada.
- Capture the details:
  Besides the big waterfalls, don’t forget the little scenes — mossy rocks, colourful maple leaves, winding streams. Sometimes the small moments tell the best stories.
- Golden hour
  If you can stay till sunset, the colours over Lake Towada are breathtaking. The warm light adds a soft glow to everything — perfect for dreamy landscapes.
- Watch your time and enjoy:
  It’s easy to get caught up and forget about time sometimes. As Oirase Gorge is huge, do keep track of time and where you are. Take note of the bus schedule and its pick-up locations so that you can catch a ride back. Buses are not very frequent if they are off-season. Walking back could take another 2 hr or more, depending on how much ground you need to cover. We would know because we missed the bus. But luckily, we met a very kind restaurant owner at Lake Towada who helped us to call for a cab and even luckier when a Taiwanese couple who stayed at the same hotel spotted us and asked to share the ride with us. Cabs are expensive in Japan, you see.
Scan this QR code which gives a very good illustration of the Oirase Gorge walking trail, featuring the various highlights along the way and the walking time required.
Image source: JNTO
🌿 Remember: There’s no “perfect” shot. It’s about capturing how the place makes you feel.

Here’s the Double J Baecation episode if you are interested to see Oirase Gorge through their eyes.

There’s a sense of peace and tranquillity at Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada that’s hard to put into words — it’s in the whisper of the stream, the golden dance of autumn leaves, and the reflections on a still lake.
If you’re planning a trip to Tohoku, don’t miss this little slice of paradise.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Klook.com
20 April 2025