Doi Pui hike & downhill mountain bike 11 km trail, Chiang Mai

Climb through highland jungle to a summit village, then ride gravity down to a lake

This Chiang Mai activity combines an 11 km uphill hike through Doi Pui National Park jungle to a Hmong Hill Tribe Village at the summit with a 2-hour downhill mountain bike descent to Huay Tung Tao Lake. Hotel pickup, professional mountain bike guide, all safety gear, two meals and water are included. You'll need moderate fitness for the climbing portion and some off-road riding experience for the descent.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and bike adventure in Chiang Mai

• Hotel pick-up and safety briefing
• Gear up and bike fitting
• Shuttle to Monthatan Waterfall
• Hike 11 km through jungle to Hill Tribe Village
• Rest and lunch at Hmong Hill Tribe Village
• Downhill mountain bike ride to Lake Huay Tung Tao
• Lunch, swim, and relax at the lake
• Return to Chiang Mai hotel

The Experience

The day starts at 9:30 AM with pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel and a drive to Monthatan Waterfall, where the hike begins. You'll climb 11 km through towering Mai Yai trees and dense highland jungle, gaining elevation steadily toward the Hmong Hill Tribe Village perched at 1,400 meters on Doi Pui National Park's summit. The walk takes about 3 hours; your guide is a certified mountain bike professional who knows the trail and carries first aid. At the village, you rest, eat a light lunch and have time to walk around before the bikes arrive.

The descent is the payoff: a 14 km downhill ride through the national park that takes roughly 2 hours, dropping you toward Huay Tung Tao Lake with views across the Mae Ping Valley opening as you lose elevation. The trail is off-road and gravity-assisted, built for the bikes and riders you'll have—well-maintained machines in all sizes, tested at the shop before you start. A support truck follows the group, carrying water, first aid and anything you need to stash.

Once you reach the lake, you'll eat a full meal, swim if you want to cool off, and relax before the drive back to your hotel around 4:30 PM. The whole day runs 9 hours door to door. You get a hydration backpack, helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads, and a guide who speaks English or Thai. If weather or park closures force a route change, the operator switches to an alternative that matches the same skill level and scenery.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned van.
• professional mountain bike guide fluent in English or Thai.
• well-maintained mountain bike in your size with a test ride at the shop.
• helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads.
• hydration backpack and bottled water throughout the day.
• light lunch at the Hmong Hill Tribe Village and a full meal at Huay Tung Tao Lake.
• first aid certified guide and support truck with secure storage for valuables.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Chiang Mai Mountain Biking & Kayaks

Is this one for you?The 9-hour day leaves no room for other activities, so book this if you're ready to commit the morning and early afternoon to hiking and riding. The moderate fitness requirement and off-road descent mean it suits someone comfortable with climbing and basic bike handling, not a beginner or someone looking for a shorter outing.

Traveler reviews

4.69★★★★★★★★★★

205 verified traveler reviews

5 ★153

4 ★43

3 ★7

2 ★2

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the Hmong Hill Tribe Village like when we reach it?

The Hmong Hill Tribe Village sits at the 1,400-meter summit of Doi Pui and is where you rest after the 3-hour hike. You'll have a light lunch there, enjoy views from the elevation, and time to explore the village before the bikes arrive for the descent.

How difficult is the 11 km hike up the mountain?

The hike is steady climbing through jungle for about 3 hours and requires at least moderate fitness. The trail follows waterfalls and passes through dense highland forest, so the scenery keeps pace with the effort, and your guide sets the rhythm.

Do I need mountain biking experience for the downhill ride?

The 14 km descent to Huay Tung Tao Lake is off-road and takes 2 hours, so some riding comfort helps. The operator provides all safety gear—helmet, gloves, pads—and a support truck follows the group; if you're uncertain, mention it when you book and they can advise on fit.

What happens at Huay Tung Tao Lake?

Huay Tung Tao Lake is where the ride ends. You'll eat a full meal, drink, and can swim in the lake to cool off before the drive back to your Chiang Mai hotel, arriving around 4:30 PM.

What gear and safety equipment is provided?

The activity includes a mountain bike in your size, helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads, and a hydration backpack. Your guide is certified in first aid and CPR, and a support truck stands by throughout the day with water, first aid supplies and secure storage for valuables.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, hotel pickup from Chiang Mai is included in the activity. If your accommodation isn't in the standard pickup list, enter the exact address in the special instructions and the operator will confirm the time with you.