What could be more perfect than breathing fresh air in the early morning, absorbing vitality, and feeling the vibrant nature from a high point? Thailand might be an ideal destination for cloud hunters, offering misty peaks and vibrant sunrises. Pack your camera and join with Asia King Travel to explore the best cloud hunting locations in Thailand for those perfect shots.
Ideal time: From 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM from November to February
As with other activities in Thailand, cloud hunting must be an amazing experience for visitors, especially in the northern and mountainous areas. The best time for this activity is during the cool season because of its coolness and clarity.
Some mountainous areas in Thailand’s winter seasons. (Source: Shuttershock)
Witnessing the clouds floating over the lush green woods and mountains in the early morning after sunrises will make your cloud hunting experience much more enchanting than ever.
As usual, the period between rainy days and cool seasons will enhance your chances of watching picturesque cloud layers due to the remaining moisture from the rainy reason.
As the highest point of Phechabun, Phu Thap Boek is an optimal destination with heart-stopping alpine environments such as rolling hills and rainforests. The peak reaches altitudes of up to 1.768 meters, approximately 5.800 feet, offering a spectacular backdrop for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
This “magical” land is particularly covered by a sea of clouds, which create an otherworldly stunning picture.
Phu Thap Boek as a majestic land from highland. (Source: Unsplash)
When you explore this area, you’ll come across winding pathways leading to various viewpoints to witness the miracle of cloud layers, all offering a view of an imaginary land. Well-known for cloud hunting, Phu Thap Boek, at the height of 1.768 meters with cool temperatures and humidity, creates an ideal condition for fog and cloud formation.
By the time the sun rises, clouds will rise above the valley, making a peaceful ‘vibe’ for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
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Thailand’s highest peak that rises majestically to 2.565 meters (8.415 feet) is Doi Inthanon above sea level. This mountain is located within Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, offering alluring landscapes and incredible cloud patterns.
Due to its cool climate and diverse ecosystems, the mountain is considered one of the best cloud hunting destinations in Thailand, which is shrouded by mist and fog.
Mountains lying down the cloud layers as a cotton blanket. (Source: Shuttershock)
Start your hike early with a famous pathway, the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, leading you to various viewpoints, and you will have the best chance to witness the clouds in Doi Inthanon. The backdrop will give you a vibrant picture of the changing sun and the clouds lifting with the sun.
This enchanting blend allows you to capture the perfect photos of this stunning scene.
Known as “foggy town” or “Thai muse," Khao Kho in Phetchabun possesses a quiet yet attractive beauty that easily leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Unlike the bustling capital Bangkok, the landscape is outstanding amidst the white mist with its wild charm.
That original rusticity leaves in the minds of those who once visit Khao Kho a captivating picture and unique local culture.
A splendid blend of colors at high points. (Source: Unsplash)
Khao Kho offers distinctive beauty at all seasons, though people mostly visit Thailand at the end of the year. Like Phu Thap Boek, the best time for cloud hunting is the rainy season, but from July to September.
From November to January, you’ll be surprised by vivid yellow sunflower fields, as it’s the coldest season when they bloom.
Doi Ang Khang - Chiang Mai, “Switzerland of Thailand," is a turquoise hidden gem, a special combination of Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar cultures. This 1.900-meter-high mountain is one of the most exceptional destinations for you to admire the stunning and rustic nature of alpine in Thailand.
The real highlight of Doi Ang Khang is Mon Son Viewpoint.
As a fairy land with a sea of clouds. (Source: Unsplash)
From the peak, you can witness an obvious view of the below valley and Chai Prakan. As a perfect camping site with tents permitted, you should spend the second night here to see a colorful dawn as golden rays reflect off the green hills.
What an amazing experience! You will be immersed in the wonderful natural scenery when coming to Doi Ang Khang.
This 800-meter-high viewpoint, located at Ban Samet Nangshe in Khlong Khian, offers a splendid sphere of Phang Nga Bay. Turquoise water, flanked by towering limestone peaks and lush forests, provides a charming landscape for tourists.
At dawn, when the first rays of sunlight brighten the bay, the sight of fishermen starting their day lends a peaceful tone to the picture, creating an indelible effect on all who witness it. This peaceful moment makes it a popular destination for cloud hunters.
Heart-attracting island with its beauty. (Source: Unsplash)
The viewpoint will change into a stargazer's haven when the night falls. Those who stay in the lodge nearby will have a chance to experience the sky with sparkling stars. You will be impressed when spending the night beneath the stars, taking pictures of the moonlight bay and the stars overhead.
With a unique blend of dawn and dusk beauty, Ban Samet Nangshe is a must-see sight for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of this destination in general and for those who want to hunt clouds in particular.
Beside searching for information about the weather and location, you also need to bring this equipment for an unforgettable cloud hunting adventure time:
Weather-appropriate clothing and gear
With typical temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, these regions have a quite cold climate in the winter seasons. Thus, you should bring warm clothes, including sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, etc.
Ready for an unforgettable trip to hunt clouds in majestic Thailand. (Source: Shuttershock)
Prepare a raincoat or umbrella to prevent sudden rain. Moving around mountainous terrain would be more comfortable with hiking shoes or sneakers in case you desire hiking or camping overnight.
Navigational tools and maps
It would be very helpful to have detailed paper plans for the best places to hunt rattan in mountainous areas, especially when the phone network is low. Should you lose your phone connection in remote regions, you can pre-download an offline map, or a compass will be essential to help you navigate.
Camera equipment and accessories
In order to record the best breathtaking moments in Thailand, a good camera or a high-quality smartphone is required. Having extra memory cards and batteries will make sure you don’t miss any moments because of being out of power or space.
Best locations to stay in mountainous areas. (Source: Unsplash)
Resorts
Prices: 1200 - 2500 THB/night
Facilities: private bungalow, restaurant, mountain views,...
Homestay
Prices: 500 - 1200 THB/night
Facilities: shared rooms, local meals, friendly hosts,...
Popular cloud-hunting sites might get packed in busy seasons, particularly. Therefore, booking accommodations ahead of time is ideal.
Thailand’s highland destinations, from Phu Thap Boek to Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, attract visitors with their stunning views, misty mornings, and unique scenery that provide memorable cloud hunting opportunities. What are you waiting for? Join Asia King Travel to experience top cloud hunting spots in Thailand.
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