A Journey to Doi Mon Jong: Golden Meadows and Starry Nights

This narrative recounts a motorcycle trip to Doi Mon Jong, a breathtaking landscape adorned with golden meadows, refreshing breezes, and a mesmerizing display of stars at night. The journey took place on January 28-29, 2017, with the author and a companion spending two days and one night amidst the scenic beauty. Despite the limited time, they were able to immerse themselves in the fresh air and capture the essence of the location. The narrative acknowledges the presence of numerous tourists during their visit and seeks permission from individuals who may have been inadvertently captured in the accompanying photographs.



Nestled in the Mhon Jong sub-district of Omkoi district (soon to be Nanthaburi district), Chiang Mai province, Doi Mon Jong boasts rolling hills and golden grasslands during the months of January and February. The peak of this mountain resembles a lion's head, and numerous centuries-old roses bloom with vibrant red flowers. Ideal for sunrise and sunset viewing, Doi Mon Jong also offers breathtaking stargazing opportunities at night. The mountain's left side features a steep slope covered in dense forest, while the right side boasts a towering cliff. This unique landscape serves as a habitat for various wildlife, including goral (known as "mountain goats"), wild elephants, and other forest creatures.


Access to Doi Mon Jong requires permission from the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, Muse Unit. The peak is open to visitors from November to mid-February. After that, it is closed to prevent encounters with foraging wild elephants and due to the dry weather conditions that increase the risk of wildfires.

Accessing the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, Muse Unit (located in Muse Village), is possible via private vehicle, shared van from Chiang Mai to Mae Taeng with a stop at Muse Village, or local bus/songthaew to Omkoi District. From Omkoi District, a chartered songthaew can be hired to reach the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary headquarters, Muse Unit.

The journey to the top of the mountain involved hiring porters for 600 baht for 2 days and 1 night (food for the porters must be prepared). A 4WD pickup truck transported us to the starting point for 2,500 baht (up to 5 people) or 3,000 baht (6 people or more). The entrance fee was 20 baht, and the camping fee was 50 baht. The hike was considered easy and took approximately 2-4 hours. The campsite had a small stream that provided water throughout the year.

Our journey began on a Friday evening after work. We agreed to ride our motorcycles and meet at the Bangchak gas station in Chom Thong. We then rode to Ob Luang National Park for the night. Early the next morning, we rode our motorcycles to Omkoi District, where we stopped for breakfast and supplies before continuing to the Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, Mu Se Unit. We arrived around 10:00 am and contacted the park rangers to wait for a 4WD ride to the starting point with another group.

The rangers noticed that we were riding motorcycles and asked if we wanted to ride them to the starting point. The porters also encouraged us, saying that the trail was currently dry and passable for motorcycles. They pointed to a Honda Wave 110 and said that it had already made the climb. My friend and I looked at each other and decided to give it a try. My motorcycle was a Honda Dream 110, and my friend's was a Honda Dream 125. We paid the entrance fee of 20 baht per person, the motorcycle fee of 20 baht to ride to the starting point, and the camping fee of 50 baht per tent. We carried our own luggage and followed the other tourists on the trail.

The trail was a dirt road with some rocks, similar to the trails leading to San Pa Kia, Doi Mae Taman, and Doi Pha Hom Pok. It is recommended that riders have experience with this type of terrain and be proficient in motorcycle handling. There were some steep slopes, and the trail was still slippery from morning dew, causing us to have to push our bikes uphill at one point. We were sweating profusely. When we reached the starting point, the driver of the pickup truck told us to park our motorcycles carefully, as an elephant had passed by the previous night, breaking a car's side mirror and denting the side of the vehicle. We worried that if an elephant came back that night, our motorcycles would be damaged. We decided to find a hidden spot with trees to conceal them for safety.

With backpacks packed, provisions divided, and tents and sleeping bags distributed, each carrying two large bottles of water, a tripod, and a share of the cooking equipment, we set off with a load of approximately 15 kilograms each. Let's begin our trek!


The Mhon Jong trail is not difficult and not too far. It takes about 3-4 hours to walk up and down the hills, even for people who have never hiked before, as long as they are determined. While walking in the forest, you can hear the sound of birds and gibbons echoing. The forest here is still intact and is home to many wild animals. However, during this period, the air is cold and windy at the top, so wild animals have not yet moved up the mountain, allowing us to visit. In mid-February, the officials will close the mountain to visitors until November when it will be reopened. We walked until we reached a steep slope with a sign hanging that read "Doi Wat Jai" (Heart-Testing Hill) and "Doi Ma Hop" (Panting Dog Hill). Porters carrying heavy loads would sit down to rest before climbing this slope. My friend and I also sat down to eat our lunch of sticky rice and grilled pork that we had brought with us, to replenish our energy before climbing the Panting Dog Hill.


After a short climb, we regained cell phone reception. The surrounding hills offered stunning views, prompting us to stop and take photos to share on social media.


After climbing to the top of the hill, I stood still and gazed at the breathtaking view in front of me. It was truly magnificent, the golden meadow we had been searching for.


Turning back, we don't see the path we've walked, the beautiful view far away from where we've come.


Is there anything else I can help you with?

The porter sat down to rest and let me take a picture. He sat and posed for the camera. The porters here not only carry luggage, but also set up tents, build fires, cook rice, and fetch water. They are really good. But I didn't use his service, I just sat and talked to him to ask for information.


My friend and I put down our luggage and sat down to admire the view in front of us. The cool breeze and the abundance of clouds blocking the sun created a wonderful atmosphere. My friend said it was just like what he had dreamed of - walking up to the ridge and finding a golden meadow. Just sitting here made the journey worthwhile.


The location we are currently at is a three-way intersection. Local porters refer to this spot as the "Elephant Golf Course." During the season, wild elephants and barking deer frequent this area in search of food. Upon reaching this point, a left turn leads to the camping area, while continuing straight ahead takes you to Pha Hua Sing, the highlight that every visitor must see and capture in a photograph.


The distant black cliffs are the Lion's Head, obscured by the sun's rays behind the clouds.



As I approached the edge of the cliff, the thousand-year-old rose bushes burst into a vibrant display of crimson blooms. The nearby bushes had already shed their petals, leaving only the distant ones in full glory.


Looking back at the path we have traveled, we have come a long way, approximately 3 kilometers from the intersection.


Hooray! We've reached Pha Huasingh, but there's still a path leading further. Let's explore a bit more. Wow, the path continues for quite a distance! The far left is said to be Pha Huasing, which resembles a monkey's face when viewed from the side. The view from here is stunning, especially with the approaching sunset. It's getting late, so let's not continue today. We'll come back and explore the rest next time.


Halfway to Pha Hua Ling, you will see a majestic pagoda and Buddha statue. I must visit again and stay for two nights next time.


The summit of Doi Mon Jong, atop Pha Hua Singh cliff, is a must-visit spot for capturing the perfect photo.


The path we took is on the right side of the sign. Isn't it far?


As dusk approached, we decided to set up camp near the intersection of the Elephant Golf Course to wait for the sunset. Peering down from the cliff, we saw a vast expanse of small shrubs below, resembling a grassy plain.


The cliff has protruding rocks. Those who want to stand and take pictures should be careful. As for me, just watching makes me nervous, so I'd rather not.


Clouds drifted by as the sunlight illuminated the Lion's Head Rock.


I believe that everyone who comes to Mon Jong must take a picture at this angle. It is the angle that tells you that this is Mon Jong, the peak of the Singha Lion's Head.


We wait for the sun to set, setting up camp and preparing food in the meantime.


The sun is setting, and the atmosphere is romantic. Or maybe it's just lonely for single people like me.


I wonder if anyone else feels lonely like me.


However, if you come as a group, it wouldn't be lonely, would it?


The sun gradually dipped below the jagged mountain horizon, disappearing completely. The air grew significantly cooler.


Some walked back to camp, probably hungry after a day of walking.


This is our campsite. It's important to note that camping and campfires are typically prohibited in this area. The designated campsite is located further down in the forest, under the trees. It has restrooms and a stream with drinkable and cooking water. However, due to the high number of visitors today, the designated campsite was full. Additionally, the weather is not particularly cold, and there is no heavy dew or strong wind today. This area is usually windy and cold. Therefore, we, along with five other groups of campers, received special permission to set up our tents here temporarily. We are willing to walk a bit further to fetch water.


In the blink of an eye after the sun set, the sky changed color.


My friends and I cooked a simple meal under the tree in front of our tent: instant noodles, meatballs, sausages, and boiled eggs. We only stayed one night, so we brought easy-to-carry and convenient food.


As the sky grew dark, stars began to fill the heavens, though a fair amount of clouds drifted by. After gazing at the stars for a while, I lay down to rest, preparing for my morning trek to Pha Hua Sing.


After resting, we woke up around 3:00 AM and hurried to Pha Hua Singh to watch the sunrise. While waiting for the light of the new day, we stood and took pictures of the stars. The heart of the Milky Way began to appear just before dawn, right near the corner where the sun would rise.


As amateur photographers, we decided to step back and let the professional elephant hunters capture their shots with their cameras. We needed to maintain a distance to avoid our lights from interfering with their work.


The light began to rise along the horizon.


And then, the round sun slowly emerged from the horizon behind the Lion's Head Cliff.


The warm sunlight alleviated the biting cold, and everyone found a spot to wait for the first light of the new day.


Gazing across the precipice to the other side of the rolling hills, the alternating terrain is far from monotonous. The intricate mountains may not, however, rival the complexity of the human heart.


It's late, come back to camp and prepare breakfast.


A group of people gathered together to take a fun photo.


Drank coffee, ate instant noodles, and then prepared to pack.


Although I don't want to go back yet, it's time to leave. Next time, I'd like to stay for 3 days and 2 nights. I haven't finished exploring yet. I want to lie down in the middle of the meadow for a long time.


Some hikers stopped to take photos with their backpacks, while other groups who missed the opportunity to climb Phasing in the evening came to climb in the morning.


The journey back has begun, accompanied by this photograph. Along the way, there is a spot known as "Pha Hin Chor" (Stone Cliff Cluster). Upon reaching this point, you have completed half of the journey. Those who wish to take a detour or climb up for a photo are welcome to do so. No matter how challenging the path may be, it cannot deter the determined traveler.


Estimated total expenses


The round-trip motorcycle fuel cost from Chiang Mai is 400 baht.

Food expenses for the entire trip are 300 baht per person.

Camping fee is 50 baht per tent.

Fee: 20 Baht

Motorcycle entrance fee to the protected area is 20 baht.

790 baht per person

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