CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – The start of the cooler season brought a sharp rise in demand for accommodation in Thailand’s mountain regions, reflected in search data from digital booking platform Agoda.
Cool-season searches surge for mountain stays
According to Agoda, interest in stays in hiking areas between November 2025 and February 2026 clearly increased compared with the preceding summer period. Cooler temperatures, clearer visibility and reopened trails after the rainy season traditionally created ideal conditions in forests, along ridges and in national parks.
The strongest growth was recorded in Chiang Mai, where searches rose by 254%. The provinces of Tak (230%), Loei (190%) and Kanchanaburi (95%) followed.
Domestic travel and lesser-known destinations grow
The trend matched Agoda’s own Travel Outlook Report, which found that 35% of Asian travelers planned to take trips within their own country more often than abroad, compared with 15% the previous year. This pointed to a growing importance of the domestic market.
The report also noted rising interest, especially among Thai guests, in less well-known places. Reasons included relatively low accommodation prices, generally lower travel costs and strong cultural experiences away from classic hotspots.
Agoda highlights value of nature trips
Akaporn Rodkong, Country Director for Agoda in Thailand, underlined the significance of the current season.
“The hiking season offered a special opportunity to reconnect with nature.”
said Rodkong, Country Director of Agoda in Thailand.
She added that the company aimed to keep travel simple and accessible.
“Agoda was committed to making travel easy and accessible and to helping travelers discover unforgettable experiences and plan trips that suited their needs, whether it was a demanding trail that tested their limits or a relaxed route for families,”
said Rodkong, Country Director of Agoda in Thailand.
“The goal was to fill every trip into nature with valuable memories.”
said Rodkong, Country Director of Agoda in Thailand.
Popular routes from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi
Among the highlighted destinations was Kew Mae Pan in Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai. The roughly 3.2‑kilometer nature trail led through moss-covered forest and along open ridges with wide views over cloudscapes, ending at a viewpoint known for sunrises and a sea of mist, and the route was considered suitable for beginners and families.
Hiking alone was not permitted there, and visitors had to book a local guide for a small fee. In Tak province, Doi Thu Le catered to more athletic guests, with an ascent to about 1,350 meters that combined dense forest, misty ridges and expansive views.
Routes for different experience levels
Agoda pointed to two options on Doi Thu Le: the steeper, more demanding Tu Le route, and the slightly easier Mon Klui route for less experienced hikers. In the northeast, Phu Kradueng in Loei province was regarded as a classic, known for its plateau-like summit area.
The ascent was often underestimated because of steep sections and sandstone underfoot, but at around 1,316 meters hikers were rewarded with wide forest views, striking rock cliffs, morning mist and viewpoints for both sunrise and sunset. Many hikers judged, according to Agoda, that the physically demanding climb was worthwhile.
Narrow ridges and panoramic summits in the west
In the west near Kanchanaburi, Khao Chang Phueak rose to 1,249 meters as the highest peak in Thong Pha Phum National Park. The roughly 8‑kilometer trail typically took about six hours to the summit and offered panoramic views over the surrounding mountain ridges.
The route was best known for an extremely narrow ridge section called the “knife edge,” where sure-footed walking and strict adherence to ranger instructions were particularly important before the final stretch to the top.
Preparation and safety underlined
With heavier visitor numbers, planning and safety came into sharper focus. Key recommendations included checking the weather and trail opening times in advance, ensuring appropriate equipment and sufficient water, following advice from rangers and local guides, and taking extra care on exposed ridges.
Current figures from Agoda indicated that mountain regions and national parks would be among the most sought-after destinations in Thailand in the coming season.