Catch the Sunset at Doi Pha Tang

The best way to experience Doi Pha Tang (a great paired adventure with Phu Chi Fa) is with your own transportation (either a car or motorbike).  It allows you to experience the area on your own schedule leaving plenty of time for relaxing as you take in the beautiful landscapes.

Doi Pha Tang is west of Chiang Rai, on the Thailand-Laos border.  The area is very mountainous and you will be driving on steep grade, curvy roads to get there.  The drive from Chiang Rai takes just around 2 hours, and as you get closer to Doi Pha Tang, you will see signs that lead you right where you want to go, but prior to that, using the Maps.Me app to navigate your way from Chiang Rai (or anywhere else in Thailand) works very well.

Once parked, head back past the market and on your left will be stars leading up.  At the top of these stars there is a trail on your right, take that. Following this short trail will lead you right to the top of Doi Pha Tang.  The last bit of the ascent is very steep and can be slipper when wet so just watch your step.  Most likely you will be joined by many other people on the summit, so once you take in the views, I suggest finding a different place to enjoy the sunset with a bit more solitude.

If you head back down the steep section, on your left is a social trail that winds around the back side of Doi Pha Tang.  Taking this path will lead you around and then up to the top of a different peak that is just south of Doi Pha Tong, and a beautiful sunset location.

Hang out here for as long as you want (I suggest at least until the sun goes down), and then head back to the parking area the same way you came up.  If you bring a torch, you can also stay on the summit for a while longer and enjoy the stars.