Khao Chang Phueak Trek
Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
Season: November–January
Price: 1150 AUD / person
Khao Chang Phueak is one of western Thailand’s most iconic and exhilarating trekking destinations, famed for its dramatic Knife-Edge Ridge — a narrow ridgeline that delivers both adrenaline and awe in equal measure.
Rising above forests and rolling grasslands in Thong Pha Phum National Park, this trek leads hikers through tall savanna grass, dense jungle, and exposed ridges with sweeping panoramic views across the western highlands. The trail steadily builds in intensity, culminating in the unforgettable knife ridge traverse — a true highlight for adventurous trekkers.
At sunrise, mist drifts through the valleys below as golden light illuminates distant peaks. Spending the night camping along the ridge, surrounded by silence and stars, creates a raw and unforgettable mountain experience.
Trip Overview
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Difficulty: ★★★⭑☆ (3.5 / 5) — Challenging trek with exposed ridges and steep climbs
Distance: Approximately 10–12 km total
Trekking Style: Guided trek · Tent camping
• Narrow knife-edge ridge sections
• Steep ascents and descents
• Good balance and confidence with heights required
• Basic camping skills essentialAccommodation: Camping & local camp stay
Season: November – January
Experienced hikers, adventurous trekkers, and confident beginners with strong fitness and no fear of heights.
What Makes This Trek Special
Iconic knife-edge ridge experience
Panoramic views across western Thailand’s mountain ranges
Sunrise above mist-filled valleys
Exposed ridge camping under star-filled skies
One of Thailand’s most thrilling non-technical treks
Camping Style
This trek involves simple tent camping in a remote wildlife sanctuary. Sleeping arrangements are basic. Nights can be cold, especially in winter months, and temperatures drop significantly after sunset. Camp life is quiet and immersive, surrounded by open grasslands and mountain air.
Food
Meals are prepared by our trekking team and include simple, hot, and energising dishes. Packed lunches and snacks are provided for the trail. Please advise dietary needs in advance.
Facilities
Facilities are extremely limited. There are no showers, electricity, or mobile signal at camp. Toilets are basic and shared where available.
Trail Conditions
Trails vary from forest paths and tall grasslands to narrow, exposed ridges. Some sections require careful footing and a steady pace. The knife ridge is narrow but non-technical and guided at all times.
Experience Level
No climbing or mountaineering skills are required, but participants should be comfortable with heights, steep terrain, and sustained hiking.
Weather & Environment
Mountain weather can change quickly. Expect cool mornings, strong winds along ridges, and cold nights. Mist and cloud cover are common, especially at sunrise.
Pack Weight
Participants carry personal items in a daypack. Shared gear and food are managed by the team where applicable. Packing light is strongly recommended.
Respect for Nature
This trek takes place in a protected national park. All participants must follow Leave No Trace principles and park regulations at all times.
Trip Itinerary
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We depart Bangkok in the morning and travel west toward Kanchanaburi Province. Along the way, we stop to visit the historic Bridge over the River Kwai, where there is time to walk across the bridge and take photos.
The journey continues north through scenic mountain roads toward Thong Pha Phum District, passing rivers, forested hills, and local viewpoints. Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant near Sai Yok, offering a relaxing break before the final mountain ascent.
In the afternoon, we drive the winding road up to E-Tong Village (Pilok), a charming highland settlement near the Myanmar border. After checking into our accommodation, the evening is free to explore the village, enjoy the cool mountain air, and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Guesthouse / eco-lodge (E-Tong Village)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner -
An early start allows time for personal preparation and optional sunrise photography in the village. After breakfast, we register at Thong Pha Phum National Park Visitor Center, confirm permits, and meet our local guides and porters.
We return to E-Tong Village, collect packed lunches and water, complete final gear checks, and begin the trek. The trail ascends steadily through dense forest, grasslands, and rocky terrain. A shaded lunch break offers time to rest and hydrate.
By mid-afternoon, we reach the ridge campsite, where tents are set up along the mountain spine. After a short rest, we hike along the legendary Knife-Edge Ridge, carefully traversing the narrow ridgeline while soaking in spectacular mountain views.
Dinner is served at camp, followed by stargazing and quiet time beneath a vast night sky.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Tent camping (ridge camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Before dawn, we hike to the summit to witness sunrise. On clear mornings, mist fills the valleys below as golden light spreads across the rugged peaks — one of the most iconic views in western Thailand.
After coffee and light snacks, we return to camp for breakfast, pack up all gear, and begin the descent along the same scenic route. The trek back to E-Tong Village takes several hours at a relaxed pace.
Upon arrival, there is time to shower and freshen up before bidding farewell to the park staff and porters. In the afternoon, we begin the journey back, stopping for dinner along the way before arriving in Bangkok in the evening.
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Upcoming departure dates
| Departure | Finish |
|---|---|
| 8 Nov 2026 | 10 Nov 2026 |
| 29 Nov 2026 | 1 Dec 2026 |
| 20 Dec 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 |
| 17 Jan 2027 | 19 Jan 2027 |
