Discover the best hidden Samoeng Loop stop — a secret jungle tower viewpoint near Chiang Mai. Exact directions, tips, and how to find it without getting lost. (CLICK HERE).
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This hidden place on the Samoeng Loop is one of the most underrated places near Chiang Mai. The tower is located in the mountains outside Chiang Mai along the famous Samoeng Loop route, one of Northern Thailand’s most scenic drives.
If you’re riding the Samoeng Loop and you’re already bored of stopping at the same waterfalls and gardens that every other tourist stops at, I get it. Been there. But there’s a spot most people ride straight past without even knowing it exists. A fire observation tower sitting in the middle of the jungle with 360-degree views over the entire mountain range. No entry fee. No crowds. No café selling overpriced smoothies outside. Just a tower, a view, and the sound of the jungle around you.
Finding it is the tricky part. And that’s exactly what this guide is for. The Buak Chan Fire Observation Tower is real. It exists. And it’s one of the most interesting stops on the Samoeng Loop. The only problem is that the Google Maps pin for it is slightly off, which is why a lot of people either give up trying to find it or walk in the wrong direction. This guide will get you there without any of that confusion. Step by step. With the exact turns to take.
Important: The Google Maps Location Is Slightly Wrong
Before anything else, just know that if you search for this tower on Google Maps and follow it blindly, you might end up in the wrong spot. The pin is close but not accurate enough to rely on once you’re on foot in the jungle.
Don’t worry about it. I’ve laid out the exact route below with clear instructions for every turn. Follow this and you’ll get there with no issues.
What Is the Hidden Samoeng Loop Stop?
Unlike the busy Mae Sa Waterfall or Mon Jam, this Samoeng Loop viewpoint is not a tourist trap.
From what I heard from locals, it was built to watch for forest fires from the top. A fire observation tower. Simple purpose. And that’s exactly what makes it interesting. Nobody built this for tourists. Nobody put a café next to it or charged an entry fee. It just exists out there in the jungle and you either find it or you don’t.
Once you get to the top, the view makes the whole walk worth it. The entire mountain range stretches out in front of you. Trees. Hills. Mountains. Nothing blocking the view in any direction.
Quick Location Info
- Distance from Chiang Mai Old City: 45 to 50 km
- Approximate Elevation: 900 to 1,000 meters above sea level
- Google Maps Coordinates: (Use Ban Buakchan School as your starting point — more reliable)
- Travel Time from Chiang Mai: Around 1 to 1.5 hours by scooter depending on your pace and stops along the way
Where to Park Your Bike (Starting Point)
The first location you need to put into Google Maps is Ban Buakchan School.
This school is your starting point for the walk. Find a spot to park your scooter near the school. You can park in the surrounding area or ask the school management if they’re okay with you parking on the school premises. When I went, I parked near the school gate. I’ve marked that spot in the image above.
Once you’re parked, you’re ready to start walking.
Step-by-Step Route to the Tower
This is the section you actually came here for.
Step 1.
After parking near the school gate, walk back a short distance until you see a pathway on the side. It’s not far at all. Just a few steps back. Once you see it, start walking up.
Step 2.
The road on this pathway is a little rough, so just watch your footing. Keep walking up until you come across a house or warehouse on the side. It looked like someone was living there or using it for storage. When I passed by, there was a Thai couple packing some boxes outside. I stopped and asked them for directions and they were helpful. Don’t be afraid to do the same if you’re unsure.
Step 3.
After reaching that house, take a left and continue on the road for another 10 minutes or so depending on your pace. If the road starts getting rougher as you go, that’s a good sign. You’re on the right track. Just keep going until you see a large tree stump on the side of the road.
This is the only part where people get confused, so pay attention. After the tree stump, the road splits into three directions. Left, center, and right. You take the left turn. I’ve marked the exact turn in the image above. Once you take this left, the rest of the walk is straightforward. Just keep going.
Step 4.
Continue walking until you see some old wooden houses on your right. You’ll first see the back of them as you approach. Walk a little further ahead, then take a right turn and walk towards them.
Step 5.
After crossing those wooden houses, you’re almost there. Keep walking straight on the road and within 5 minutes you’ll reach the base of the tower.
Climb up. Take your time. And enjoy what’s at the top.
How Hard Is the Walk to the Hidden Samoeng Loop Tower?
It’s not difficult at all. There’s no trail-blazing through trees and grass. There’s an actual road the entire way. It’s laid out. It’s walkable. The only thing to know is that it’s slightly uphill in parts, so if you’re visiting in the afternoon heat, you’ll feel it a little.
Carry a bottle of water. There’s nothing near this place. No shops. No stalls. No vending machines. Nothing. Whatever you need, bring it with you before you start walking. This applies especially if you’re going in the afternoon when it’s warmer.
Is the Hidden Jungle Tower Safe to Visit?
From my personal experience and from asking locals, yes. It’s safe. No wildlife incidents reported in the area as of January 2026. I did find it a little spooky walking through the jungle alone, but that was just the vibe of being the only person out there. If you’re going as a couple or a group, that feeling disappears completely.
That said, wildlife is unpredictable. My honest advice is to always ask a local before heading out. Whether it’s someone at your hostel or a person near the school, just do a quick check for any updates. It takes two minutes and it’s way more reliable than anything written online. Things change out there. Better to ask.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re doing this as part of the Samoeng Loop and you leave Chiang Mai around 7 to 8 a.m., you’ll likely reach this spot around 1 to 2 p.m. That works fine.
If you want to watch the sunset from the tower, you can plan for that too. I tried to do exactly that but ended up turning back around 3 to 4 p.m. because I didn’t want to be walking back through the jungle alone in the dark. And honestly, that was the right call. If you’re going for sunset, go with someone. Having a companion makes the walk back in low light a lot more comfortable.
Why It’s Worth Finding
Because it’s the kind of place that doesn’t exist to impress you. No entry fee. No signage. No tour group being herded through. Just a tower that was built for a practical reason, sitting out in the jungle, completely unbothered by the tourism happening everywhere else around Chiang Mai.
When I climbed to the top and looked out, there was nobody else there. Not a single person. Just me and the view. And that view — the full mountain range, the trees, the hills rolling out in every direction — is the kind of thing you don’t see from a temple courtyard or a rooftop café. It’s raw. Unfiltered. And completely free.
That’s rare. Especially in a part of Thailand that gets as many visitors as the North does. Finding a place that still feels untouched is genuinely exciting. And the fact that you had to work a little to find it makes it feel even better when you get there.
Quick Tips Before You Go
Carry water. Non-negotiable, especially in the afternoon.
Park at Ban Buakchan School. Put that in Google Maps as your starting point, not the tower itself.
Don’t follow the tower’s Google Maps pin on foot. Use the directions in this guide instead.
Take the left at the three-way split. That’s the only confusing junction. Get that right and the rest is easy.
Go in the morning or early afternoon. If you’re planning a sunset visit, don’t go alone.
Ask a local before heading out. Quick check for any wildlife or trail updates. Takes two minutes.
Bring your phone fully charged. Not for photos — just so you have the map and this guide accessible while you’re walking.
That’s it. Not complicated. Just a walk through the jungle to one of the most underrated views on the Samoeng Loop. Go find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Buak Chan Fire Observation Tower on the Samoeng Loop?
Yes. It’s one of the stops along the Samoeng Loop route. It’s not one of the famous or well-known stops like Mae Sa Waterfall or the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. But if you’re doing the loop and you want something off the beaten path, this is it. I’d say it’s the best stop on the entire loop if you’re willing to put in the short walk to get there.
Is there an entry fee for the Buak Chan Fire Tower?
No. It’s completely free. No ticket. No donation box. No one standing at the entrance asking for money. You just show up, park your scooter, walk in, and climb the tower. That’s it.
How long does the walk take from the school to the tower?
From Ban Buakchan School to the tower, the walk takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on your pace. It’s not a race. Take your time. Enjoy the walk through the jungle. And if you stop to ask someone for directions like I did, factor that in too.
Can I visit the Buak Chan Fire Tower without doing the full Samoeng Loop?
Yes, you can. You don’t have to do the entire Samoeng Loop to visit this place. If you just want to ride out specifically for the tower, you can put Ban Buakchan School into Google Maps and ride there directly from Chiang Mai. It’s about an hour’s ride from the Old City. Just remember you still need a 150cc scooter for the mountain roads on the way.
Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, mostly. I did it solo and it was fine. The walk is safe and the route is clear enough once you know the directions. The only thing I’d say is that if you’re planning to go for sunset, going solo means you’ll be walking back in the dark. I turned around before sunset for exactly that reason. If you want the sunset experience, bring someone with you.
What should I bring for the visit?
Water is the most important thing. There are no shops or stalls anywhere near this place. Bring at least one full bottle, more if you’re visiting in the afternoon heat. Comfortable shoes are a good idea since the path is slightly uneven in parts. And make sure your phone is charged so you can access this guide and the map while you’re walking.
Can I visit the Buak Chan Tower without a scooter?
Technically you could take a taxi or a Grab out to the school and walk from there. But practically speaking, a scooter makes the whole thing much easier. You need a way to get to Ban Buakchan School and then you have the freedom to continue the Samoeng Loop or head back to Chiang Mai whenever you want. Without a scooter, you’re dependent on calling for a ride from a spot with no shops around. Just rent a scooter. It makes everything easier.
What is the Samoeng Loop?
The Samoeng Loop is a 130 km circular route starting and ending in Chiang Mai. It goes through mountains, villages, and farms and passes several well-known spots along the way. It’s one of the best day trips you can do from Chiang Mai if you have a scooter. The Buak Chan Fire Tower is one of my favorite stops on the route. I wrote a full guide on the Samoeng Loop route if you want the complete picture before you go.
Is the Buak Chan Fire Tower worth visiting?
Yes. Without a doubt. It’s free, it’s off the tourist trail completely, and the view from the top is one of the best you’ll get anywhere on the Samoeng Loop. The walk is easy. The whole thing takes under an hour including the walk up and the time you spend at the top. For zero cost and minimal effort, the payoff is really high. Go.
