Doi Inthanon - The Definition Of A National Park
Described as the Roof of Thailand, the National Park of Doi Inthanon is a breathtaking destination just a 90-minute drive outside Chiang Mai. Standing proudly at 2565m, the majestic mountain of Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in the country. Visiting this stunning part of Northern Thailand offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
With its lush greenery, enchanting waterfalls, and mystical fog-covered forests, Doi Inthanon is a sanctuary of natural beauty. Beyond its awe-inspiring landscapes, this national park boasts a rich cultural heritage, including beautiful pagodas and vibrant hill tribe communities. It's a must-visit attraction in Chiang Mai - many tourists skip Doi Inthanon and miss out on experiencing its beauty, a big mistake. Visiting this National Park provides the perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle and immerses visitors in tranquility and serenity.
If you still need convincing – Let us take you on a journey to find out why you should visit Doi Inthanon during your time in Chiang Mai.
Hiking
Doi Inthanon is the end point of the Himalayan mountain range, making it one of Thailand's best hiking spots.
The National Park covers a distance of around 482 km², and there's no shortage of hiking trails to explore within its grounds. With various popular routes, there's a trail to suit everyone - regardless of experience and fitness level.
The Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail is one of Doi Inthanon's most popular routes, taking trekkers through a mossy forest, where you can spot unique plant species and enjoy panoramic views. If you're up for a challenge, the Kew Mae Pan Trail offers a rewarding trek with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. The nickname 'Heaven Trail' doesn't disappoint here.
Another popular trail within Doi Inthanon is The Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, which showcases beautiful waterfalls, coffee plantations, and vibrant birdlife.
You are guaranteed incredible views, diverse flora, and fauna on whichever trail you hike.
Click here to read more about the best trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park.
Wildlife
The Doi Inthanon National Park is a sanctuary of abundant wildlife containing captivating biodiversity. As you venture into its lush forests during your visit, you might be lucky enough to spot some of its inhabitants. Up in the trees, vibrant bird species like the rare green-tailed sunbird and the resplendent sibia watch your every move. Rare Gibbons also swing along branches in the trees, and you might hear their call echoing through the forest. Watch for the playful macaques swinging through the trees and the serpentine slither of the colorful green pit vipers. Wild boar and some species of deer also live in the forests of Doi Inthanon, and although they're hard to spot - you never know what you might see.
Unfortunately, wild elephants and tigers are not roaming the jungles of Doi Inthanon anymore for a few decades now, but if you are interested in combining your visit to Doi Inthanon with a respectable elephant conservation project, you can do so at Living Green Elephant Sanctuary and Foundation formerly known as Maeklang Elephant Conservation.
Of course, like everywhere in the world - seeing wildlife is never guaranteed. But you never know what you might be lucky enough to stumble across! Visiting Doi Inthanon with a guide is the best way to increase your chances of spotting wildlife, as they know the park inside out and have a keen eye for wildlife spotting.
Waterfalls
The National Park is also home to some incredible waterfalls. Wachirathan, Siriphum, and Mae Ya are among the best ones to visit. Wachirathan Waterfall plunges down in a thunderous display, creating a colorful rainbow in the mist, surrounded by lush greenery. At the same time, Siriphum Waterfall boasts a multi-tiered cascade that sparkles in the sunlight. With its impressive height and crystal-clear waters, Mae Ya Waterfall is another great waterfall to visit, and witnessing it from below is a mesmerizing spectacle.
Visiting the waterfalls in Doi Inthanon is a truly unbeatable experience. As you approach each waterfall, you'll hear the waterfall before you see it - the fierce roar of the rushing water greets you. You'll feel the misty spray that envelopes the surroundings. The waterfalls in Doi Inthanon are some of the most beautiful sites in Chiang Mai. Click here for more information about the best waterfalls in Chiang Mai.
The Wachirathan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park
Visiting the Highest Point in Thailand
The summit of Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand, and it's entirely accessible by car, motorbike, or on foot. At the summit, the air feels crisp and refreshing, invigorating your senses and offering respite from the heat of the lowlands. The serene ambiance creates a perfect setting for contemplation and reflection.
Reaching the highest point in Thailand is a remarkable feat, and a signpost here makes for a great photo spot. Close to the sign is the grave of King Inthanon, protector of the mountain and forests of this area and one of the last kings of Chiang Mai. After his death, the people changed the national park's name to Doi Inthanon National Park to honor his legacy.
The Twin Pagodas
One of the most incredible things to see in Doi Inthanon is the iconic Twin Pagodas. These magnificent structures, named Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphapholphumisiri, stand tall amidst the mist-covered mountains. Built to honor the late King and Queen's birthdays, they symbolize unity and eternal love.
The traditional Buddhist architecture of the pagodas stands out against the lush green background of the beautifully maintained gardens. If you've spent some time in Thailand, you'll be used to seeing pagodas and temples - but these offer a unique experience.
Adorned with intricate carvings and ornate decorations, the pagodas offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Stepping inside, you'll find exquisite Buddha images, religious artifacts, and tranquil meditation spaces. As you explore these temples, you'll be captivated by their spiritual aura and profound sense of serenity—a perfect place for reflection and tranquility amidst the natural beauty of Doi Inthanon.
Cultural Attractions
Doi Inthanon isn't just a haven for natural beauty but also a treasure trove of cultural attractions. Explore the fascinating Karen and Hmong hill tribe villages, where you can immerse yourself in their rich traditions and witness their unique way of life. While interacting with members of the tribe, you'll gain insights into their craftsmanship, traditional clothing, and agricultural practices. Watching firsthand how people survive in such a remote location is a fascinating experience, and Doi Inthanon is one of the best places in Chiang Mai to do it.
Visitors can also explore the Hmong market, with colorful stalls selling handicrafts, textiles, fruit, and delicious local treats. Engaging with the Hmong community, you'll discover their vibrant culture and have the opportunity to bring home beautiful souvenirs.
These cultural experiences add depth and diversity to your time spent in Doi Inthanon, leaving you with a greater appreciation for the region's vibrant heritage.
Sunrise/Sunset
Doi Inthanon is a beautiful place to visit at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset offer an entirely next-level experience.
As the sun ascends or descends, the landscape undergoes a mesmerizing transformation. The golden hues of the sky blend with mist-shrouded peaks, casting an ethereal glow upon the verdant valleys below. The air is crisp, and the atmosphere brims with tranquility. At sunrise, the first light rays illuminate the summit, casting long shadows that gradually retreat as the day awakens. Sunsets paint the horizon with a fiery palette, igniting the clouds in orange, pink, and purple shades.
Visiting at dusk or dawn also offers the chance to witness wildlife activity's awakening or winding down. Birds flutter and sing their morning melodies or bid farewell to the day in a symphony of chirps. By visiting the park in the morning or evening, you have a much higher chance of spotting some of Doi Inthanon's incredible wildlife, as it is less crowded, so the animals are less elusive.
Be aware that the national park will be incredibly busy with locals visiting Doi Inthanon to experience the cold weather during the winter holidays. We recommend avoiding the national park from Christmas until after New Year's.
The Royal Project
The climate of Doi Inthanon and its surrounding areas means the soil is fantastic for agriculture. Coffee, fruit, vegetables, flowers, and herbs all thrive when grown here. Local tribal farmers used to grow opium in this area. Still, when King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited in 1969, he noticed that the farmers were impoverished. He decided to start an initiative to change this and eradicate Thailand's opium problem - the Royal Project. Opium poppies were swapped for crops that generate more income for farmers, roads were improved for fast distribution, dams were built to improve the number of crops per season, and the project (which is one of many in Thailand) has been highly successful in taking farmers in Northern Thailand out of poverty. Tourists can visit the project to learn more about how it has enriched local communities and admire the beautifully manicured gardens.
If you've decided to visit Doi Inthanon, a must-do activity in Chiang Mai, you've come to the right place. We offer two different Doi Inthanon tours to cater to everyone's taste, and booking one is the best way to make the most of your time in this incredible place. Relax as we deal with the travel arrangements and organize everything for you, and benefit from your knowledgeable guide who is on hand to make sure you get the most out of your trip to the park.
Doi Inthanon - Full Day Sightseeing Tour
Our full-day sightseeing tour is the perfect way to explore Doi Inthanon. The itinerary encompasses exploring breathtaking waterfalls, visiting the mesmerizing Twin Pagodas, and immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of the Karen hill tribe villages. You'll also explore the vibrant Hmong market, trek through lush forests on the Ang Ka Nature Trail, marvel at diverse flora and fauna, and relish stunning panoramic views.
Throughout the day, knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, ensuring a deeper understanding of the park's natural and cultural wonders. This tour promises an incredible blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and memorable moments.
This day trip includes the National Park entrance fee, the Twin Pagodas entrance fee, transport, lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
If you're interested in finding out more about the tour or booking it, please click HERE.
Doi Inthanon - One Day Eco Trekking and Sightseeing Tour
This full-day Doi Inthanon adventure promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. The itinerary includes exhilarating eco-trekking through lush forests, discovering hidden waterfalls, and witnessing the stunning biodiversity of the park.
On this tour, you'll trek two trails - the two-hour Pha Do Siew trail (or the Kew Mae Pan trail, depending on the season) and the 20-minute Angkha Nature Trail. We've selected these trails to ensure you see as much of Doi Inthanons diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery as possible in one day.
You'll also explore the vibrant Hmong market, visit the mesmerizing Twin Pagodas and delve into the cultural heritage of the Karen hill tribe villages. Knowledgeable guides lead this excursion and offer a perfect balance of eco-adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking sights.
This trip includes the National Park entrance fee, the Twin Pagodas entrance fee, transport, lunch, an English-speaking guide, and insurance.
If you're interested in finding out more about the tour or booking it, please click HERE.
Need-To-Know Information About Visiting Doi Inthanon
The best time of year to visit is from November to January when the weather is at its coldest and before the burning season starts. Doi Inthanon is open any time of year, but this period guarantees the best views, and all hiking trails will be accessible.
It's much colder in Doi Inthanon than in the rest of Northern Thailand - the average daily temperatures are between 10 - 15°C due to the park's high elevation. Make sure to pack enough layers to keep you warm when trekking. You'll also want to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and appropriate shoes for trekking.
If you opt for our one-day eco-trekking tour, your hiking routes will change depending on the season. From November to March, we hike the Kew Mae Pan Trail; from April to October, this changes to the Pha Dok Siew Trail.
The park is developed for tourists, so plenty of toilets and stalls sell snacks and water.
If you have questions about Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, or traveling in Thailand, please don't hesitate to contact us using the link below. Our experienced and friendly English-speaking team will get back to you instantly.