What is Doi Inthanon National Park?
Doi Inthanon National Park, located in the northern province of Chiang Mai, Thailand, stands out as one of the country’s most popular and renowned nature reserves. Often referred to as “The Roof of Thailand,” this national park spans an impressive 482 km² and is celebrated for its captivating waterfalls, well-maintained trails, secluded villages, breathtaking viewpoints, mesmerizing sunrise, and sunset vistas, as well as its exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Notably, the park’s higher elevations offer a refreshing cold climate that persists throughout the year.
Enveloped by the grandeur of the Himalayan Mountain range, Doi Inthanon National Park boasts a diverse landscape, with elevations ranging between 800 and 2,565 meters above sea level. At the pinnacle of the park lies Doi Inthanon Mountain, which proudly claims the title of Thailand’s highest peak.
The park owes its name to King Inthawichayanon, one of the final monarchs of Chiang Mai, who harbored deep concern for preserving the northern Thai forests. Per his wishes, his remains were interred in the park, renaming it Doi Inthanon.
The park’s vegetation showcases a rich assortment of ecosystems, featuring moist evergreen cloud forests and sphagnum bogs above 1,800 meters above sea level, as well as dry evergreen, pine, mixed deciduous teak, and dipterocarp forests in the lower regions. The prevailing high humidity adds to the park’s unique ambiance, providing an ideal environment for the flourishing biodiversity within its boundaries.
Where is Doi Inthanon?
Doi Inthanon, established as a national park in 1972, unquestionably holds the title of Thailand’s most renowned park. Situated approximately 70 km southwest of Chiang Mai city center, it lures a multitude of visitors from both within the country and abroad. Doi Inthanon transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland from November to January, captivating the hearts of all who visit.
Why should you go to Doi Inthanon?
Doi Inthanon National Park features various inhabited areas, including small villages of the Karen and Meo Hmong hill tribes. These villages are scattered throughout the park, although most of them are not accessible to the public. There are many accommodations available near Doi Inthanon. However, it is possible to visit and even stay in one of the Karen hill tribe villages.
The park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, with gibbons, deer, and wild boar among the many abundant species. With approximately 65 known mammal species, half of which are bats, Doi Inthanon National Park offers a unique opportunity to observe nature’s wonders. While sightings are rare, lucky visitors might glimpse serows along the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.
Bird enthusiasts will find Doi Inthanon incredibly captivating, as it is a haven for avian life. Some bird species, like the ashy-throated leaf warblers, dark-breasted rosefinches, and collared grosbeaks, are exclusively recorded within the park, making it a must-visit destination for bird watchers.
If you appreciate stunning waterfalls, expansive landscapes, distinctive cultures, and organic cuisine, Doi Inthanon National Park is unquestionably worth a visit. Here is why Doi Inthanon should be part of your Thailand itinerary:
• Doi Inthanon Summit
Situated at 2,565 meters above sea level, the highest peak in Thailand can be found at km 48, marking the endpoint of road 1009. For those seeking a difficult hiking challenge to conquer Thailand’s highest summit, that’s not the case here.
The peak can be easily reached by car or bike, with only a short hike of a few hundred meters from the parking area to reach the actual summit. There are no longer any established trails leading to the peak. However, you’ll come across the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail close to the summit.
While the summit viewpoint is a popular spot for witnessing breathtaking sunrises, a more favorable location to capture the sunrise is near the road close to the Kew Mae Pan Trail, slightly southward. The summit area often gets enveloped in mist, making it less ideal for sunrise viewing. Adjacent to the trailhead leading to the summit, a cafe is available for visitors. This cafe offers a delightful setting to relax and relish the scenic vista.
• Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail
If you’re looking for a stroll amidst the enchanting natural surroundings, we highly recommend the Ang Ka Nature Trail. Located slightly opposite the trail to the summit, this shorter circular boardwalk offers a truly magical experience. The habitat surrounding the boardwalk is a dense, mossy, and lush forest that remains captivating throughout the year.
The trail provides an ideal option for those who may not be avid hikers but still wish to immerse themselves in nature. As you traverse the track, you’ll venture through a mossy forest, passing by ancient shrines and eventually reaching the highest point of Doi Inthanon.
However, the summit may not be as exhilarating as it initially sounds. Doi Inthanon is a broad mountain with a wide summit area, and at the Ang Ka Nature Trail, you’ll only encounter a large sign indicating that you’ve reached the top of Thailand.
Also, no viewpoints or openings allow you to behold the surrounding landscape of Doi Inthanon—only a dense canopy of trees.
Completing the entire trail takes around five minutes, making it a brief and leisurely excursion. Essentially, it’s a pleasant stroll through the beautiful mossy forest that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages.
• Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
Starting just a few hundred meters north of the two chedis, a 2.5 km long circular trail begins from the main road. One of the most remarkable vantage points on Doi Inthanon is found along the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, which offers an easy 2-hour hike through a dense forest.
As you proceed, the trail leads to an opening where a panoramic and unobstructed view of the landscape below awaits you.
The hike is relatively easy to moderate, with a well-defined and well-maintained path. Along a section of the trail along a mountain ridge, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the western region.
Although sightings are infrequent, the course is known for the presence of the rare Chinese gorals, which require multiple attempts to spot. If you happen to be there in the early morning, you may also witness the mesmerizing spectacle of a sea of clouds, which is truly a sight to behold.
To explore this trail, a guide from the Hmong Tribe must accompany you. Their fee is about 200 Baht. Often, you will find several guides waiting at the trailhead on the main road, ready to offer their services.
The Kew Mae Pan trail offers numerous stunning viewpoints, including a magnificent waterfall, a picturesque heart-shaped rock formation, and an awe-inspiring path along the ridge. Ensure your camera is ready, as you will undoubtedly want to capture countless photos in this enchanting location.
- Note: Kindly be aware that the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail undergoes annual closure from June to October. However, it is scheduled to reopen on November 1st, facilitating the recovery of the surrounding forests.
• Two Chedis
The first chedi, named Naphamethinidon, signifies ‘by the strength of the land and air’ and was constructed in 1987 to commemorate the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The second chedi, called Naphaphone Phumi Siri, conveys the meaning ‘being the strength of the air and the grace of the land’ and was built in 1992 to honor the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit.
Within the park, a viewpoint offers a splendid vantage point of the western side, making it a popular spot to witness breathtaking sunsets. The operating hours for the Grand Pagodas of Doi Inthanon are from 6 am to 5:30 pm, but we highly recommend visiting during sunrise or sunset to experience the most captivating lighting.
Please note that the park authorities do not manage the two chedis. The entrance fee is 100 baht (about 3 USD) per person. Upon entering the Grand Pagodas, you will reach a checkpoint where you must park your car, pay the entrance fee, and take a songthaew or a 1-minute walk up the hill to the parking lot. From there, escalators take you up to the two pagodas.
• Beautiful Waterfalls
Doi Inthanon National Park boasts numerous waterfalls, with some conveniently accessible from the main road traversing the park, merely a few hundred meters away. The waterfalls exhibit a steady flow throughout the year, yet they are particularly awe-inspiring during the rainy season.
In the colder and drier seasons, the water becomes clearer, rendering it more suitable for swimming if conditions permit.
However, most waterfalls in the park are characterized by rocky terrain, limiting swimming opportunities. Among the notable waterfalls in the area are:
Wachirathan Waterfall
This waterfall is located within the park and stands out as one of the most breathtaking sights. Its prime location and convenient accessibility make it a favorite among visitors.
Although park staff and guides tend to exaggerate the size of this waterfall, as is common with others, it still holds its own with a height of approximately 40 meters and a strikingly expansive appearance.
Undoubtedly, it ranks among the finest cascades in the park. Also, the surroundings of the falls’ parking area have various dining options, cafes, and shops to enhance your overall experience.
Sirithan Waterfall
Located at kilometer 22, one of the most renowned waterfalls is easily reachable via a 200-meter trail from the parking area along the main road. Visitors can catch a splendid view of this captivating waterfall from a nearby viewpoint, but reaching the base is not feasible.
Siriphum Waterfall
The waterfall is about 1.5 km from Road 1284, north of headquarters. It can be reached by following a trail on the western side of Ban Khun Klang village and the Royal Garden.
Near this waterfall, you can witness the enchanting sight of Sakura blossoms in February.
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall
A captivating multi-tiered waterfall is midway along a 2.6 km trail, beginning from the main road about 1 km east of headquarters and extending towards the Mae Klang Luang Village. During the rainy season, the village offers a charming vista of rice fields adorning the hill slopes.
To embark on the trail, knowledgeable local guides must accompany you. This shouldn’t be a problem as many eagerly await at the trailhead situated on the main road.
The fee for the services of these local guides amounts to 200 baht (about 6 USD) per guest.
Mae Klang Waterfall
Located about 600 meters south of the checkpoint in the southeastern part of the national park, this magnificent waterfall marks the first encounter along the main road before entering the park. With a staggering height of nearly 100 meters, it gracefully descends over multiple tiers, with the tallest deck reaching an impressive height of 25-30 meters.
Mae Ya Waterfall
A magnificent waterfall cascades down multiple tiers, spanning over 250 meters in height. The primary tier, which can be easily reached, stands tall at 40 to 50 meters, and stretches approximately 100 meters wide, undoubtedly making it one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the country.
While it is often referred to as the largest waterfall in the country, it’s advisable to approach this claim with caution. In Doi Inthanon National Park, the Mae Pan waterfall boasts the highest single tier drop, which you can learn more about below. Additionally, there are even taller and wider waterfalls elsewhere in the country.
Mae Ya can be found in the southern region of the park, approximately 17 km southwest of the primary checkpoint leading into the park.
To access Mae Ya, there is a separate checkpoint where visitors are required to pay the national park entrance fee. This fee grants entry to the entire national park.
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Mae Pan Waterfall & Campsite
Mae Pan stands as a majestic waterfall towering 100 meters tall, tucked away from the other captivating attractions of Doi Inthanon. To reach this breathtaking sight, you’ll venture along a 2 km dirt road branching off from Mae Chaem Road.
As the tallest non-cascading waterfall within the park, Mae Pan’s remote location remains relatively unexplored by local tourists, who tend to favor the initial 4-5 waterfalls in route to the park headquarters.
The trail leading to Mae Pan waterfall demands caution due to its slippery terrain, but the reward of reaching this natural wonder makes the effort worthwhile. In addition to the waterfall, a shorter loop trail awaits intrepid hikers, allowing them to complete the journey in under 2 hours.
While the Mae Pan area boasts a campsite, it’s important to note that tents are not available for rent, and nearby restaurants are nonexistent.
• Royal Project Inthanon
Royal Project Inthanon, established in 1979, is an expansive flower garden spanning nearly 1 km². Its primary objective was to eradicate opium cultivation by educating local communities. Situated in the Khun Klang Hhong village, the garden is located 1.5 kilometers north of the headquarters.
Within the garden, a collection of greenhouses is dedicated to cultivating diverse flora. These greenhouses provide nurturing environments for Rhododendron flowers, ferns, hydroponic vegetables, and other blossoms.
When is the best time to visit Doi Inthanon?
Northern Thailand experiences three primary seasons: the rainy season, the “cool” season, and the hot season.
The recommended period for optimal trekking would be from mid-November to mid-February, which falls within the technically termed “cool” season. However, it’s worth noting that the term “cool” is relative in Thailand, as temperatures usually average around 17°C (62°F).
By the middle of February, the smoky season commences, and it is advisable to avoid the areas surrounding Chiang Mai through March due to poor air quality. The smoky season is an annual phenomenon when farmers burn their fields in preparation for the upcoming crop season.
Heavy downpours can occur during the rainy season, which spans from April to October, resulting in a muddier trek than anticipated, particularly at Doi Inthanon.
How to get to Doi Inthanon
• Take A Songthaew
To reach the summit of Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai Gate, you can board a yellow Songthaew to Chom Thong Village for 30 baht (~ 1 USD).
From there, you can catch another songthaew to reach the summit, which costs 80 baht (~ 2 USD). Head to Pratu Gate in the Old City’s southern part to access the songthaews.
Differentiating these songthaews from the ones roaming the city is easy, as the Doi Inthanon ones are yellow while the regular ones are red.
Look for the songthaew heading towards Chom Thong. Once you reach Chom Thong, switch to another songthaew destined for Doi Inthanon.
These songthaews operate almost hourly until late afternoon, making it convenient to find transportation. Within the park, you’ll find numerous songthaews traveling in both directions. The entire journey usually takes around 2-3 hours.
• By Taxi
If you’re planning a trip from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon and you’re looking for a reliable and convenient way to get there, hiring a taxi is highly recommended. With this arrangement, you can enjoy any attraction at your own pace.
The service operates from 7 am for pickup at Doi Inthanon, and the driver will be available until 4 pm. At 4 pm, the driver will return to your hotel, ensuring a timely return. The approximate cost for a one-way trip is around 3,000 baht- 4,000 baht (~83 USD – 110 USD).
• By Minivan with Tour Guide
In my opinion, the best way to experience Doi Inthanon is by joining a small group on an all-inclusive tour. This type of excursion promises a more intimate and comprehensive journey, with every detail thoughtfully organized to enhance your experience. Led by a professional guide, you’ll be able to delve into the park’s history, biodiversity, and local customs without the hassle of planning logistics yourself.
10 Responses
Hi Benjamas, thanks for this comprehensive article detailing the beautiful falls of Doi Inthanon National Park. It was my first time hearing of this national park and I’m definitely intrigued to visit there at some point in time. I live in South Africa, so I’m a two-hour flight away from the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and having been there twice, it made me think about the impact of tourism on such gorgeous environments.
While these landmarks create jobs and stimulate economies, it’s crucial that we practice responsible tourism to ensure the continued beauty of these treasures in the future. I’d love to know a bit more about how the local community is involved in maintaining the park and what visitors can do to support these efforts?
Hi Deon,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the article on Doi Inthanon National Park and that it’s inspired you to consider visiting someday.
You’ve touched on an important aspect of travel. That’s an excellent point about the importance of responsible tourism in preserving the natural beauty of places like Doi Inthanon and Victoria Falls!
In Doi Inthanon National Park, the local community plays a vital role in maintaining the park and its surrounding areas. Many of the park staff and guides are from nearby villages, and there are initiatives in place to involve local communities in conservation efforts, such as reforestation projects and sustainable agriculture practices.
As visitors, there are several ways we can support these efforts. Firstly, by respecting the park’s rules and regulations, such as staying on designated trails, avoiding littering, and refraining from disturbing wildlife. Additionally, engaging with local guides and businesses that prioritize sustainability and community involvement can make a positive impact. Supporting local initiatives, such as buying products from nearby villages or participating in community-led tours, also contributes to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of the park.
By practicing responsible tourism and actively supporting local conservation efforts, we can help ensure that places like Doi Inthanon National Park continue to thrive for generations to come. Thank you for bringing attention to this important aspect of travel, and I hope you have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Doi Inthanon for yourself someday! (:
Benjamas
Hi there
Very nice article
I like your mention that Doi Inthanon National Park offers a multifaceted experience that intertwines cultural immersion with breathtaking natural beauty. I live in a beautiful Caribbean island rated as among the top 10 most beautiful in the world, so I can certainly appreciate this beauty.
A lot of nice information here like: Beyond its picturesque landscapes and cascading waterfalls, the park presents an opportunity to engage with the Karen and Meo Hmong hill tribes, providing insight into their unique way of life.
The park’s rich biodiversity, from elusive serows to a plethora of bird species, promises unparalleled encounters with nature’s marvels, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.
Moreover, the chance to savor organic cuisine amidst such pristine surroundings adds an extra layer of allure to this destination. This information is for anyone who seeks cultural enrichment, wildlife encounters, or simply a respite in nature’s embrace.
Nice article
Hi Troy,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to read the article! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed learning about Doi Inthanon National Park and that you could appreciate its beauty and cultural richness, especially coming from a stunning Caribbean island like yours.
The blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and biodiversity truly makes Doi Inthanon a special destination. It’s fantastic that you found the information about engaging with the Karen and Meo Hmong hill tribes and exploring the park’s wildlife so intriguing. And yes, the opportunity to indulge in organic cuisine amidst such serene surroundings adds an extra layer of charm to the destination.
Once again, thank you for your thoughtful comment! If you have any more insights or questions, feel free to reach out!
Benjamas
Having visited Doi Inthanon National Park myself, I can attest to the breathtaking beauty of its waterfalls. One of my most memorable experiences was standing in awe of the majestic Wachirathan Waterfall. Its towering height and expansive presence truly make it a sight to behold. Plus, the surrounding area, with its dining options and cafes added to the overall experience. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to include a stop at this remarkable natural wonder on your itinerary! Your post has provided some fantastic recommendations. Thank you and I hope to go back at some point!
Hi Ashley,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience at Doi Inthanon National Park! It’s always wonderful to hear about others’ adventures in such breathtaking places. Wachirathan Waterfall truly is a sight to behold! I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the surrounding area as well.
I hope you get the chance to go back and experience the beauty of the park again soon! Safe travels!
Thank you again.
Benjamas
I have never traveled abroad before, but if I get the chance Thailand will be on my must-see list. Doi Inthanon National Park sounds and looks like such a beautiful location!!
The images you provided are breathtaking, I can only imagine how beautiful it is in real life!
Thank you so much for this fantastic review, my only question is, “Would it be better to visit with it all green and lush, or in the winter with a blanket of snow?”
Fantastic review!
Stacie
Hi Stacie,
Thank you for visiting my website, and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Doi Inthanon National Park is best visited during winter the cool and dry season, which typically runs from November to February. During this time, temperatures are pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Snow is not common there. Visitors can enjoy mist-covered peaks, breathtaking viewpoints, and the opportunity to see the sea of mist at sunrise or sunset.
Average temperature in Winter (November – February) is around 43°F – 63°F. However, occasionally, it can dropdown to 32°F.
In Summer (March – May), the temperature is around 86°F – 103°F.
In Rainy Season (June – October), it’s around 70°F – 86°F. However, avoid visiting during the rainy season as heavy rains can make trails slippery and visibility poor.
Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and what type of scenery you’re most drawn to. I hope you have a chance to visit this breathtaking National Park someday!
Thank you again!
Hey Benjamas. It is me again on your website I love it here. The beauty of Thailand is un believable , I love the nature and there is enchanting , In this part I never have been but after reading your article for sure I put it in my to do list as soon as we can we must do it with the family. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Ela,
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Doi Inthanon is amazing. The viewpoint at Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is breathtaking, and it’s one of my favorites. I’m happy to hear that you’re inspired to add this part of Thailand to your family’s to-do list. Exploring together will surely create unforgettable memories.
Thank you very much again, and hope you enjoy the next trip to Thailand with your family!