Doi Inthanon National Park

อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยอินทนนท์

Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 meters, with cloud forest, twin pagodas built for the king and queen, Wachirathan Waterfall and Karen villages. It is Chiang Mai's classic one-day nature outing.

Doi Inthanon lies about 90 km southwest of Chiang Mai. Its main peak rises to 2,565 meters, the highest point in Thailand. The entire mountain is a national park, known as 'the roof of Thailand.' The main sights, from top to bottom: the summit marker and the Ang Ka trail (a wooden boardwalk through moss-covered cloud forest, about 20 minutes). At about 2,100 meters are the twin pagodas built for the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit (Phra Mahathat Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri). The garden and cloud-sea steps in front are the most photogenic spots. The Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is open from November to May. It runs about 3 km and requires hiring a Karen guide, with cliff viewpoints along the way. The sunrise cloud seas in the cool season are at their most beautiful here. Wachirathan Waterfall is a large waterfall beside the road, with huge volumes in the rainy season. Mae Ya Falls is also nearby. At the foot of the mountain are Karen villages and coffee plantations. Admission for foreigners is 300 baht, and the twin pagodas charge an extra 50 baht. Getting there: a chartered car from Chiang Mai costs about 2,500–3,500 baht for the day. Alternatively, join a group tour at about 1,200–1,800 baht per person, including lunch. Riding a motorbike yourself is dangerous and not recommended. In December and January the summit temperature can approach 0°C, so bring a jacket. From central Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 to Chom Thong and then climb the mountain, a trip of about 2–2.5 hours. Note: weekends and the New Year holiday bring huge numbers of Thai domestic tourists, and parking at the summit gets jammed. In the rainy season (June–October), it is often foggy and the viewpoints may have no view.

Doi Inthanon National Park

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