Well, today we will tell you about Doi Intanon National Park located on the mountain of the same name in Northern Thailand. Besides the obvious things (how to get there, entrance fees, best time to visit) we will tell you about the local attractions to visit. We’ll also recommend a couple of places where you can buy tours to visit Doi Intanon, and explore it with an English-speaking guide if you don’t want to drive a car or motorcycle yourself. Read our article to the end, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comments. Let’s go!
For an exciting adventure in Northern Thailand, look no further than our travel guide on Chiang Mai. This vibrant city offers a thrilling blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a myriad of unforgettable experiences, ensuring a fantastic time for all who visit.
The Doi Inthanon National Park represents the beauty and ethos of the mountainous region of Thailand. It showcases its majestic rivers, waterfalls, tropical forests, and a habitat that is home to 362 species of birds and a wide variety of 466 animal species and 1274 plant species. The park is a dream bird sanctuary for bird watchers.
If you plan your day trip from early morning until late at night, be sure to bring warm clothes with you.
Getting to the summit is all pretty well sign-posted. The roads are very good and with the number of Thai and foreign tourists visiting the summit, there are loads of amenities. On the way to the park entrance, most tour companies/guides will first stop at a Hmong roadside market. Here you can buy all sorts of dried fruits, nuts, and a few handy crafts. Soon after, you enter the actual park. There is a 300 Baht entry fee per person (for foreigners only) and a 20 Baht motorbike entry fee. Once inside the national park there are several waterfalls, food stops, toilet stops, lookouts on the way to the summit. We ended up stopping at Sirithan Waterfall on the way up and Wachirathan Waterfall on the way down. Wachirathan is much more developed with a parking lot, toilet block, restaurants, whereas Sirithan is just the waterfall. Both are nice. We also stopped at the Royal Chedi on the way back from the summit. This is a must. Despite the hordes of tourists and the why was this built here running through my mind, it’s still pretty cool. Built a couple of years ago in honor of the current King and Queen of Thailand, two massive Chedi (his and her I guess) have been constructed on apposing peaks. Each is essentially a temple, however, each has an internal temple with very nice stone relief and other wall paintings. Don’t worry if the stair-case to the top of Chedi looks daunting. You can get an escalator up each flight of stairs. Yep, you can stand on the walkway to avoid walking for 2 minutes up the staircase (OK, we did it :). As we were there in winter, we missed out on what is quite a spectacular flower festival on each of the two Chedi summits which are held during the warmer months. But back to the summit. Getting to the actual summit is straight-forward. You can drive almost all the way. There is a big parking lot just below the summit. Here there is a Thai Air-force Base (which you can’t photograph) and there is then a pretty obvious sign and trail to the actual summit.– Roland
Climbing to Doi Inthanon I’d always suspected climbing Thailand’s highest mountain was going to be easy. However, I didn’t think it would be easy. Evidently, about 200 other tourists also thought the same thing 🙂 Nevertheless, despite jostling for my turn to be photographed beneath the Thai High-point sign, the trip to the summit of Doi Inthanon is still a worthwhile and pleasant one-day excursion from nearby Chiang Mai, especially as there are a number of other interesting attractions in the vicinity of the summit.– Roland
The highlight of the village is the Pha Dok Siew waterfall
You can find out the weather forecast from the Meteoblue informer. In our opinion and in our experience this weather prediction service shows the most accurate data.
As we are a motorcycle rental company in Chiang Mai, of course we recommend that you go there by motorcycle first, provided that you have a motorcycle driving license and enough experience to drive on Thai roads. Check our rates for motorcycle rentals.
If you want to go there on your own, you first need to arrive at the outer side of the southern gate of the Old City, called Chiang Mai Gate, from where the yellow songthaew to Chom Thong City depart regularly. The fare is 30-40 baht. Then, when you arrive in Chom Thong, you need to change to another songthaew which will take you to the Doi Inthanon summit for an additional 80 baht. The time you will spend for the trip one way, taking into account the change of transport, can take 4-5 hours.
You can also get to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai by car, finding the best car rental rates on EconomyBookings or RentalCars websites in advance. You can also book a private transfer to Doi Inthanon.
Oh, yes! In our opinion, you should definitely visit Doi Intanon! The relaxing atmosphere of this reserve, its climate, mountain waterfalls, beautiful views from the top of the mountain to the surrounding hills, forests and plains will give you a peaceful and unforgettable experience that will remain a beautiful memory for many years. Do you want to be sure of the sincerity of our words? Just do it!
The importance of Doi Intanon can be viewed from several angles, both ecologically and in terms of attracting travelers.
First of all, Doi Intanon plays an important ecological role in the region, since the national park was created to prevent the logging of local forests, which have a direct impact on the natural groundwater, their interaction with the lithosphere and the earth’s atmosphere, on the phenomena and processes occurring in these waters, and, as a consequence, on the local flora and fauna.
Unfortunately, due to constant poaching and habitat changes, most of the large mammals such as elephants, tigers, and gaurs were exterminated in the park several decades ago. Nevertheless, it was because Doi Intanon National Park was established that the locals succeeded in preserving not only the natural resources, but also the favorable ecological environment here.
Secondly, thanks to all the above, this place is very popular with tourists. Because Doi Intanon is not only the highest mountain in Thailand and one of the coldest places in the country, which is already attractive enough for local and foreign tourists to visit this place, but thanks to the pristine nature preserved in this reserve you can also find rare species of plants, rare reptiles, and over 500 most diverse bird species, some of which within Southeast Asia are found only on Doi Intanon.
Doi Inthanon National Park is located in northern Thailand, approximately 2 hours from Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon is a national park because it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. It is also home to the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, which stands at 2,565 meters above sea level. The park is also known for its spectacular waterfalls, caves, and other natural attractions. The park is also a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.
Doi Inthanon National Park covers an area of 482 square kilometers (186 square miles).
No, Doi Inthanon is not part of the Himalayas. It is located in northern Thailand and is the highest mountain in the country.
No, Doi Inthanon does not have snow. However, it can get quite cold at the summit. Sometimes there’s frost in the morning. On these days, lines of cars with locals come here to see this unusual wonder of nature in Thailand.
Sometimes people ask me, how long does it take to climb to the summit of Doi Intanon? I will disappoint you, but the highest mountain in Thailand is not a climb. A good quality two-lane road, equally accessible by car and motorcycle, takes you from the foot of the mountain all the way to the top, where the parking lot is located.
To begin with, every year Doi Intanon National Park is closed to tourists from May 1st to July 30th. This is the rainy season and there can be floods, landslides, rockslides, and falling trees.
The best time to travel to Doi Intanon is from early November to late February. The surrounding vegetation during this time is lush green, the weather is very refreshing, the waterfalls are full of water, and the temperature at the top of the mountain can drop to 0 degrees Celsius which is unusual for Thailand.
From early March to late April the local vegetation looks wilted and withered, because March and April are the hottest months in Chiang Mai province. Fires burn in many places, causing smog that makes it impossible to see anything around. If you ascend to Doi Intanon during this time, from the viewpoint you will probably see nothing but smog. Above you will have a blue-blue sky and a gray-gray blanket of smoke below.
From early August to late October is not a bad time to visit this place, but it may rain infrequently during this time, which may be uncomfortable for some tourists. Nevertheless, these months are not very hot during the day and not very cold at night. This time is great for camping enthusiasts.
Before you go to Doi Inthanon, check out our rental rates and read our tips for safe motorcycle travel in Thailand. If you still have questions, feel free to ask us. On the main page you will find more information about motorcycle rentals in Chiang Mai. See you soon!
Cat Motors Team
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The actual summit is twofold. First, after a short walk up a flight of stairs, there is a large wooden The Highest Spot in Thailand sign. I guess that this is the first actual marker of the summit means everyone wants their photo taken beneath this sign. We had to wait in line to have our photo taken. I do wonder why this sign is here. It is apparent (well for me anyway) that this wasn’t the highest point, as there is a path that continues right behind the sign.
Anyway, a little further along is a shrine, and from here, there is a wooden walkway that leads into the forest (Angka Nature Trail – ed.). I guess the first sign might be enough for those who are too lazy to continue to walk. However, 20-30 meters along this walkway is another sign which is also the highest point in Thailand. There is an actual survey marker here, and given that this marker sits on a concrete block on top of a wooden platform, I guess this is the high point.
Again, we had to wait our turn to get our photo taken. Unfortunately, this spoils the ‘summit’ a little, as it’s really getting your photo taken and immediately getting out of the way for the next group of people who want their photo taken. It would have been nice to have enjoyed being here without the urgency to hurry up. But, as we were there in the middle of the day, I guess we couldn’t expect much else. Earlier in the day (or in the rain), I’m sure it is a better and more peaceful time to actually enjoy the summit.
Nevertheless, this wooden pathway continues through the forest and eventually comes out at a small ranger hut and a nearby souvenir shop. Here you can buy a range of bits and bobs about being on the highest point in Thailand (hats, t-shirts, magnets, etc.). There is also a sign that displays the day’s minimum/maximum temperature (2-12C for us). And, of course, more lining up to get your photo taken (although not as bad this time).
It’s amusing to people-watch here for a moment, as many Thai and (I guess) other tourists are very warmly dressed, given the cool temperature. However, as I’m sure many locals don’t own warm clothes (why would you be in a country with such warm weather all year round), watching people decked out in ski gear and other sub-zero clothing was amusing.
A journey beyond the bustling Chiang Mai, a place where you might stumble upon the tranquil embrace of nature herself – the Doi Inthanon National Park. The realm is ruled by Thailand’s highest peak, the mountain that lends its name to the park, an unspoiled jewel where every meandering trail uncovers a scene from a painter’s dream – the mighty Wachirathan waterfall, the lush greenery of the Pha Dok Siew Nature trail, and the surreal spectacle of the King and Queen Pagodas, perched majestically upon the mountain summit. For the thrill-seekers, a motorbike ride from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon is a story unto itself, filled with breathtaking vistas and exhilarating turns.
Embarking on an expedition in the national park offers more than just a feast for the eyes. The call of the trails in Doi Inthanon echoes in the hearts of the most adventurous of souls. The park, with trails of varying difficulty levels, is a promised land for both novices and seasoned hikers alike. The Kew Mae Pan and Ang Ka nature trails, cradled amidst the verdant arms of nature, offer an unforgettable communion with the wilderness. And for those inclined to spend a night under the canopy of a billion stars, the Inthanon Mountain Camp is a haven that beckons.
A pilgrimage to the ethereal Doi Inthanon Pagoda, also known as the Twin Pagodas, is a must for any visitor. These architectural marvels, sitting atop the park and offering panoramic vistas, are resplendent reminders of the Thai monarchy. If the lure of coffee stirs your soul, a sojourn to the Doi Inthanon Coffee Plantation should be on your itinerary. Here, you not only get to savor the finest Thai coffee but also witness the journey of these aromatic beans from plant to cup.
The beauty of Doi Inthanon is not confined to its natural wonders alone. An exploration of local communities, like Ban Mae Klang Luang and the Inthanon Royal Project Research Station, offers you an invaluable glimpse into the local culture and conservation efforts. As you chart out your voyage, remember that the park is at its most welcoming between November and February when the weather is cool and dry. However, a visit in January, when temperatures may even flirt with snowfall, can weave a tale that’s not only extraordinary but also delightfully incongruous – snow in Thailand! In the grand scheme of things, whether you choose to tread the trails on your own or opt for a guided tour from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon promises an experience that’s as enlightening as it is exhilarating.