Doi Inthanon National Park – A Chiang Mai Highland Wonder
Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s Rooftop of Natural Wonder
🗺️ General Overview
Doi Inthanon National Park covers approximately 482 km² (≈301,184 rai) in Chiang Mai Province across Chom Thong, Mae Chaem, Mae Wang, and Doi Lo districts. It lies within the Thanon Thong Chai Range, part of the southern Shan Hills, reaching elevations from ~800 m up to 2,565 m at the summit of Doi Inthanon—the highest in Thailand. The terrain features steep ridges, deep valleys, streams, and granite batholith geology. Rivers such as Mae Klang, Mae Wang, Mae Ya and others begin here, feeding the Ping River system. Established on October 2, 1972, the park had nearly 874,000 visitors in 2019
🌤️ Climate
The park enjoys a cool climate year-round. At the summit:
- Average daytime temperatures: 10–12°C
- Cold season lows (January): 0°C or below, with historic lows around –5°C
- Rainy season: April to November, featuring daily rain showers, especially in the afternoons
🌿 Flora
Vegetation changes with altitude:
- Mixed deciduous & dipterocarp forest (up to ~800 m): Dipterocarpus spp., Shorea spp., Terminalia, Albizia; understory includes Curcuma and Globba.
- Pine–deciduous dipterocarp forest (~800–1,200 m): Pinus kesiya, P. latteri plus Schima, Wendlandia; undergrowth of Gentiana, Viburnum, Desmodium.
- Lower montane rainforest (~1,000–1,800 m): Castanopsis, Lithocarpus, Quercus, Camellia, Schima, with shrubs and ferns.
- Upper montane & cloud forest (≥1,800 m): Rhododendron arboreum subsp. delavayi, Sphagnum bogs, high-altitude orchids like Coelogyne, Bulbophyllum.
🐾 Fauna
Doi Inthanon is one of Thailand’s most biodiverse parks:
- Birdlife: Over 383 species, making it one of Thailand’s richest birding areas, including endemics such as the Green‑tailed Sunbird.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Notable species include Cyrtodactylus inthanon (bent‑toed gecko), Amolops archotaphus (rock frog), Ansonia inthanon, plus Ahaetulla vine snakes, Hemiphyllodactylus gecko, Boesenbergia undergrowth species.
- Mammals & Insects: Lower montane zones host species like civets, gibbons, bats, butterflies, plus smaller mammals in adjacent ranges.
🌄 Key Attractions
Doi Inthanon Summit
Stand at Thailand’s highest peak, with a royal memorial stupa containing the ashes of King Inthawichayanon. Nearby is the Thai National Observatory (TNO), featuring a 2.4‑meter Ritchey‑Chrétien telescope, and a 0.5 m Schmidt‑Cassegrain scope used for public outreach and research. The observatory includes exhibition areas and lodging for astronomers at low environmental impact.
Twin Royal Pagodas
- Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon (celebrating King Rama IX’s 60th birthday, 1987).
- Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri (celebrating King Rama X’s 60th birthday, 1992).
Both are set within beautifully landscaped gardens with panoramic mountain views.
Waterfalls
- Mae Ya Falls: One of Thailand’s tallest at ~250–280 m, multi-tiered, through lush forest.
- Wachirathan Falls: A powerful granite waterfall (~80 m) beside the main road with easy access viewpoints.
- Mae Klang Falls: Near the park entrance, multi-tiered and a common first stop.
- Siriphum Falls: Twin-stream falls in a peaceful forest locale.
Nature Trails & Treks
- Kew Mae Pan Trail: A 2.5–3 km trail with ridgeline views and sunrise photo opportunities; access is seasonal (closed June–October) and requires a local guide (~฿200 per group) .
- Ang Ka Nature Trail: A short raised wooden walkway through misty cloud forest and mossy trees—ideal for gentle forest exploration.
- Pha Dok Siew Trail: A medium‑difficulty trail passing Karen rice terraces and ending at a scenic waterfall.
Inthanon Royal Project Station & Hill Tribe Villages
- Royal Project Research Station: Located near the summit road, showcases rhododendrons, orchids, and sustainable highland agriculture practices established under royal patronage.
- Mae Klang Luang Village: A Karen hill tribe community with homestays, coffee tasting, and terraced rice fields—offering cultural insight and local experiences.
🧗♀️ Visitor Activities
The park offers a range of experiences:
| Activity | Description |
| Guided Hikes | Trails like Kew Mae Pan, Ang Ka, Pha Dok Siew with cultural and ecological insight |
| Waterfalls | Photogenic and accessible falls: Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Ya |
| Cultural Visits | Karen & Hmong village immersion, local coffee tastings, handicraft markets |
| Scenic Views | Summit viewpoint and sea-of-clouds panoramic lookouts |
| Birdwatching | World-class bird species spotting with local guide support |
| Astronomy | Public stargazing events at Thailand’s top observatory |
| Camping & Stays | Overnight options in campsites or homestays for immersive stay |
| Package Tours | Day trips combining natural and cultural highlights, lunch, transport |
🏕️ Facilities & Infrastructure
- Visitor centers at summit and near Mae Klang Waterfall with restrooms and displays
- Cafés and food stalls at major stops (e.g. twin pagodas, village areas)
- Public restrooms, multilingual signage, parking, and guard rails
- Trained park staff and guides available; entrance tickets required and must be kept for possible inspections
- Marked and maintained trails for safe trekking
🏡 Accommodation Options
- National Park Campsites: Available near Ban Khun Klang and Dong Son area, tent rentals on-site (basic facilities)
- Homestays in villages like Mae Klang Luang: Immerse in Karen culture with meals & lodging
- Bungalows and lodges provided by the park or local operators; some mid-tier resorts (e.g. Doi Inthanon View Resort, Puripunn Hideaway) nearby, offering rooms from ~USD 40–80 depending on season
💳 Entrance Fees & Regulations
- Foreign adults: THB 300; foreign children (3–14): THB 150
- Thai adults: THB 60; Thai children: THB 30
- Vehicle fees: Car THB 30–100; motorbike ~THB 20–100
- Twin Pagodas entrance: Additional THB 100 per person (not included in main entry)
- Local guide fee for trails (e.g. Kew Mae Pan): ~THB 200 per group
- Park open daily from 05:30 to 18:30 year-round; Kew Mae Pan Trail closed June–October for forest recovery
✅ Visiting Tips
- Park busy during New Year’s Day; thousands may visit summit—visit on weekdays if possible
- Hire local guides for treks; they know trail conditions and flora/fauna
- Always bring warm layers—especially early morning or evening
- Keep your entrance ticket—needed for additional attractions and inspections
- Respect local culture and minimize litter—park aims to preserve ecological integrity
✈️ Getting There from Chiang Mai
The best time to visit is from November to February, when cool weather blankets the park and skies are clearest. While the park is open year-round, certain trails like Kew Mae Pan close from June to October for forest regeneration.
From Chiang Mai city, reaching the park is a scenic 1.5–2 hour drive. Many travelers combine their visit with extended trips into Mae Hong Son Thailand, or consider a Private Tour from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son to experience more of Northern Thailand’s highlands.
For those seeking a harmonious blend of adventure, nature, and culture, Doi Inthanon National Park delivers in abundance. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, clouds, or the whisper of ancient forests, this mountain sanctuary invites you to breathe deep and wander wide.