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National park in northern Thailand
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Doi Inthanon National Park (Doi In) is a national park in Chiang Mai Province of Northern Thailand. It contains the highest mountain in Thailand.
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Accommodation, restaurants, information, and camping sites are available here.
Exhibits on nature and the animals that inhabit the area.
An air force radar station and King Inthawichayanon’s stupa are on the mountaintop. King Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so enamoured of Doi Inthanon that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here. The Tourist Information Centre, near the top of Doi Inthanon, contains exhibits charting the chronological background of the mountain, including its geography, biology, forests, and animals. There is a shop for souvenirs and also for drinks, snacks, and toilets. In the rainy season, there are near-perpetual clouds here, so you might see little.
The project was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices to grow temperate zone plants. Flower fields, a plant breeding research lab, and hill tribe (Hmong) flower plantations are open to visitors.
"Namtok"="waterfall". Medium-size cascade has water all year round and flows from a cliff to each level.
A 100-m one-level waterfall.
The highest waterfall in Chiang Mai, which flows from a 100-m cliff. From afar, the white water and the green forests around the falls make a beautiful picture. The waterfall can be reached by a ten-minute walk from a parking lot. In the rainy season, the road to Namtok Mae Phan is in a poor condition; only four-wheel vehicles can make the journey.
One of the most beautiful cascades in Chiang Mai Province. Water cascades from a 280-m cliff onto different rock formations in a lower basin like drapes. The area is in verdant forest.
A splendid waterfall that falls from a steep cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to Doi Inthanon.
A large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff into a deep pool below. When there is a large amount of water, there are large splashes in the basin, creating a cool and refreshing environment. The delightful ambience can be felt by walking on a slippery bridge that leads to the waterfall.
Also called King and Queen Pagodas or Twin Pagodas. Built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both pagodas share the similar bases and a two-level walking path that surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the scenery of Doi Inthanon. There is an entry fee, but it is reasonable. Escalators are available to those who do not want to walk up the many steps.
A large cave. The deep cave has stalactite and stalagmite formations, Buddha images, and a rocky stream. The surface of the water glitters under the sun. Sunlight illuminates the entire cave.
Surveyed and designed by Mr. Michael MacMillan Walls, a Canadian volunteer biologist who was devoted to the region and died of a heart attack on this mountain. This trail is 360 m long, passing through wet and cold areas in a lush valley. Forest above 2,000 m is covered with lichens and wild orchids. Indigenous plants that need a high level of nutrition, organic deposits, and rare species of birds are seen along the trail.
This is a bird information exchange centre for bird watchers, nature students and the general public. The information details the habitat and food of birds and animals living on Doi Inthanon. The aim is to pass on this knowledge to the next generation. It also provides the Doi Inthanon Birdwatching Diary, bird sketches by various artists, bird watching trails, bird pictures, and slides. Winter is the best time for bird watching, when indigenous and migrant birds are found.
This short trail, winding through pristine forest for about 2.5 km, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand. Rhododendrons, commonly found in the Himalayas, are found along the trail and they are in full bloom from Dec-Feb. Trekkers on this route should seek permission from the park headquarters at km31 for safety reasons. A group of not more than 15 people is recommended. Food consumption is not allowed while trekking. This nature trail is closed for reforestation from 1 Jun-30 Oct.
By car
Travel 58 km west of Chiang Mai via Hwy 108 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Hwy 1009 and continue a further 48 km along Hwy 1009 to the summit.
By songthaew
) Make sure you book your planned itinerary with all potential stops before you hire the driver.
By minibus tour
The typical minibus group tour includes an English-speaking guide, a visit to the peak, two waterfalls, twin chedis, a royal development project, and a Karen village.
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Chiang Mai · International · CNX
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