Bangkok Airways Round-Up
- Doi Inthanon is known as Thailand’s highest mountain, located in Chiang Mai. The national park offers the best of lush scenery on the mountain, whether it’s forests, waterfalls, or nature trails. Take a break from the city and immerse yourself in the refreshing surroundings on top of the mountain.
- Whether you are looking for a chill experience or adventurous activities, Doi Inthanon has it all. With various waterfalls, hiking trails, and natural attractions, it is an ideal destination for all travelers, especially for outdoor lovers all over the world.
Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the top destinations for travelers coming to Chiang Mai, Thailand. With diverse landscapes, the national park offers everything from peaceful nature trails to roaring waterfalls and stunning mountain peaks. Bangkok Airways has curated the best places to visit and things to do at Doi Inthanon, as well as commonly asked questions to help you plan your journey. Get ready and make the most of your adventure here.
A Highland Paradise: Welcome to Doi Inthanon National Park
Situated in Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, soaring over 2,565 meters above sea level. Covering a vast area of 482.4 square kilometers, Doi Inthanon National Park is a natural haven offering a variety of nature trails and lush forests to discover.
The national park features diverse landscapes, whether it’s flourishing rainforests or refreshing waterfalls. With its location in the north of Thailand, the weather at Doi Inthanon remains cool throughout the year, and the temperatures can drop to single digits during winter. Depending on the season and weather, this national park offers picturesque scenery of a sea of clouds and a massive blue sky stretching to the horizon.
On top of the mountain, there are many attractions for travelers to see and enjoy. From exploring nature to observing the local villages, the national park promises an unforgettable trip for anyone. As it is open for access year-round, Doi Inthanon has become a bucket list for any outdoor enthusiast looking for adventures in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Doi Inthanon Bucket List: Top 10 Things to See & Do
1. Mae Ya Waterfall
One of the highlights of Doi Inthanon is the breathtaking Mae Ya Waterfall. At 260 meters high, it is the tallest waterfall in Doi Inthanon. You will be captivated by the sight of turquoise water cascading down several tiers of the waterfall. The main tier is about 40-50 meters high, which makes it accessible for exploration. Mae Ya Waterfall is named as one of the most majestic waterfalls in Thailand.
The walk to the base of Mae Ya Waterfall is just 600 meters from the parking area, and the path is mostly flat. As the fall has multiple tiers, it creates a perfect, serene atmosphere with misty water flowing down. At the bottom, the water comes down and creates a pool where visitors are allowed to freshen up and enjoy a relaxing swim at Mae Ya Waterfall.
Travel Tips:
- Use the Doi Inthanon National Park ticket to enter Mae Ya Waterfall for free.
- The entrance fee is 200 baht if you don’t have a national park ticket.
- Visit early in the morning to capture incredible photos of morning light shining right at the front of Mae Ya Waterfall.
Opening hours: Daily, 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
2. Mae Klang Waterfall
Mae Klang Waterfall, a massive waterfall situated in Doi Inthanon National Park, is a popular natural attraction for both kids and adults. Surrounded by lush jungles, the fall plunges from a 100-meter-high cliff, flowing through a rocky gorge with green moss and plants into a large pool below.
The waterfall is open for access year-round, and it is a popular spot among locals on weekends, where they come for a swim, relaxation, or a chill picnic. With lots of trees and plenty of shaded areas, Mae Klang Waterfall is a perfect place to unwind for people of all ages.
Travel Tips:
- Use the Doi Inthanon National Park ticket to enter Mae Klang Waterfall for free.
- Late October to March is the best time to visit, as the water stays relatively clear and the flow is not too intense.
- The rainy season is from May to October. During this time, waterfalls can be gushing with intense power and volume. Please check with the park rangers for safety precautions.
3. Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail
Take a leisurely stroll and escape into the tranquility by walking the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail. Stretching about 2.6 kilometers, this nature trail offers a serene experience as you embrace the peaceful atmosphere and explore the local heritage of the Karen and Hmong villages. Traveling along this route requires a local guide with a service fee of 200 baht. 20 baht of the fee is contributed to the community fund for forest conservation, such as building firebreaks to prevent wildfires and managing waste.
Along the trail, you will discover the majestic Pha Dok Siew Waterfall, painting a pristine scene. Stop by the waterfall and take photos of the water gushing down to capture your journey.
As you continue the trail, you will reach another landscape of sprawling rice fields covering a large area at Mae Klang Luang Village. Meet the local Karen guides and learn about their culture and traditional way of life. This village is the last destination of the trail, where you conclude your journey. Sit back and take a sip of locally-grown Arabica coffee before you end the exploration of the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail.
Travel Tips:
- Visit the trail between February and March to admire the mountain orchid trees in full bloom.
- From August to September, the rice terraces nearby turn bright green, and they transform into golden paddies from October to November.
4. Mae Pan Waterfall
Located in Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Pan Waterfall is deep in the forest, surrounded by various species of plants and flourishing trees. From the National Park Ranger Station, follow the Phra Samran Nature Trail for approximately 500 meters to reach the beautiful waterfall.
As you arrive at Mae Pan Waterfall, admire the crystal-clear water flowing over four tiers into a long stream below. Cascading from 100 meters above, the water continues down into a long stream, making it the longest waterfall in Chiang Mai. As you look around, embrace the mix of bamboo and evergreen forests while enjoying the cool and refreshing ambience at this natural gem.
5. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is hands down a bucket list for travelers when visiting Doi Inthanon. Considered a hiker’s paradise, this majestic trail is 2.8 kilometers long, offering one of Thailand’s most captivating scenes.
The journey along this nature trail goes through thick wilderness, with a soothing waterfall on the way, leading to a vast meadow. Considered an easy to moderate hike, Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is perfect for any healthy person who is seeking a scenic adventure.
The path of the trail is well-maintained with some elevated wooden walkways, providing comfortable hiking paths in some sections. Once reaching the mountaintop, the spectacular view reveals a panoramic landscape of Doi Inthanon in front of you. Take in the jaw-dropping surroundings and make the most of your Doi Inthanon trip on this nature trail.
Travel Tips:
- Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes for the hike.
- Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is open from November to April. It is closed from June to October for preservation and recovery.
6. Ang Ka Nature Trail
Ang Ka Nature Trail is perfect for anyone who wants to connect with nature without climbing a long hike. With a distance of just 400 meters, it is the shortest nature trail that is accessible to everyone.
Situated about 2,500 meters above sea level, Ang Ka Nature Trail is near the summit of Doi Inthanon, making it the highest trail in Thailand. The entire walk takes only approximately 10 minutes to complete, which is a great outdoor activity suitable for all ages.
This unique environment is home to rare plant species such as the Rhododendron (Kulap Pan Pi) and Reindeer Moss (Khao Tok Ruen Si). Moreover, over 100 bird species can be found here, including migratory birds from the Himalayas.
While the trail is just a short stroll, the view along the way still remains impressive with an enchanting moss-covered forest floor, lush greenery, and vibrant flora and fauna. Whether you are traveling solo or with friends and family, this nature trail promises an incredible experience as you step into the charming nature.
Opening Hours: Daily, 5.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Entrance Fee (International Visitors)
- Adult – 200 baht
- Child – 100 baht
7. Inthanon Royal Project
The Royal Inthanon Project was established on December 6, 1979, to develop and address issues in the area. The project was created to improve the livelihoods of the communities by eliminating opium cultivation without relocating the hill tribes.
In 2007, the aim of the project became researching cool-climate flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and it was renamed the Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon. The station is now a center that conducts research in floriculture and horticulture to develop and support sustainable careers and income generation for local farmers in the region.
In addition, the royal project has become one of the attractions at the top of Doi Inthanon where people can visit and learn about sustainable agriculture. With stunning gardens and educational exhibitions, you will get to see how the communities and farming culture have developed throughout the years.
8. Summit of Doi Inthanon
Holding the title of the highest point in Thailand, the summit of Doi Inthanon is at 2,565 meters above sea level, where the weather stays cool year round. While it stands tall at the peak of the mountain, it is easily accessible. Visitors can drive up to the parking area and walk only a few hundred meters to reach the summit.
The highlight at the summit is the wooden sign marking ‘THE HIGHEST POINT IN THAILAND’. It’s a must-visit spot for travelers who love to capture the moment they’ve reached the top of Doi Inthanon. Surrounded by cool mountain air, breathe in the fresh forest atmosphere and admire the panoramic scenery across northern Thailand.
Travel tips:
- Bring a jacket and comfortable shoes, as the weather at the summit is much cooler than at lower elevations.
9. Siriphum Waterfall
Siriphum Waterfall is another breathtaking waterfall located in Doi Inthanon National Park. The waterfall can be reached on foot with a moderate hike. Along the way to the falls, there are food and drink vendors available to fuel you.
The path leading to the waterfall is mostly shaded by lines of various forest trees, making the walk easy and refreshing. As you stroll through the lush forest, take a moment to appreciate the abundance of ferns lining the path, including tree ferns and black-stem ferns, which are signs of thriving nature on Doi Inthanon.
Once you reach Siriphum waterfall, the scene of clear water streaming down will be worthwhile. Cascading from steep cliffs, the twin-stream waterfall flows into a large pool below, where visitors are allowed to enjoy a refreshing swim.
Entrance Fees & Opening Hours of Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is open all year round from 5.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day. The entrance fees of the national park vary for adults and children, and there are additional charges for vehicles.
Foreigners:
- Adult – 300 baht
- Child – 150 baht
Thais:
- Adult 60 baht
- Child – 30 baht
Vehicles:
- Private car: 30 baht
- Private scooter: 20 baht
The best time to visit Doi Inthanon
The best time to visit Doi Inthanon is in the dry season between November to February. During this period, the weather stays cool with minimal chance of rain, making it perfect for nature exploration.
- November to February: Enjoy the outdoor attractions and maximise your experience in the refreshing nature. As the weather is cool, you can walk around and admire the national park in comfort. Visit the park from mid-January to mid-February to witness the spectacular pink cherry blossoms blooming throughout the national park.
- March to April: This is the summer time when many plants become dry and water levels at the waterfalls are low. However, there is a lot of sunshine, making it nice to take a stroll and take in a different scene of Doi Inthanon.
- May to October: This is the rainy season when the ecosystem becomes the most alive with lush greenery. Waterfalls are at their fullest, as well as the vegetation on the mountain. Bring a raincoat if you plan to visit during this time.
FAQs About Doi Inthanon National Park
1. How high is Doi Inthanon?
Doi Inthanon is 2,565 meters above sea level, marking the highest mountain in Thailand.
2. How many days should I spend at Doi Inthanon?
Exploring Doi Inthanon is popular as a day trip among travelers. With many attractions like waterfalls, hiking trails, and local mountain villages, it will take a whole day to travel on the mountain.
However, if you plan to explore at a slower pace and discover every natural site, it is worth planning 2-3 days to maximize your experience.
3. Do I need a car or bike to explore Doi Inthanon National Park?
Depending on your travel preference, there are 3 main choices you can choose from to explore Doi Inthanon National Park.
- Private car or bike: This is a great way to get around the national park without restrictions, as you can stop at any destination according to your plan. Please note that the roads can be steep and narrow in some parts. It is very important to drive with caution and keep to the left on the road.
- Public transport (Songtaew): If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, taking public transportation is a good choice. In Chiang Mai, the local converted pickups called Songtaew are the common public transportation to get around. The chartered Songtaew runs from Chiang Mai city to Doi Inthanon. While Songtaews run throughout the day, it is advised to plan your travel time, as the last one back to Chiang Mai city leaves around 6.00 p.m.
- Guided tour: Another convenient way to get around Doi Inthanon is joining a guided tour from Chiang Mai. Many tour agencies offer a variety of options for day trips to the national park with different packages. Make sure to check the destinations they include and travel most comfortably with a guided tour.
4. Does Doi Inthanon National Park have a visitor information center?
Yes, the visitor information center is located at the base of the mountain before going up to the summit of Doi Inthanon National Park.
5. What should I bring or prepare before visiting Doi Inthanon?
As Doi Inthanon has a cool climate all year, the average temperatures typically range between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius (50 – 68 degrees Fahrenheit). In winter, the weather can drop below 10 degrees Celsius (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit). Here are the things you should prepare before visiting the national park.
- Jacket and long trousers: The weather on top of the mountain is cooler than below. Make sure to bring warm layers and wear long trousers to keep you warm.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You will find yourself walking a lot as you explore Doi Inthanon. Especially if you plan to walk to the waterfalls and nature trails, consider wearing shoes suitable for hiking.
Immerse in Nature at Doi Inthanon with Bangkok Airways
Explore the flourishing nature at the highest point of Thailand at Doi Inthanon National Park. Located in Chiang Mai, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers to discover. Travel to this highland paradise with Bangkok Airways to admire the stunning views and create memorable experiences. Book your direct flight to Chiang Mai and fly without hassles with Bangkok Airways.
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