Things to Do in Doi Inthanon National Park

Known as “The Roof of Thailand” this is a beautiful national park located in northern Thailand. King Inthawichayanon, also known as King Inthawichai, ruled over the Lanna Kingdom, which encompassed the northern regions of present-day Thailand, including Chiang Mai.

The park is situated approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai City. It covers an extensive area of about 482 square kilometers, encompassing parts of the Doi Inthanon mountain range, which is the highest mountain range in Thailand.

The park is named after its highest peak, Doi Inthanon, which stands at an impressive elevation of 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level. Scaling the summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, forests, and mist-covered mountains.

Visiting Doi Inthanon National Park allows nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a tranquil retreat to appreciate the stunning natural landscapes, explore diverse ecosystems, and experience the cultural heritage of the region.

Today Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai is one of the best nature escapes in Thailand and is totally worth it if you go to Chiang Mai!

Is Doi Inthanon National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Doi Inthanon National Park is totally worth visiting!

How to get to Doi Inthanon National Park

The most convenient way to reach the national park is by private vehicle. From Chiang Mai, you take Highway 108 (Chiang Mai-Hod Road) southbound and then continue on Highway 108 for approximately 58 kilometers until you reach the entrance of Doi Inthanon National Park. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

But, if you want to save time and visit everything you want, you can take a tour. There are many available you can choose from which provide both a guide and transportation.

Prices in the region are reasonable, starting from around $50 for group tours, and $100 for private tours. Each comes with its own perks, such as trekking and hiking, birdwatching, interactions with elephants, or observing the local arts & crafts. Bikes and scooters are available for rent inside the park.

Where to stay in Doi Inthanon?

Those who want to get the full experience and spend the night in the park might wonder where to stay. The campsite is the best decision if you want to observe the wildlife at night. The guest center even offers gear for rent to those who need it.

The Doi Inthanon bungalows are often booked, but fortunately, they can only be booked from the visitor center, so you might have a chance. There are plenty of restaurants all over the park, as well as a market.

Best time to visit Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon National Park is open to visitors year-round, even though it is chilly all the time. One of the best times of the year to visit is in late January when nature gifts tourists and locals with a pink spectacle. Cherry blossoms only last for a few weeks, so you have to time your visit accordingly.

If you want to embark on a journey on the hiking trails, you must keep in mind one of them, Kew Mae Pan is closed from June to October.

The months between May and October bring the rainy season, so hiking might be difficult and muddy, but it’s the best time to visit the waterfalls, as the higher volume of water makes them more impressive. Temperatures in general vary depending on altitude, so bring warm clothes either way.

Doi Inthanon forest

Natural attractions

The park is rich in wildlife, with over 500 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, making it one of the best spots for birdwatching. Among the animals you can spot are various species of parrots, monkeys, bats, leopards, falcons, and much more.

Waterfalls are probably the main landmarks in the park. Sirithan Waterfall, unfortunately, can’t be visited up close, but tourists can still admire it from a wooden platform.

The Siriphum Waterfall is one of the most impressive ones in Doi Inthanon, especially during the cherry bloom season.

Mae Ya Waterfall is one of the widest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. The best thing about it is that you can bathe in it and have some splashing fun. 

Mae Ya Waterfall Thailand

Even though Doi Inthanon covers an impressive area and can’t be visited on foot, there are two beautiful hiking trails you can take, preferably with a guide.

Kew Mae Pan Trail is the longer one, around 1.5 miles, offering one of the best sights of your surroundings. Hiring a guide is a must. Ang Ka Luang Trail is shorter but highly recommended for bird watching, as it goes through thick forest. 

Every tourist must visit the highest point of Doi Inthanon, the tallest peak in Thailand, which reaches 214 ft. Both of the trails mentioned will take you to the top, and the best thing is that you can watch the sunset or the sunrise over the Himalayas. 

Another popular place to watch the sunset is from the location of the Twin Pagodas, also known as the Two Chedis. The beautiful monuments can be visited inside, and they are surrounded by colorful flower gardens.

Twin Pagoda In Doi Inthanon National Park

What else can you do at Doi Inthanon?

The local population is a great source to learn the history and the culture of this place. Villages such as Mae Klang Luang and Khun Klang Hhong will allow you to take a glimpse at the life of the farmers. You can support the local economy by eating lunch at one of the local establishments. 

Khun Klang Hhong Village is the location of the Inthanon Royal Project, a stretch of gardens and greenhouses that serve as a research and conservation center, as well as an agricultural center. It offers many educational activities for tourists who are interested in learning more about Doi Inthanon and traditional farming. 

The fee to enter the park is $10, half for children. Other fees are required for guides and accommodations. 

Recommended Articles