Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park protects Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, and surrounding montane forest in Chiang Mai Province. The summit reaches 2,565 metres above sea level and the park is one of the country’s major natural reserves.

The mountain and surrounding forests were designated as a national park to conserve unique high-elevation ecosystems and cultural sites; the area has long been inhabited and used by local hill tribe communities. Infrastructure for visitors has developed to provide access to waterfalls, viewpoints and short nature trails.

The park lies in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province, southwest of the city of Chiang Mai; the summit is reached by a mountain road that ascends from the surrounding valley.

• Highest peak: The mountain’s summit reaches 2,565 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in Thailand.
• Ecology and communities: The park protects montane rainforest and cloud forest habitats and is noted for highland biodiversity and hill tribe communities within its boundaries.

What to See#

• Doi Inthanon summit: Summit of Doi Inthanon at 2,565 metres above sea level, the highest point in Thailand and a focal point for hiking and short summit walks.
• Royal chedis: Twin royal chedis near the summit that serve as visible landmarks and viewpoints over the surrounding forested slopes.
• Major waterfalls: Notable waterfalls within the park, including Wachirathan and Mae Ya, which are accessible by road and short walks from parking areas.

Designated a national park in 1972, Doi Inthanon is a major destination for Thais seeking a cool respite from the lowland heat, and it makes a great day trip from Chiang Mai, with a road running right to the top and several waterfalls and nature trails along the way. The park encompasses forested, jungle-clad mountains, with the 2,565-metre Doi Inthanon at its core and Thailand’s second-highest peak, Doi Hua Mot Luang (2,330 metres), close by. The range is one of the main watersheds in northern Thailand, feeding numerous rivers including the essential Ping.

Within the park’s 482 square kilometres are some of the country’s best-known waterfalls and several large caves such as Brichinda Cave. Mae Ya Waterfall, considered one of Thailand’s most scenic cascades, lies away from the main road, while Mae Klang, Siritan and Vachirathan waterfalls are all beside the road that climbs to the summit - Vachirathan in particular can drench you in spray when in full flow. Although parts of the forest have been cleared over the years, there is still a thriving bird population, with over 360 species recorded, and the flora ranges from rare evergreen forest to rhododendrons, orchids and wildflowers.

A distinctive feature of the park is a pair of slender stupas set on a ledge near the top of the mountain, built to honour the king and queen and offering spectacular views all round. Two nature trails between the stupas and the summit, Kaew Mae Pan and Ang Kha, are well worth walking; the Ang Kha trail is of particular interest to birders, who may glimpse rare species such as the green-tailed sunbird. The trees at the top are covered in thick moss thanks to the cool, damp climate, and the upper elevations occasionally see frosty mornings in winter. Several lodging options lie within the park, including log cabins and a campsite among the pines.

Doi Inthanon National Park is about 60-80 km southwest of Chiang Mai city; by car it takes roughly 1.5-2 hours via the main highways toward Chom Thong and then up the mountain on Route 1009. Regular day tours and private drivers depart Chiang Mai; public minivans/buses leave from Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station to Chom Thong, where you can change to a local songthaew or hire a taxi for the climb into the park. Many park attractions (visitor centre, summit) require a short drive from the main park entrance.

• Head to the summit at first light to enjoy clearer views, cooler air and to beat the day‑trip minibuses and weekend crowds that arrive later.
• Make time for the Ang Ka (mossy forest) boardwalk near the summit and the royal pagodas (Naphamethinidon/Naphaphonphumisiri) - these high‑altitude spots are often missed by visitors who only stop at one viewpoint.
• Plan your route: if you want waterfalls (for example Mae Ya) include them on a separate part of the day rather than trying to combine everything at the summit, and expect park entry fees at the main park office.