Doi Inthanon National Park

It’s a major travel destination for Thais seeking a cool respite from the heat that dominates the lowlands, and makes for 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 meter Doi Inthanon Mountain at the core. Also within the park is Thailand’s second-highest peak, Doi Hua Mot Luang at 2,330 meters. The mountain range is one of the main watersheds in northern Thailand, providing the water for numerous rivers including the essential Ping River.

Within the 482 square kilometers of the park are some of the country’s best-known waterfalls, and a number of big caves such as Brichinda Cave. Mae Ya Waterfall is considered one of Thailand’s most scenic cascades, though it’s not located near the main road, while Mae Klang, Siritan and Vachirathan waterfalls are all beside the road that climbs to the summit. All are worth a look, particularly Vachiratarn, where you might get drenched in spray when the falls are in full flow.

Although hilltribe people have denuded many parts of the forest and killed much of the original wildlife, there is still a thriving bird population (over 360 species identified) and a handful of smaller elusive creatures. Wildlife is not the highlight of this park. However, the flora ranges from rare evergreen forests to rhododendrons, orchids, wildflowers and plants.

A distinctive feature of the park are two slender stupas located on a ledge near the top of the mountain, built to honor the king and queen, with spectacular views all round. There are also two nature trails between the stupas and the summit, called Kaew Mae Pan and Ang Kha, that are well worth walking. The Ang Kha trail is of particular interest to birders, who might catch a glimpse of rare species such as the green-tailed sunbird.

With its cool year-round climate, visitors flock to the lofty heights of Doi Inthanon to take a refreshing break from the heat of the valleys below. The trees at the top are covered in thick moss due to the cool damp climate of the region. Excellent roads ensure everyone can get right to Thailand’s highest point with ease. In winter, the upper elevations occasionally experience frosty mornings. There are a number of lodging options within the park, including log-cabins and a campsite among pine trees.