Overview
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About Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is a mountainous national park in the northern part of Thailand. It covers a protected area of 482 square kilometers and was officially designated as a national park in 1972. The nickname ‘Roof of Thailand’ is no surprise when you know that the park is located on top of Thailand’s highest mountain, 2565m above sea level. This mountain, with the same name as the national park ‘Doi Inthanon’, is actually part of the Himalayas and marks the end of the mountain range all the way from Nepal.
The national park is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora, including different kinds of forests and wildlife such as gibbons, many interesting bird species, and even bears. Some parts of the park are also inhabited by hill tribes. Most of these hill tribe villages are not open to the public, except for Mae Klang Lung Karen Village.
Practical
The entrance fee for Doi Inthanon is 300 THB.
You have to pay 30 THB for one car.
Daily open from 06:00 am until 04:00 pm
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Doi Inthanon - Things to do
Visit the Twin Pagodas
The Twin Pagodas, or Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Naphapholphumisiri, are arguably the most famous sights of Doi Inthanon National Park. These two matching pagodas were built in honor of the Thai King and Queen’s 60th birthdays, and are surrounded by gorgeous flower gardens.
You can check out the interior of the Twin Pagodas, stroll through the gardens, and admire the spectacular views of the valley below. On a clear day, you can see for miles and when you come early in the morning the valley is covered in a magical sea of mist.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail - Hiking in Doi Inthanon
The Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is the most famous nature trail in Doi Inthanon National Park. It is a 3-kilometer long hike, that takes you along the most spectacular views of the national park and maybe even the whole of Thailand. The first part of the trail, you walk through the lush green forest until you reach the open top of the mountain.
From here, you can admire the incredible view and walk back down along the ridge of the mountain. A guide will accompany you along the way and it will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the entire hike.
Practical
The fee for a mandatory guide is 200 THB per group.
Daily open from 06:00 am until 04:00 pm
Closed during the rainy season from June to October.
Pha Dok Siao Nature Trail
Although Kew Mae Pan is the most famous trail, the Pha Dok Siew nature trail was our favorite. This 2,5-kilometer-long hike takes you through the lush green forest, along some stunning waterfalls, beautiful rice fields, and fascinating wildlife (we even saw a snake!). The trail ends in the Mae Klang Luang Karen Village, where you can try locally grown coffee.
Mae Klang Luang Karen Village vs. Baan Tong Luang Karen Village
Close to Chiang Mai is another Karen Village called Baan Tong Luang Karen Village. It is also known as the Long Neck Village, where you can visit the Karen women with their long necks, elongated by heavy brass rings.
There have been rumors for some time that this is no longer authentic and that these people are even exploited. Based on this, we decided not to visit this village nor recommend it.
Note that this is NOT the same village as the Karen Village where the Pha Dok Siao Nature Trail ends.
Practical
The fee for a mandatory guide is 220 THB per group.
A shuttle back to the start of the trail is 150 THB per shuttle.
Daily open from 06:00 am until 04:00 pm
Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail
Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail is not only the highest but also the shortest trail in Doi Inthanon. In only 20 minutes, you can hike the 400 m-long trail around the summit of Thailand’s highest peak. Unfortunately, you do not have impressive views along the way, due to the dense forests. Yet, this trail also offers a unique hiking experience that takes you through a mysterious moss-covered forest full of ancient trees
Wachirathan Waterfall
Practical
The entrance fee for the Wachirathan Waterfall is free.
Daily open from 06:00 am until 05:00 pm
Mae Ya Waterfall
Practical
The entrance fee for the Mae Ya Waterfall is included in the national park entrance ticket (300 THB).
Daily open from 06:00 am until 05:00 pm
Thailand
Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is located about 1,5 hours drive from the center of Chiang Mai, but it is definitely worth the journey. You can easily spend a whole day in the national park, so you can make it a full-day or multi-day trip from Chiang Mai. We do not recommend getting there by motorbike as it is a long ride and the road gets very steep and winding towards the end. However, there are some other good options to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon.
Rent a car
We recommend renting a car if want to explore Doi Inthanon by yourself. This way you have much more freedom and you can choose when and which places you want to visit.
Join a Tour
If you prefer not to drive yourself, then there are lots of options for joining small group tours from Chiang Mai.
These tours usually include transportation in an air-conditioned van from and back to your hotel, multiple highlights of the national park, lunch, water, and an English-speaking guide.
Hire a private taxi or mini van
If you are a bigger group or you find other people, who are interested in visiting Doi Inthanon National Park, you can take a private taxi or minivan and share the costs. However, if you’re traveling solo and can’t find people to share the ride, this might not be your best option.
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Best time to visit
Generally, Thailand knows 3 seasons: the wet season (May to October/November), cool season (November to February), and the hot season (March to May).
Although Doi Inthanon National Park is beautiful year round, the best time to visit is from November to January. The temperatures are more pleasant than during the hot season, humidity is low, you have less chance of rain and all nature trails are open. Keep in mind that it can be chilly high in the mountains, especially in the morning, so be sure to bring a jacket or sweater.
You should definitely avoid traveling to northern Thailand during the burning season, usually during February and March. This is when the local farmers burn their trash and their fields to make it fertile again, causing the air to become completely polluted and visibility to become very poor.
Where to stay
In Doi Inthanon National Park you will find a few guesthouses, homestays and campsites for those feeling a bit more adventurous, but the choice is fairly limited. We therefore recommend that you search for and book the accommodation you prefer in advance.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay near Doi Inthanon National park and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Ban Mae Pan Noi
Mae Chaem
Mae Chaem
via Booking.com
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
