Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai

This is the highest peak in Thailand, and the national park that surrounds it is filled with some of the many natural wonders that make the country such a draw in the first place. You can do some trekking and hike the mountain, or take a more leisurely route around the park. Several waterfalls and a hill tribe village are other draws, along with two pagodas built to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. You'll want to either hire a driver for the day or rent a motorbike and see the sites on your own, as you won't be able to make your way through the entire park on foot. But it's only about a two-hour drive from the city, so if you leave early, you can get in a full and satisfying day on the mountain.

Admission: 200THB for adults, 100THB for children.

Part of the Himalayan mountain range, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s tallest peak at 2,565 metres above the sea level. Doi Inthanon National Park covers an area of 482.4 square kilometers in three districts of Chiang Mai province. Cool climate lovers should visit the park during December to February, which is winter and you also get a chance to see the blossom of Siamese sakura flowers all over the area.

Attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park include:

Namtok Mae Ya is one of the most beautiful cascades in Chiang Mai. Water flows from a 280-metre steep cliff onto different rock formations in a lower basin, creating a beautiful scene.

Namtok Mae Klang is a 100-metre one-level waterfall located 8 kilometres from Highway No. 1009 junction and turn left onto an asphalt road for 500 metres.

Tham Bori Chinda is a large cave located near Namtok Mae Klang, featuring dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Namtok Wachirathan is a large waterfall Namtok Siriphum is a splendid waterfall that falls from a steep cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to Doi Inthanon. The attractive waterfall is located at Km. 31 of Highway No. 1009, take a right turn for 2 kilometres and is approachable only on foot from the base of the waterfall.

Doi Inthanon Royal Project is in Khun Klang village close to the park headquarters. The project was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices. Most produces are temperate zone plants. Flower plantations, a plant breeding research lab and flower plantations of hill tribes (Hmong) are open to visitors.

Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri, a twin pagodas located at Km. 41.5. They were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Sitting on two nearby peaks, both pagodas share the similar sizes, design and color linked with a walking path. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s relics and beautiful Buddha images

Doi Inthanon Peak has a cool climate all year round. It is also the where King Inthawichayanon’s stupa is located. He was the last king of Chiang Mai. Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so familiar with Doi Inthanon that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here.