Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain and a full day out from Chiang Mai. The park combines cool forest, waterfalls, short walks, viewpoints, and the King and Queen pagodas. The drive gives plenty of time for a full nature day with a few favourite stops along the way.

A full day in the park

Most visitors combine a waterfall, the pagodas, a short forest walk, and the summit area. An early start gives more time in the park, especially in the cooler season and on weekends. Day trips and drivers can include different stops, and the route takes most of the day from central Chiang Mai.

The summit itself is not the only reason to go. The twin pagodas are one of the most memorable stops for gardens and wide views when the weather is clear. Waterfalls and forest trails add a different side of the park on cloudy days. Rain, maintenance, and park decisions can affect trail access.

Dress for the mountain

The summit area can be much cooler than Chiang Mai city, even on a hot day. Mist and rain also give the mountain a very different feel from the lowlands.

Getting there and stopping along the route

You can drive yourself by car or motorbike, arrange a car and driver, join a shared day trip, or plan a private trip with Tour Guide Dechawat. The journey from Chiang Mai takes most of the day, with plenty of time for stops along the way.

There are places to eat before the park, in villages along the mountain road, and around Doi Inthanon itself. Restaurants, small cafes, markets, viewpoints, gardens, waterfalls, and short trails make it easy to shape the day around the stops that interest you. Appropriate clothing is useful for temple and village visits.

Respect the park

Stay on marked paths, keep noise down, and leave the natural areas clean. Fog can arrive quickly, so drive slowly and do not rely on sunset light for the journey back.

For a wider collection of activities in and around Chiang Mai, see Things to Do in Chiang Mai.