Location: Chiang Mai Province
Area: 482.4 km²
Tel. 0-5324-8604
Open: 6am- 6pm daily
Doi Inthanon, often called "The Roof of Thailand," is the highest mountain in the country, soaring to an elevation of 2,565 meters above sea level. Located in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, it forms the centerpiece of Doi Inthanon National Park, a vast protected area spanning 482 square kilometers. The park, established in 1972 as Thailand's sixth national park, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and cultural sites, drawing over 850,000 visitors annually. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a rare escape from Thailand's tropical heat with its cooler, misty highlands.
The park is situated in the Thanon Thong Chai Range, part of the
Himalayan foothills, about 60 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai city.
Elevations range from 800 meters to the summit at 2,565 meters, creating
a mosaic of ecological zones from lowland forests to high-altitude bogs.
The landscape includes rugged peaks like Doi Hua Mot Luang (2,330
meters) and serves as a critical watershed for the Ping River, feeding
tributaries such as the Mae Klang, Mae Ya, and Mae Chaem rivers that
support local communities.
Climate varies dramatically by altitude:
lower areas are warmer and more humid, while the summit can drop below
freezing, with temperatures averaging 40–50°F (4–10°C) year-round.
Annual rainfall averages 1,876 mm, peaking from May to October during
the monsoon season, which enhances waterfalls but can make trails
slippery. Dry season (November to April) brings clearer skies and
occasional frost or "mae khang" (hoar frost) at higher elevations, a
unique phenomenon in tropical Thailand. The park's high humidity fosters
misty "sea of clouds" views, especially at dawn.
The mountain was originally named Doi Ang Ka but was renamed Doi Inthanon in honor of King Inthawichayanon, the last independent ruler of Chiang Mai (r. 1873–1897), who advocated for forest conservation in the region. The park's establishment in 1972 aimed to protect this vital watershed and biodiversity hotspot, with boundaries expanded in 1978 and 2009. Indigenous Hmong and Karen communities, totaling around 4,500 people, have inhabited the area for generations, integrating traditional agriculture with modern conservation efforts. Royal projects, initiated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, promote sustainable farming alternatives to opium cultivation among hill tribes.
Doi Inthanon's flora shifts with elevation, creating distinct forest
types. Lowlands (up to 800 m) feature mixed deciduous forests with teak
(Tectona grandis) and dipterocarps like Shorea siamensis. Mid-elevations
(800–1,800 m) include pine-oak woodlands with Pinus kesiya and Quercus
species, while upper montane areas (above 1,800 m) host cloud forests
with rhododendrons, ferns, and rare sphagnum bogs—one of the few in
Southeast Asia. Seasonal highlights include pink Siamese sakura (Prunus
cerasoides) blooms in late January to early February.
Fauna is
equally rich, with 65 mammal species including wild boars, gibbons,
serows, and elusive clouded leopards (though larger animals like tigers
have been extirpated). Reptiles number about 50, featuring endemics like
the Doi Inthanon bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus inthanon), discovered in
2015. Amphibians include around 30 species, such as the Chiang Mai newt
and Inthanon stream toad. Birdlife is exceptional, with 383–510 species,
the highest diversity in Thailand's national parks, including rarities
like ashy-throated warblers and collared grosbeaks.
The park's highlights blend natural beauty and cultural elements. At
the summit, a marker pin denotes Thailand's highest point, surrounded by
misty forests and often visited by Buddhist monks. The Twin Chedis
(Naphamethanidon and Naphaphonphumisiri), built in 1987 and 1992 to
honor King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, feature manicured gardens and
panoramic views—accessible via escalators for ease. The Royal
Agricultural Station Inthanon showcases greenhouses growing temperate
plants like rhododendrons and strawberries as part of hill tribe
development projects.
Other activities include picnicking at
waterfalls, visiting the Thai National Observatory (home to Southeast
Asia's largest telescope), and exploring Hmong and Karen villages like
Mae Klang Luang for rice terrace views and local cafes. For adventure,
multiday treks to remote areas can be arranged.
Hiking options are limited but scenic. The Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail
is a short, easy boardwalk through mossy cloud forest near the summit.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (2.5 km loop) offers ridge views and requires a
local Hmong guide (220 Baht); it's closed June–October for regeneration.
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall Trail (1.6–2.6 km) leads to a multi-tiered
cascade and Mae Klang Luang Village.
Waterfalls are a major draw:
Wachirathan (40 m high, wide and misty), Mae Klang (cascading 100 m with
swimming pools), Mae Ya (over 250 m plunge, widest in Thailand),
Sirithan, Siriphum, and Mae Pan (100 m tall, non-cascading). Most are
accessible by car, with short walks; rainy season amplifies their flow.
Birdwatching peaks from March to June/July, with spots along the summit road yielding sightings of bar-throated minlas and rare migrants. The park's avian diversity includes endemics like dark-breasted rosefinches. Mammals are shyer, but serows may appear on trails. Reptiles and amphibians add to the biodiversity, with pit vipers and endemic geckos in forested areas.
How to Get There: Drive from Chiang Mai (about 2 hours) via Highway
108 to 1009; roads are winding, so hire a driver (~$100/day) for safety.
Entrance: 300 Baht/adult (foreigners), plus vehicle fees; open 5:30
am–6:30 pm.
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (December–March) for clear
views, though crowded; avoid holidays. Monsoon brings lush scenery but
rain.
Tips: Pack layers for cold summits; visit weekdays; get a map
at the visitor center. Combine with nearby sites like Pha Chor canyon.
Accommodation: Camp at headquarters (tents 225 Baht) or Mae Pan;
bungalows 1,000–6,500 Baht. Nearby options include Hot Coffee Guest
House or Chai Lai Orchid for glamping.