Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park (Doi In) is a national park in Chiang Mai Province of Northern Thailand. It contains the highest mountain in Thailand.

Understand
Doi In is the highest mountain in Thailand, at 2,599 m (8,527 ft), just a little higher than Australia's highest (Mt Koszciusko) which is 7,310 ft (2,228 m).

Landscape
Doi Inthanon is a part of the Himalayas, which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in northern Thailand. Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterise the area with a moist and dense summit forest. The summit forest is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River.

History
Meo and Karen hill tribes inhabit the park.

Flora and fauna
Indigenous and migrant birds include Eurasian Woodcock, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Forest Wagtail, Chestnut Thrush, Scarlet Finch, Little Bunting, and Crested Bunting.

The best period for viewing wild flowers is Dec-Feb.

Climate
Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year. It is relatively cold at the summit, about 10-12 °C during the day, but it never snows. The rainy season, from May to November, is the best time to view waterfalls.

Get in
The park is about 115 km from Chiang Mai, a 2-3 hour drive.

By car
Travel 58 km west of Chiang Mai via Hwy 108 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Hwy 1009 and continue a further 48 km along Hwy 1009 to the summit. A good asphalt road takes visitors up, but is rather steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors pay an entrance fee at km8.

By songthaew
A songthaew (two-bench pickup truck) will cost you about 2,000 baht for the day, including petrol (ask first!) Make sure you book your planned itinerary with all potential stops before you hire the driver.

By minibus tour
The typical minibus group tour includes an English-speaking guide, a visit to the peak, two waterfalls, twin chedis, a royal development project, and a Karen village. This will cost around 1,100-1,200 baht per person, including all entry fees and a basic lunch. It is cheaper to book direct with the tour operator rather than through a hotel or agent.

Fees and permits
The enter fee for foreigners is 300 baht per person, 150 baht for children (May 2017), 20 baht for Thais, and 30 baht for a car. If you hire a driver they do not pay to enter the park with you.

Some tourist operators will claim the entry price is higher to make tours which include entry seem like better value.

See


On the way back to Chiang Mai, you may also want to visit either the Ganesh Temple/Museum (well-worth a look even if you are not Hindu or Buddhist), or the umbrella factory. (very touristy)

Do
There are nature trails on Doi Inthanon, each providing different views of the diversity of plants, reforestation, the importance of tributaries, the origin of caves, hill tribe agriculture, and bird watching. Walking trails range from 1 to 8 km. Each trip needs approval from the Chief of the National Park and a trekking leader is needed. The service is obtained at the park office at km31.



Lodging
Accommodation, restaurants, and camping sites are available at the park headquarters at km31. Tel: +66 53 355728, +66 53 268550, +66 2 5620760 for reservations.

Go next

 * Back to Chiang Mai