At 2,565 meters, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand and is therefore also known as the "Roof of Thailand." Doi Inthanon National Park covers an area of ​​482 square kilometers and is home to numerous waterfalls (e.g., Wachirathan, Mae Klang, Mae Pan). Here you can find a wide variety of animal species, especially birds, as well as beautiful flowers. Mountain villages and fields can also be explored, including the impressive rice terraces of Baan Pa Pong Piang, which are among the most beautiful in all of Thailand. Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Chiang Mai province (you can find my trekking recommendations for Chiang Mai here). Two easy and scenic trails invite you to explore Doi Inthanon: the Ang Ka Trail with its 360-meter-long bridge over a marsh, and the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. Near the summit are two pagodas: Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri. They were built to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. The two pagodas, situated on neighboring peaks, house relics of the Buddha. Doi Inthanon is located 85 kilometers west of Chiang Mai. Pack a sweater, as it can be quite chilly!

Entrance to the national park: 300 THB (adults) / 150 THB (children) and 30 THB for the car. Entrance to the pagodas Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri: 100 THB (you must park in the slightly higher parking lot and take the shuttle bus to the royal pagodas; this is included in the entrance fee). In Doi Inthanon, you can either camp (tent rental 250 THB and a 30 THB fee for bringing your own tent) or rent a bungalow from the national park rangers starting at 1500 THB per night (online booking on the DNP website). However, I recommend a trekking tour with an overnight stay in a village near Doi Inthanon and perhaps also a visit to Ban Pa Pong Piang with its rice terraces.

The most convenient way to reach Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai is by car or scooter. Renting a car or scooter is recommended (a car is preferable, especially if you're not an experienced motorcyclist). Alternatively, you can hire a songthaew (red shared taxi) for the day, but this will cost around 3,000 baht. Therefore, a tour including transportation is recommended. The price isn't much higher, and you'll experience Doi Inthanon more comprehensively (see below for tour suggestions). For the adventurous, you can take the yellow songthaews between Chiang Mai and Chom Thong and transfer to another songthaew that runs between Chom Thong and Mae Klang Waterfall (50 baht) or all the way to the summit (100 baht). This journey is significantly cheaper but much longer. Most agencies also offer tours with a minivan and at least an English-speaking guide to help you explore Doi Inthanon (see below for suggestions).

How to get there

How do you get to Doi Inthanon? The most convenient way to reach Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai is by car or scooter. Rent a car or scooter (a car is preferable, especially if you're not an experienced motorcyclist). You can also rent a songthaew (red car) for the day, but this will cost around 3,000 baht. Therefore, it's more advisable to book a tour that includes transportation. The price isn't much higher, and you'll experience Doi Inthanon more comprehensively (see below for some tour suggestions). If you're looking for adventure, you can take the yellow songthaews between Chiang Mai and Chom Thong and transfer to another songthaew that runs between Chom Thong and Mae Klang Waterfall (50 baht) or all the way to the summit (100 baht). However, this journey is very long, significantly cheaper, but also very time-consuming! Alternatively, most agencies offer tours with a minivan and at least an English-speaking guide to introduce you to Doi Inthanon (see below for some suggestions).