Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is a large national park area named after the mountain that much of its area is set on, for a past king whose concern for the wildlands and watersheds of Northern Thailand led to the country's modern study of rainforest hydrology. The park covers 482 square kilometers, and lies about 90 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai. Amongst the different features and historical areas within the park area are tribal villages, botanical gardens, hiking trails, bird and wildlife watching opportunities, rivers with numerous significant waterfalls, religious temples, camping and lodging opportunities, and the highest point within the country of Thailand.

In contrast to much of Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park's high elevation keeps temperatures In the park much cooler than at the lower elevations where most of the country's land sits. Visitors should prepare for cooler temperatures and wet conditions, especially during the country's rainy season when cloud cover envelops the higher areas of the park.

For visitors, there is a lot to see and do, definitely too much to squeeze into a single day. So visitors should either plan on multiple days in the park, or prioritize those areas that they would like to see.

An option for those looking to stay in the area is the Doi Inthanon Campground, a large campground near the park's center with facilities for tent and car campers, as well as private and group rental accommodations. Those looking to camp without their own gear can also easily rent all necessary gear from the campground.

The park's high elevation and persistent moisture create a cloud forest environment, where the jungle mixes with evergreen forest, supporting native and migrating bird species and endemic plants and flowers. Due to poaching and habitat change, many larger mammal species are no longer present in the park, however gibbons, serow and wild boar maintain a presence inside the park.

Over time, several tracts of land have been converted to grassland and terraces to support agriculture. Several of these areas carry on as tribal villages, which can be visited, with the villagers having adapted to tourism and opened shops and restaurants for the national park traffic.

Those looking for outdoor recreational opportunities will find those in abundance. The park roads trace the higher elevations, as well as some of the rivers, most notably the Mae Klang River, as they meander down from the mountain's higher elevations. Some of the most accessible areas of interest include:

Waterfalls - 

Siriphum Waterfall - a tall fall visible from the road for those entering the park from the north and from several areas around Ban Khun Klang Village. While Siriphum is one of the easiest falls to view from a distance, few visitors head out on the 1.5 kilometer trail that starts in the Doi Inthanon Royal Project.

Wachirathan Waterfall - One of the most powerful and spectacular falls in the park and accessible easily by road.

Sirithan Waterfall - A 40 meter tall fall with a short trail also centrally-located inside the park.

Mae Pan Waterfall - A large fall requiring a 600 meter hike to reach, this fall is at an isolated corner of the park, so despite its size and wild environment, it receives relatively few visitors.

Huai Sai Lueang Waterfall - Adjacent to Mae Pan Waterfall as well as a campground, this fall is breathtaking but few venture to this corner of the park to see it.

Mae Klang Waterfall - Lying just outside the eastern entrance gate to the park, Mae Klang Waterfall is set upon a scenic stretch of the river, with a trail leading into the park and past stone pictographs.

Mae Ya Waterfall - One of the most breathtakingly spectacular waterfalls in Thailand, Mae Ya Waterfall lies in a separate area of the park and requires a drive to reach, but a visit is well worth it.

Wang Muang Wading Area - While most of the river and falls areas within the park are rocky and fast moving, Wang Muang is a large flat bend in the Mae Klang River where people can wade and picnic.

It should be noted that most falls flow year-round, however they have the largest volume of flow during the region's wet season which is between May and October.

Hikes -

Doi Inthanon Summit - a relatively easy hike from a parking area that overlooks the landscape to the east up to the highest point in Thailand (2,565 meters above sea level). The hike follows a paved and plank walkway, and descends to the parking lot area with a small museum and coffee shop, as well as access to the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail.

Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail - A short circular trail along a boardwalk that stays incredibly lush from its high elevation in the park's cloud forest environment.

Kaew Mae Pan Nature Trail - With some of the most epic views in the park, this 2.5 kilometer trail traces ridges with views spreading over the westward landscape. Probably the park's best option for those looking for more than just a stroll. Hiking the Kaew Mae Pan Nature Trail requires a guide, who can be found at the trailhead and charge a rate of 200 Baht. The trail is closed each year from June 1st - October 31st.

Botanical Garden -

The Doi Inthanon Royal Project is a spacious garden area with a variety of test crops and flowers built to provide an economy to rural villages outside of the opium trade. The gardens are definitely worth a visit, and have rental accommodations and a restaurant onsite as well.

Doi Inthanon is located about 2 hours driving from Chiang Mai. It is possible to reach the park by public transportation, however since many of the park's features are spread out along the road, traveling in your own vehicle or dedicated taxi is ideal for fitting in more locations. There are many tour operators who sell and customize tours into the park as well. 

The park has several entrance gates, some along the roads into the park, others serving a single landmark within the park area. Visitors will be asked to stop and show their ticket, or will be required to purchase a ticket to continue on. Tickets purchased at any of the gates are good at all gates for the remainder of the day.

Park fees are 300 Baht per adult, 150 Baht per child. Additionally there is a 30 Baht fee per car, or 20 Baht fee per motorcycle.

Doi Inthanon National Park is open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM.  

Food and restaurants can be found throughout the park. ATM's, gas and small groceries are located near Ban Khun Klang Village near the park's primary intersection.

An informative website for learning more about park features can be found here.