Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand. The mountain used to be called Doi (doi means mountain in northern Thai) Angka, but now bears a shortened version of King Inthawichayanon, the last great King of Chiang Mai. He showed great concern for the forests and mountains in Northern Thailand as they were a watershed for central Thailand. The king died near the turn of the twentieth century and his remains are buried at the chedi on the summit of the mountain. Doi Inthanon is visited many times a year by Thai nationals who wish to pay their respects to this great king.

The 2565 meter summit of Doi Inthanon is cool all year round and it is not unusual for temperatures to dip below freezing during the cold season. January is the coldest month when the average nightime temperature falls to 5.5 degrees Celsius. The rain at the summit typically exceeds 2500mm per year which is much more than the normal rainfall in Chiang Mai. The heavy moisture is instrumental in maintaining the high elevation rain forest which makes up Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon National Park is well known by local and international birdwatchers. The cool moist climate is home to over 350 species of birds which inlcude the Green Cochoas, Red-headed Trogons, Green tailed Sunbirds, Palearctic birds, Blue winged Minlas, Szechuan Burrowing, and the ShewAshy throated Warbler. There are likely to be additional species which have not yet been identified. The best time to bird watch in the park is during the cool season as the temperatures are very pleasant and the rains are less frequent. Visit the Park headquarters to collect a list of known bird species in the park.

If your family is not into birdwatching, the other main activities in the park are hiking and visiting various waterfalls. Many of the hiking trails evolved from footpaths made by local villagers. Many of the trails are not marked. Please visit the Doi Inthanon National Park Headquarters for a guide to the known trails in the area of Doi Inthanon.

There are several waterfalls within the park, but three are of interest to international tourists. The Mae Ya Waterfall is the largest falls in Thailand. During the rainy season the falls become quite violent as the water cascades over the rocks. We visited the falls at the peak of rainy season and had to be very cautious as we followed the trail to the base of the falls. The Mae Ya falls can be visited on the way to the park or after you visit the summit of Doi Inthanon. Although it is within the boundary of Doi Inthanon National Park, the turn off for the falls is several kilometers before you reach the main entrance to the park.

Vachiratharn waterfall is just off the road to the summit at kilometer 21. Watch for signs and turn of the main road as you ascend or descend the road to the summit of Doi Inthanon. During rainy season the falls can be quite full and the spray from the falls is a refreshing relief from the summer heat. There are a few nice restaurants and rest rooms just off the parking lot. If your family is ready for a meal, stop to view the falls and grab a bite to eat.

The Doi Inthanon National Park Headquarters are located at the 30 kilometer marker on the road to the summit. If you have any questions about activities in the park or overnight accomodations, stop by and the park rangers will be glad to assist you. There is also a good restaurant near the headquarters if you are ready for lunch on your way to or from the summit.

The admission fee to Thailand national parks is rather expensive for tourists. The entrance fee used to be 400 baht for all foreignors. However, Thailand has recently rdeuced the entrance to 200 baht for most national parks. I have not been to the park for over a year, but I hear that the admission fee for Doi Inthanon National Park is 200 baht per adult. Children under 14 are charged 100 baht. If you hire a van or taxi to take you to the park, your driver may be able to negotiate a lower fee. The fee for Thai nationals and residents is significantly lower than the charge for tourists.

Return to the Chiang Mai National Parks Page

Go to the Home Page