At 2,565 metres above sea level, Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand. It was named after the last ruler of the independent Lanna Kingdom and was one of the first regions in Thailand to be designated as a national park.

Driving and hiking

A road leads right to the summit but there are also several hiking trails, such as the Kew Mae Pan trail and the Ang Ka trail, for those who would like to explore the mountain more closely.

Inthanon’s highlights

The upper reaches of the mountain harbour some rare plants like rhododendrons and birds such as sunbirds and warblers that can be seen nowhere else. There’s also a shrine to King Inthanon at the summit and further down, a couple of stupas dedicated to King Bhumibol (RamaIX) and his wife, Queen Sirikit.

Waterfalls and frost

The road to the summit passes some spectacular waterfalls, including Wachiratarn Falls, and at the height of the cool season, Thais flock here to witness a wonder of the natural world that cannot be seen anywhere else in the country—frost!

Practical Info

There’s no public transport to the mountain, but it’s easy to join a day tour or rent a car for the 2-3 hour journey south of Chiang Mai.

Entry B300.

Accommodation is available at the park headquarters in the form of log cabins or a campsite.