Doi Inthanon National Park: The Enchanting Roof of Thailand

Located in Northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon is not only known as the “roof of Thailand” but also an enchanting land with a cool climate all year round, rich vegetation, and diverse ecosystems. The journey to explore Doi Inthanon National Park takes you through tree-lined trails, clear waterfalls, and magical sea of ​​clouds. This is also an opportunity for you to experience the unique culture of ethnic minorities living in the area. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax, Doi Inthanon National Park will leave an unforgettable mark on your Thailand travel journey.

Overview of Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park

Located in Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park is known as the “roof of Thailand” thanks to Doi Inthanon peak – the highest mountain in the country, with an altitude of up to 2,565m. This national park covers an area of ​​482 km² and is part of the Thanon Thong Chai range, part of the Himalayan mountain system. Established on October 2, 1972, Doi Inthanon is not only of important geographical significance but also has profound cultural and historical values. With an altitude ranging from 800m to over 2,500m, Doi Inthanon has a cool climate all year round and high humidity. This condition creates a perfect environment for the development of many diverse species of flora and fauna. Doi Inthanon’s rich ecosystem is home to many rare plants and wildlife, from birds to the typical forest fauna of the Thai mountains.

Doi Inthanon is not only famous for its natural landscape but also a place that preserves cultural and historical values. The name “Doi Inthanon” is named after King Inthawichayanon, a famous Chiang Mai king who had a vision to protect and preserve the forests of Northern Thailand. He always believed that these forests were a valuable asset of the country, worthy of being preserved for future generations. After his death, King Inthawichayanon’s remains were placed in this forest as a testament to his desire to preserve nature, and the national park was renamed Doi Inthanon to commemorate the king’s contributions.

In addition to its majestic landscape, Doi Inthanon National Park is also home to many ethnic minority communities such as the Karen and Meo Hmong, with approximately 4,500 people living in small villages around the park. These communities not only contribute to environmental protection, but are also the custodians of their unique cultural values, customs and traditions.

Opening hours and admission prices

Opening hours and admission prices

​​Doi Inthanon National Park is open to visitors every day from 5:30 am to 6:30 pm. With this time frame, visitors can take advantage of the day to explore the attractions, experience the natural beauty from early morning, when the sunlight is gentle, until late afternoon, when the sunset turns the mountain and forest landscape red. In particular, Kew Mae Pan trail – one of the park’s famous trails, will be closed from June to October every year to protect and restore the forest ecosystem. This closure time helps maintain the natural balance, protecting the flora and fauna in the forest. Regarding the cost of visiting, the entrance fee is divided based on nationality and age. For international visitors, the entrance fee is 300 Baht for adults and 150 Baht for children from 3 to 14 years old. For Thai citizens, the preferential price is 60 Baht for adults and 30 Baht for children. This is a reasonable fee to ensure the protection and maintenance of the natural landscape for future generations.

In addition, if visitors intend to use personal vehicles to explore the national park, there will be parking fees applied. Parking fees for cars are 30 Baht and for bicycles are 20 Baht. These fees help ensure order and provide maintenance services for the parking area for visitors.

Another special feature is the two chedis Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Nopholbhumisiri (Two Chedis), where visitors can admire the beautiful architecture and landscape. This area is outside the management area of ​​the national park, so there is a separate entrance fee of 100 Baht/person. This is an attractive destination for those who want to explore more cultural and religious values ​​within Doi Inthanon National Park.

The best time to visit Doi Inthanon National Park

The period from November to February every year is considered the most ideal season to visit Doi Inthanon National Park. At this time, the weather in this area is cool, the average temperature is only about 17°C, creating favorable conditions for visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the national park without encountering obstacles of harsh weather or heavy rain.

The ideal time is from November to February

During the last months of the year and the beginning of the new year, Doi Inthanon is dressed in a different beauty compared to other seasons. A thin layer of mist covers the forests and high mountain peaks, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. In the early morning, if you are lucky, you will see a sea of ​​white clouds spreading across the valleys and mountain peaks. 

This is the ideal time to hunt clouds, take photos, or simply immerse yourself in nature with the fresh and pleasant air. This season is also an opportunity for visitors to experience the beauty of the rich ecosystem in Doi Inthanon National Park. The vegetation grows green and lush, wild flowers bloom, creating brilliant color patches everywhere. Many rare bird species also appear more often during this season, creating ideal conditions for those who love observing and taking pictures of birds. The forests, waterfalls and trails in the national park at this time become fresher and more vibrant than ever.

Directions from Chiang Mai center to Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park, located about 90 km southwest of Chiang Mai city center, is a prominent destination for tourists who want to explore the majestic natural landscape of Thailand. The road from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon offers interesting experiences as you can freely admire the mountain scenery along the way. Below is a detailed guide to help you plan your trip from Chiang Mai to this famous attraction.

Distance and travel routes

The route from Chiang Mai city center to Doi Inthanon National Park consists of two main parts: the first 45 km will take you to the entrance of the National Park, from here it is another 45 km to the summit of Doi Inthanon – the highest mountain in Thailand at 2,565m. The total distance of about 90 km can be easily completed within 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the speed of travel and the type of vehicle you choose.

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park

Means of transport

There are many different means of transportation from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park, but the most popular and convenient are still motorbikes and rental cars. Both of these types of vehicles have their own advantages, depending on the needs and personal preferences of each traveler.

• Renting a motorbike: At a cost of about 150 Baht/day, motorbikes are a popular choice for travelers who like freedom and flexibility. Renting a motorbike makes it easy to stop along the way to take photos or visit small places along the way. The road to Doi Inthanon National Park is mountainous, so choose a motorbike that is strong and familiar with the mountain pass to ensure safety throughout the journey. 
• Renting a car: For those who want comfort and convenience, a car is a great choice with a rental price of about 800 Baht/day. Driving a car is also an ideal way to avoid sudden rains and enjoy the cool air inside the car. Moreover, you will feel safer when driving on winding mountain roads. Especially if you are traveling in a group or family, renting a car will save you money compared to renting many motorbikes.

Route and notes when traveling

• Route: From Chiang Mai city center, you can follow Highway 108 to the southwest, until you meet Highway 1009, then turn here to go to the entrance of Doi Inthanon National Park. Highway 1009 is the main route leading to the top of the mountain, easy to travel and has clear signs. You just need to go straight along this road to reach Doi Inthanon.
• Safety note: When traveling by motorbike, make sure you have a helmet and warm jacket because the weather here can be quite cold in the early morning or late afternoon. If you drive a car, check your tires and brakes carefully before setting off, because the road to Doi Inthanon National Park has many curves and steep slopes.
• Prepare fuel: There are few gas stations on the way to Doi Inthanon, so make sure to fill up before departure to avoid interruptions in the middle of the journey.
• Travel time: To be able to see the sunrise or the sea of ​​clouds in the early morning, depart from Chiang Mai from around 5:00 – 5:30 am. In addition, the morning is the time when traffic is less crowded, convenient for traveling.

Read more: The 26 Best Things to do in Chiang Mai

Great experiences in Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is a paradise of unique experiences, attracting visitors thanks to its majestic natural beauty and attractive outdoor activities. Here are some experiences not to be missed when exploring this place:

Hiking the Kew Mae Pan Trail

Hiking the Kew Mae Pan Trail

The Kew Mae Pan Trail is one of the most popular treks on Doi Inthanon National Park, offering a thrilling journey through the dense forest for around 2 hours. The highlight of the route is the spectacular view at the end of the trail, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains below and admire the sea of ​​clouds in the morning. For those who love adventure and beautiful scenery, this is the ideal place to take unique photos.

Explore Doi Inthanon Royal Pagoda (Two Chedis)

The two major temples, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Nopholbhumisiri, are sacred destinations, set amidst stunning landscapes and surrounded by flower gardens. The temples are not only places for visitors to learn about Thai Buddhist architecture and culture, but also ideal sightseeing spots. Here, you can admire the panoramic view of mountains, forests and seas of clouds in the fresh early mornings.

Camping at Dong Son area

Dong Son Campground

Just a 10-minute drive from the summit of Doi Inthanon National Park, Dong Son Campsite is the perfect choice for those who want to immerse themselves in a quiet natural space. Set in a lush pine forest, this campsite offers a peaceful and relaxing feeling, helping you to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a reasonable rental price of only 30 Baht, you can enjoy a night under the starry sky, listening to the wind and rustling leaves.

Conquer Doi Inthanon peak – the highest mountain in Thailand

Doi Inthanon Peak, at 2,565m, is a special destination for those who love to conquer. Visitors can approach the peak by car, then take a short walk to reach the highest point. From here, you will have the opportunity to admire the pristine natural landscape of the area, with an unobstructed view of the trees. The majestic scenery at the top of Doi Inthanon is sure to leave you unforgettable.

Admire the majestic Wachirathan Falls

Wachirathan Waterfall is one of the beautiful stops on the way to the summit of Doi Inthanon National Park. With powerful water pouring down from above, the waterfall creates a cool and relaxing atmosphere. It is the perfect place to stop, take some photos and enjoy the fresh natural air.

Visit Mae Ya Waterfall – the majestic waterfall

Mae Ya Waterfall

Mae Ya Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Thailand, with an impressive height of 260m. Open from 8am to 5pm, this waterfall is one of the most unique natural landscapes of Doi Inthanon National Park. You can use the national park entrance ticket to enter the waterfall, this is a great relaxing space and also an ideal spot for nature photography enthusiasts.

See the unique and rich ecosystem of Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is not only a tourist destination, but also a biodiversity reserve with rich flora and fauna. Many rare species of trees, endemic birds and diverse creatures have made this place a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Especially in winter, many wild flowers and grasses bloom, creating a vivid picture of the ecosystem here.

Read more: 10 Things to do in Bangkok that you shouldn’t miss

Notes when exploring Doi Inthanon National Park

When planning to explore Doi Inthanon National Park, visitors should be well prepared to ensure a safe and complete trip. Here are some important notes:

Some notes for tourists when visiting

Prepare suitable clothes

• Cold and windy weather: Doi Inthanon National Park is located at a high altitude so the temperature is quite low, especially in the early morning and winter, so bring a warm jacket, scarf and accessories such as gloves or woolen hats.
• Non-slip shoes and easy-to-move clothes: The terrain at Doi Inthanon National Park is diverse with many wet and slippery areas, so non-slip and durable walking shoes are necessary for safe movement. You should also wear comfortable clothes to easily participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing.

Protect the environment and respect park rules

• Keep clean and protect the ecosystem: Prepare a garbage bag to bring with you, do not litter to protect the natural environment and clean the landscape of Doi Inthanon National Park. Respect nature by not picking flowers, breaking branches or touching trees and animals, as many species are protected.
• Keep quiet: Do not make loud noises, as this may affect the wildlife in the forest and cause a nuisance to other visitors.

Pay attention to safety when moving

• Drive carefully on mountain roads: The road to Doi Inthanon National Park has many sharp turns and steep slopes, so drive carefully, especially if you are not used to traveling on mountain roads. Check your brakes and tires before going, and always maintain a safe speed.
• Follow the directions and bring the necessary equipment: If you are participating in trails such as Kew Mae Pan, bring a map or GPS to avoid getting lost. Bring water and snacks to ensure your health during the journey.

Reasonable visiting time

• Choose the right time: The Kew Mae Pan Trail is closed from June to October for forest conservation, so check the opening times of the areas before you go. Winter from December to February is ideal with cool weather, frosty views and a sea of ​​clouds, allowing you to enjoy the best of Doi Inthanon National Park.
• Plan your trip early in the morning or late in the afternoon: If you want to see the sea of ​​clouds, start early to reach the viewpoints at sunrise. Late afternoon is also a great time to watch the sunset from the mountain top.

Prepare necessary equipment

• Photo storage and device protection: Bring your phone and camera to capture beautiful moments, but be careful to protect your equipment from high humidity and fog, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Flashlight, compass, or GPS: If you plan to visit late into the evening or go into the woods, a flashlight and GPS will be very useful. These devices help you navigate safely and avoid getting lost in low-light conditions.

With majestic natural landscapes and rich ecosystems, Doi Inthanon National Park has brought unforgettable experiences to anyone who has ever set foot there. Through the journey with Vietnam Allure Travel, you will not only admire the beauty of the “roof of Thailand” but also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lives of local people and enjoy the fresh air and pristine beauty of this land. The trip to explore Southeast Asia with Sinhcafe has just begun, and many wonderful destinations are waiting for you. Get ready to continue the journey with Sinhcafe, discovering more unique natural and cultural wonders of Southeast Asia.