Beautiful view of Doi Inthanon National Park
All attractions

Doi Inthanon National Park

Chiang Mai, Thailand
i

Beautiful view of Doi Inthanon National Park

Before the sun burns away the morning mist, pale light drifts across mountain ridges and ancient forests. Cool air smells of pine and blooming rhododendrons. Water tumbles down granite slopes, breaking the hush with a lively splash. This is Doi Inthanon National Park—where Thailand stretches toward the sky and every sense feels awake.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
300 THB
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
119, Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

Travelers seeking the summit of Thailand’s highest peak will want to plan ahead. Doi Inthanon National Park sits about 60 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai, easy enough for a day trip but deserving of more time. The busy months between November and February bring crisp air, wildflowers, and the crowds. May through October brings more rain, but the waterfalls thunder and the crowds thin. Expect an entrance fee at the park gate. Some trails can be steep or slippery, so comfortable shoes matter—especially for families or those with mobility needs. Guided tours are common, but renting a car offers the most flexibility.

  • Best time to visit: November to February (cool, clear weather, wildflowers in bloom)
  • How to get there: Private car, taxi, minivan tours from Chiang Mai; local bus to Chom Thong, then songthaew (shared truck)
  • Accessibility: Family-friendly boardwalks near the summit pagodas; expect stairs and steep trails in some areas; limited wheelchair access
  • Average visit duration: 1 full day (half-day for the summit and pagodas; full day for extra trails and villages)

Must see stuff

Doi Inthanon dazzles most newcomers with its natural beauty and cultural heart. Shady groves open to bright waterfalls like Wachirathan and Sirithan. Mist hovers near the King and Queen pagodas that stand side by side at 2,200 meters, surrounded by display gardens that blaze with color. The highest peak in Thailand collects cool fog and rare birds—especially in the morning when the boardwalk trail along Ang Ka is hushed and green.

  • Key sights or features: The King and Queen pagodas (Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri), Wachirathan and Sirithan Waterfalls, the summit marker at 2,565 meters
  • Unique experiences: Sunrise above the clouds, visiting Hmong and Karen hill tribe villages, short nature walks on the Ang Ka Nature Trail
  • Photo-worthy locations: Summit sunrise lookout, flower gardens near the pagodas, waterfall rainbows after rain
  • Cultural or historical facts: The twin pagodas were built to honor the King and Queen; local villages inside the park produce mountain coffee and textiles

Tips for your visit

Cool breezes can turn chilly at the top, even in the dry season. Mornings offer the softest light and smallest crowds. While small vendors serve steaming noodles and hot drinks, picnics by the falls remain a favorite for families and groups. Do not stray from marked trails; the jungle is dense and navigation is tricky. Respect hill tribe communities by asking before taking photos and supporting local crafts at village shops. Bring cash, as card payments are rare once inside the park.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive before 9 a.m., or after 3 p.m.
  • What to bring: Water, layered clothing (mornings are cold!), good walking shoes, sunblock, rain jacket during wet months, camera, cash for fees/snacks
  • Local etiquette or rules: Stay on trails, do not pick plants, ask permission before photographing people, dress modestly
  • Safety or comfort advice: Watch footing on wet paths, bring insect spray, be prepared for limited phone service near some trails