Doi Inthanon National Park

The basics

Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Chiang Mai. The mountain is named for the city’s last king, King Inthawichayanon, who ruled from 1870 until his death in 1897. Today, you’ll find plenty of Doi Inthanon National Park tour options regardless of what time of year you visit. Active travelers can trek through rice fields to plummeting waterfalls, cruise down the peak on a mountain bike, or navigate the rapids of Mae Wang Valley, which sprawls out at the foot of the mountain.

Guided small-group or private Doi Inthanon National Park tours often include a trek to the summit of Doi Inthanon, plus visits to a hill tribe village, a Hmong market, and the twin pagodas. You’ll also learn about the region’s ecosystem by exploring the Ang Ka nature trail. Meanwhile, some say the Mae Pan nature trail boasts the best panoramic views in all of Thailand.

Doi Inthanon National Park is located 93 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai. It’s a 90-minute drive from the city, so most tours leave early in the morning and don’t return until late afternoon.

Things to know before you go

• Doi Inthanon National Park is a must-see for adventure travelers and nature lovers.

• Dress in layers; daytime temperatures in the park can be surprisingly cool, especially when you’re in the cloud forest.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

• Most day tours from Chiang Mai include roundtrip transportation and lunch.

• Expect a full-day tour to last upwards of 8 hours.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Doi Inthanon National Park is by joining an English-speaking guided tour of the park or hiring a private taxi for the day. You can book these tours and taxis online or find tour operators selling packages in Chiang Mai’s Old Town. If you want to pay by credit card, it’s best to book online.

Convenient public transportation to the park is lacking. However, it does exist. You’ll have to take songthaews, usually red or yellow trucks. Ask the driver if they’re going to Doi Inthanon, and if there’s room in the back, hop on in. You’ll have to pay in cash, so have at least 500 baht handy. You may also have to transfer to another songthaew at some point. It’s the least-efficient and least-comfortable manner of getting to Doi Inthanon National Park. But it can be a great way to meet locals and other travelers while saving money at the same time.

When to get there

For the best chance of clear views from the summit, plan your visit for Northern Thailand’s dry season (between December and March). Perpetual fog and daily rainfall blanket Doi Inthanon National Park during the wet season. Wachirathan Waterfall is especially dramatic this time of year.

The Mae Kha Ning phenomenon

If you visit Mt. Doi Inthanon over New Year’s, you’ll likely be joined by locals coming to witness a phenomenon known as Mae Kha Ning, or frost—a rare sight in a climate as warm as Thailand’s. While the park may be more crowded than usual at this time, it’s an unforgettable experience.