Gplace > Thailand > Chiang Mai > Chom Thong > Doi Inthanon National Park

“Doi Inthanon is famous for its peak, twin royal pagodas, nature trails, waterfalls, and diverse bird species.”

Doi Inthanon National Park, located in Chiang Mai Province, is home to the highest peak in Thailand — Doi Inthanon, standing at 2,565 meters above sea level. The park spans over 482.4 square kilometers and covers parts of Chom Thong, Mae Chaem, Mae Wang, and Doi Lo districts.

Shaped by the Himalayan mountain range, the park features a landscape of rugged high mountains running north to south. It boasts a diverse microclimate — cool all year round, with temperatures dropping to 0°C in winter months and occasional frost (Mae Kaning), a rare sight in Thailand.

Doi Inthanon is a crucial watershed area of the Ping River, with lush ecosystems including deciduous dipterocarp forest, mixed deciduous forest, lower and upper montane forests, and rare high-elevation peat swamps. Unique flora such as wild orchids, rhododendrons, mosses, lichens, and ferns thrive here. It is also one of Thailand’s best birdwatching destinations, with over 380 bird species recorded, as well as rare fauna such as the Doi field rat, Asian forest tortoise, and Brown-throated treecreeper.

Highlighted Spots within the National Park:

Doi Inthanon Summit – The highest point in Thailand with stunning sunrise and sea of mist views.
Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon & Naphaphonphumisiri – Twin royal pagodas built in honor of the King and Queen, offering breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail – Seasonal trekking trail offering dramatic viewpoints, cloud forests, and diverse vegetation.
Mae Ya Waterfall – One of Thailand’s tallest and most spectacular waterfalls.
Wachirathan Waterfall – A powerful waterfall surrounded by thick jungle, perfect for photos and a refreshing break.
Mae Klang Waterfall – A popular stop at the entrance of the park, often the first sight for visitors.
Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon – Showcasing highland agricultural development with cool-climate gardens and produce.
KM. 41 Viewpoint – A roadside scenic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of rolling forested mountains.
Ang Ka Nature Trail – Elevated boardwalk through a rare montane peat swamp near the summit.
Hmong & Karen Villages – Cultural encounters with local hill tribes, their crafts, and mountain lifestyle.

The park is easily accessible by car from Chiang Mai city via Highway No. 108 (Chiang Mai–Hot) for about 56 km, then turning onto Highway 1009 (Chom Thong–Doi Inthanon) for another 48 km. The entrance begins around KM. 8 (near Mae Klang Waterfall), with the park headquarters located at KM. 31.

How to Get There

By private car: From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 108 (Chiang Mai–Hot) for about 56 km, passing Hang Dong and San Pa Tong districts. Before reaching Chom Thong District, turn right onto Provincial Road 1009 (Chom Thong–Doi Inthanon). Drive past the Mae Klang Waterfall at KM 8 to the park entrance, and continue upward for 48 km to reach the summit. The park headquarters is located at KM 31.
By songthaew (red truck): Hireable from Chom Thong market or parking lot near Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong. Some trucks operate full-day service to key spots inside the park for groups or shared rides.
By tour package: Several Chiang Mai tour companies offer full-day or 2-day excursions, often including trekking, waterfall stops, and hill tribe visits.
By bus: Regular buses from Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Terminal to Chom Thong. From there, travelers must transfer to local transport or hire private vehicles.
Motorbike travel: Possible but not recommended during rainy or foggy weather due to steep climbs and unpredictable conditions.