Gplace > Thailand > Chiang Mai > 12 Tourist Attractions Doi Inthanon

12 Tourist Attractions Doi Inthanon

36227

Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, located within Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province. Its peak reaches approximately 2,565 meters above sea level and is a popular destination for nature lovers, waterfalls, cool weather, and sea of mist views.

The main route up the mountain is Highway No. 1009 from Chom Thong District to the summit. Along the way, there are several important tourist attractions. This list is arranged according to the travel route from the foothills up to the upper areas and Thailand's highest point.

The foothills are characterized by large waterfalls such as Mae Klang Waterfall and Mae Ya Waterfall. Meanwhile, the middle area features Wachirathan Waterfall Sirithan Waterfall Ban Mae Klang Luang Pha Dok Sieo Waterfall and Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon.

The upper areas of the mountain are home to Kilometer 41 Viewpoint, Royal Twin Pagodas, Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, and Doi Inthanon Summit, where the weather is cool almost all year round, especially during the cold season when temperatures can drop significantly in the mornings.

Mae Ya Waterfall is on a separate route from the main road, so allow extra travel time. If you only have one day, it's recommended to choose key attractions based on your interests and avoid over-planning.

12 Must-Visit Spots

No.	Attraction	Highlight
1	Mae Klang Waterfall	Large waterfall at the foothills, easily accessible
2	Mae Ya Waterfall	Over 260-meter high waterfall, located on a separate route from the main road
3	Wachirathan Waterfall	Large waterfall by the highway, with mist spreading throughout the area
4	Sirithan Waterfall	Waterfall in the forest, viewed from a scenic balcony
5	Ban Mae Klang Luang	Karen hill tribe way of life, terraced rice fields, and local coffee
6	Pha Dok Sieo Waterfall	Waterfalls and a forest trail exploring local community life
7	Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon	Learning center for temperate plants and highland research
8	Siriphum Waterfall	Twin waterfalls amidst nature and Siriphum Royal Garden
9	Kilometer 41 Viewpoint	Popular spot for sunrise and sea of mist views
10	Royal Twin Pagodas	Phra Maha That Naphamethinidon-Naphaphonphumisiri and flower gardens
11	Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail	Ridge hiking trail with mountain and sea of mist views
12	Doi Inthanon Summit	Thailand's highest point and Ang Ka Nature Trail

Additional Information

It's recommended to depart from Chiang Mai city early in the morning if you plan to visit multiple spots in one day.
Prepare warm clothes and windbreakers, especially for the Royal Pagodas, Kew Mae Pan, and the summit.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for visiting waterfalls and nature trails.
Check announcements for opening/closing of Kew Mae Pan trail and weather conditions before traveling.
At Ban Mae Klang Luang and Pha Dok Sieo Waterfall, it's advisable to use local guides for safety and to support the community economy.
Drive carefully, as the route has steep slopes, curves, and may have thick fog. If you have only one day, it's recommended to focus on the Ban Mae Klang Luang area, Royal Twin Pagodas, Kew Mae Pan, and the summit.
If you wish to visit Mae Ya Waterfall, consider reducing the number of other stops to allow for a relaxed visit.

Admission Fees

There is an entrance fee for Doi Inthanon National Park as specified by the park. Some attractions may have additional entrance fees, parking fees, shuttle fees, or guide service fees.

Operating Hours

Doi Inthanon National Park is open for visitors daily during specified hours. Some attractions and nature trails may have different opening/closing times depending on the season, weather conditions, and official announcements.

Mae Klang Waterfall

Mae Klang Waterfall holds immense ecological and hydrological importance, serving as the confluence for several streams from Doi Inthanon that merge into the Mae Klang River before flowing into the Ping River. Geologically, the waterfall is situated on an ancient granite foundation, part of the Thanon Thong Chai Range formed by tectonic uplifts millions of years ago. The cliff face over which the ...

Mae Ya Waterfall

Mae Ya Waterfall is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. It is located in the southern part of Doi Inthanon National Park. This waterfall originates from Mae Ya Creek, which flows down from a steep cliff with a total height_ of approximately 260 meters. The waterfall is very wide and flows down in steps over more than 30 tiers of stacked rocks. This creates a view of white ...

Wachirathan Waterfall

Wachirathan Waterfall is one of the most stunning and powerful waterfalls within Doi Inthanon National Park. The water originates from Mae Klang Creek before plunging 70 meters down a sheer granite cliff. The force of the fall creates a clean, white spray that mists the surrounding rocks and lush vegetation, providing a refreshing and cool atmosphere for all visitors. A unique feature that ch...

Sirithan Waterfall

Sirithan Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, located around kilometer 23 on the road leading up to Doi Inthanon summit. It was formerly known as "Pa Kha Waterfall" before being graciously renamed "Sirithan Waterfall" by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, after she visited and witnessed its beauty. The waterfall originates from Mae Klang Stream,...

Mae Klang Luang

Ban Mae Klang Luang is a Karen (Pgaz K’nyau) hill tribe village located within Doi Inthanon National Park, surrounded by lush mountains and fertile nature. A stream called Mae Klang flows through the village, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere all year round, ideal for relaxation. The main highlight is the terraced rice fields, cascading beautifully along the mountainsides. These fiel...

Pha Dok Siew Waterfall

Pha Dok Siew Waterfall (Pha Dok Siew Waterfall)—known to many as "Rak Jang Waterfall" after a Thai movie filmed here—offers one of the most authentic and rewarding trekking routes in Doi Inthanon National Park, the “Roof of Thailand.” The trail is community-managed by the Karen Hill Tribe, who live in harmony with the forest and guide visitors through their ancestral land. ...

The Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon

The Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon is a significant highland temperate plant research station under the Royal Project Foundation, situated on Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand. It serves as a vital hub for researching, collecting, and producing various species of temperate flowers and ornamental plants. Additionally, the station cultivates herbs and small temperate fruits distrib...

Siriphum Waterfall

Siriphum Waterfall possesses a deep historical background and holds immense spiritual significance for the Thai people. Originally, this waterfall was known locally as Lao Pue Waterfall, named after the headman of the Hmong village in the Khun Klang area. Later, when The Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon was established to improve the quality of life for highland ethnic groups, M.C. Bhisade...

View Point Km 41

The View Point Km 41 is located at kilometer 41 on the Chom Thong–Doi Inthanon road. This viewpoint sits just before the Twin Pagodas. It’s among the most breathtaking sunrise and mist-viewing spots in Doi Inthanon National Park. During the cool season (October–March), the area is often covered by dense morning fog over layered mountains. Visitors can stop their cars right ...

Pagoda Noppamethanedon and Pagoda Nopphonphusiri

Phra Maha That Naphamethanidon and Phra Maha That Naphaphonphumisiri are sacred monuments built by the Royal Thai Air Force in collaboration with the Thai people. They were established as a royal merit-making tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on the auspicious occasion of their respective 60th birthdays (5th cycle). Situated near the&n...

Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail holds significant history as one of the pioneer ecotourism projects under Doi Inthanon National Park. In the local Northern dialect, "Kew" means a narrow and tapering mountain ridge, while "Mae Pan" refers to the stream flowing below. This trail was developed to be the most complete "nature classroom," focusing on educating visitors about headwater ecosystems and the inter...

Top of Doi Inthanon

Top of Doi Inthanon is the highest peak of the Thanon Thong Chai Range and the highest point in Thailand, reaching an altitude of 2,565 meters above sea level. Originally known as Doi Ang Ka (Crow’s Pond Mountain) due to a natural pond where crows gathered, its history changed significantly during the reign of King Inthawichayanon, the 7th ruler of Chiang Mai. The King loved and cherish...