Doi Inthanon

Where it is & how to get there

• By car: About 1.5–2 hours southwest of Chiang Mai.
• Tours: Day tours from Chiang Mai combine the summit, pagodas and waterfalls.
• Trails: The Kew Mae Pan nature trail needs a local guide and closes in the rainy season.

The story of Doi Inthanon

At 2,565 metres, Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand. It is named after King Inthawichayanon, a 19th-century ruler of Chiang Mai who asked that his remains be kept on the mountain.

Near the summit stand two royal pagodas built to honour the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, surrounded by flower gardens. The park is also known for waterfalls such as Wachirathan and Mae Ya, and for its Karen and Hmong villages.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• It gets cold at the top. Bring a jacket.
• Bring a warm jacket; the summit is much colder than Chiang Mai.
• Buy coffee and strawberries from hill-tribe farms in the park.

What's around Doi Inthanon

• Twin Royal PagodasWith gardens and mountain views.
• Wachirathan WaterfallPowerful waterfall near the road.
• Kew Mae Pan trailRidge-top nature trail.
• Mae Klang LuangKaren village with rice terraces.

Questions travellers ask