Doi Inthanon National Park

National Park · Chiang Mai Province, 🇹🇭 Thailand

Doi Inthanon National Park surrounds the highest mountain in Thailand, southwest of Chiang Mai. The park mixes cool mountain forest, waterfalls, hill-tribe villages and farms growing coffee, strawberries and vegetables.

Most visitors come on a long day trip from Chiang Mai, but a night nearby gives more time on the trails and at the viewpoints.

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When to visit

The cool season, roughly November to February, brings fresh mornings and clear views, and it can be cold at the summit. The hot months before the rains are milder here than in the lowlands.

The rainy season turns the waterfalls full and the forest bright green, but mist and rain often hide the views.

Best time to visit: January, February, March, November, December

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Great

24° (feels like 23°) · extremes 8°–28°
11° at night
2 rainy days
19 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in February

Great

28° (feels like 27°) · extremes 9°–32°
13° at night
2 rainy days
17 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in March

Great

31° (feels like 30°) · extremes 12°–34°
16° at night
4 rainy days
13 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in April

Fair

32° · extremes 16°–36°
19° at night
10 rainy days
11 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 10 · very high

Up to 6 days above 35°

Typical weather in May

Poor

29° (feels like 31°) · extremes 17°–35°
19° at night
22 rainy days
5 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in June

Fair

27° (feels like 29°) · extremes 17°–31°
19° at night
22 rainy days
0 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in July

Poor

27° (feels like 29°) · extremes 17°–30°
18° at night
25 rainy days
0 sunny days
4 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in August

Poor

26° (feels like 28°) · extremes 17°–28°
18° at night
26 rainy days
0 sunny days
4 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in September

Fair

25° (feels like 27°) · extremes 17°–27°
18° at night
24 rainy days
1 sunny day
5 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in October

Good

24° (feels like 26°) · extremes 14°–27°
17° at night
18 rainy days
3 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in November

Great

23° (feels like 24°) · extremes 10°–28°
14° at night
6 rainy days
14 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in December

Great

22° · extremes 7°–26°
12° at night
2 rainy days
17 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 7 · high

Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) · 1996–2025

Top sights

Doi Inthanon Summit is the summit area of the park and the high point of most visits, with a short nature trail and cool air.
Royal Pagodas are two pagodas set on a ridge, with wide views over the mountains.
Wachirathan Waterfall is a large waterfall close to the main road, easy to reach from the parking area.
Sirithan Waterfall is a waterfall on the way up, with a short walk from the road.
Siribhume Waterfall is another waterfall along the park road.

Featured Lists

Brindabala / CC BY-SA 3.0

Doi Inthanon National Park Essentials

Doi Inthanon National Park, known as the 'Roof of Thailand,' centers around the country's highest peak at 2,565 meters. This mountain range offers a distinct cool climate, supporting rare bird species and high-altitude flora. Key landmarks include the Twin Royal Pagodas, built to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, and the expansive Mae Ya Waterfall. The area also features the terraced rice fields of Ban Pa Pong Piang and the mist-shrouded Ang Ka Nature Trail, showcasing the region's diverse ecosystem.

9 places

What to experience

Summit walk: Stroll the short nature trail at the top.
Waterfall stops: Pause at several falls along the park road.
Coffee and farms: Taste local coffee and buy fruit.
Birdwatching: The park is known for birds, so bring binoculars.

Tours & Activities

Doi Inthanon National Park — Map

Day trips

Wat Namtok Mae Klang area: a temple and waterfall area in the lower part of the park.
Mountain villages and farms: stops for coffee and fresh produce along the park road.
Chiang Mai: the city is the usual base and is reached by road in a couple of hours.

Where to explore

Chiang Mai is the usual base for trips to the park.
Chiang Dao has caves and mountain scenery north of Chiang Mai.
Mae Rim is a rural district just north of the city.
Pai is a mountain town in the northwest.

Getting there

By tour: Day tours from Chiang Mai are the simplest option.
By car or scooter: The road from Chiang Mai is paved. Allow most of a day for the trip and stops.
By shared truck: Songthaews run from Chiang Mai to nearby towns, with onward rides on the park road.

Getting around

Own transport: A car or hired driver is the easiest way to stop at several sights.
Local trucks: Pick-ups run between villages, but services are limited.
Walking: Short trails start near the summit and the waterfalls.

Driving

Is a car worth it?: Yes, it makes a day here much easier.
Driving side: Traffic drives on the left.
Roads: The road to the summit is steep with many curves. Take care in mist and rain.

Food & drink

Food stalls and small restaurants near the waterfalls and the summit serve northern Thai dishes, noodles and grilled snacks. Local coffee is a highlight.

Lunch

Pad ThaiStir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, and tamarind sauce, topped with crushed peanuts.

Som TamSpicy shredded green papaya salad with lime, chili, fish sauce, and peanuts.

Boat Noodles Kuay Teow ReuaSmall, intensely flavored bowls of noodle soup, traditionally served from boats along Bangkok's canals.

Dinner

Tom Yum Goong Tom Yum KungHot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili.

Green Curry Gaeng Keow WanCoconut-milk curry with green chilies, Thai basil, and meat or tofu, served with rice.

Massaman Curry Gaeng MassamanMild, rich curry with Persian and Indian influences, typically made with beef or chicken, potatoes, and peanuts.

Snacks & street food

Satay SateGrilled skewers of marinated meat served with peanut dipping sauce.

Mango Sticky Rice Roti RotiCrispy pan-fried flatbread, often served sweet with condensed milk and banana, or savory.

Sweets & desserts

Mango Sticky Rice Khao Niao MamuangSweet sticky rice served with fresh mango slices and coconut cream.

Drinks

Thai Iced Tea Cha YenStrong black tea sweetened with condensed milk and served over ice.

Singha / Chang Beer Beer Chang / SinghaPopular Thai lagers widely available at bars and restaurants.

Safety & health

Cold: It can be much cooler at the top, so bring a warm layer.
Waterfalls: Rocks are slippery, especially in the wet season.
Roads: Drive slowly on the curves and in fog.
Medical care: Clinics are limited, so Chiang Mai is the place for serious care.
Royal family: Do not speak or write badly about the monarchy. It is a serious crime in Thailand.

History

The mountain is protected as a national park and is tied to local hill communities who farm on its slopes. Today it is one of the best-known nature stops in northern Thailand.