Parc national de Doi Inthanon

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.

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