Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

Commonly known as “The Roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain peak in Thailand, and is located in the Chom Thong District, in the province of Chiang Mai. Doi Inthanon is part of a national park that carries the same name and covers approximately 482 square kilometers.

The peak was formerly known as Doi Luang (“big mountain”) and Doi Ang Ka (“crow’s pond top”). The peak got its current name after King Inthawichayanon, one of the last kings of Chiang Mai, expressed his wish that his remnants be put to rest within the park grounds (which was still called Doi Luang until then). The king is known to have shown special interest in preserving and managing the forests. Thus, the peak was renamed to honor his demise and his remains were buried under the summit stupa.

Today, the national park and the summit of Doi Inthanon, with an elevation of 2,565 m, is a highly popular tourist spot in north Thailand among foreigners as well as locals.

Weather:

Due to its extreme high altitude, the park has high humidity and cold weather throughout the year. The usual mid-day temperature within the park varies from 10 to 12 degree Celsius.

Note: During the rainy season, the area is covered with an almost everlasting cluster of clouds and hence, very little may be visible.

Important Attractions:

The national park is so vast that it is practically impossible to try and cover all of it in a single visit. However, there are certain sights which cannot be missed. The mountain peak itself is your number one reason to visit the park because nothing else can quite match the stunning beauty of it. The mountain is particularly famous for its early morning views and rather cold temperature, which comes as a relief from the otherwise humid climate of the city.  Apart from the very obvious, the following are some of the added perks of visiting the national park:

• Waterfalls: The national park has some of the most gorgeous cascades in Thailand. The months of May to November (Thai monsoon season) are the best to visit them. The first waterfall to catch your attention will most likely be the Mae Klang Waterfall which is the first gate to the park. With water flowing all year round, it is a popular spot for locals to picnic, swim, or just relax during their days off. The next in line is the Mae Ya Waterfall, which is popular for being one of the biggest waterfalls in Chiang Mai. Though situated with the national park, the waterfalls have a separate entrance. Tip: if you have been careful enough to retain your entrance ticket, you get in for free (note: same day ticket only). Next in line is the Siriphum Waterfalls, which is located by the foot of the mountain and stands out specifically because of its height, which towers above some of the surrounding trees. Other notable waterfalls in the vicinity include Sirithan and Wachirathan Waterfalls.
• The King and Queen Chedis: Erected in 1987 and 1992 respectively, the King and Queen Chedis are located on the summit of the mountain. The chedis are popular among locals who come here to offer their prayers along with flowers and incense sticks as a way of showing respect to the royal couple. The views are stunning and the gardens are breath taking. There are escalator services for those who do not want to make the climb up to the summit. There is an entrance fee of 40 Baht.
• Flora and Fauna: The high elevation of Doi Inthanon has blessed the land with a rich biodiversity in terms of both flora and fauna. Come December to February, you can see the only red rhododendron in Thailand around the summit area. The forests around the park are a combination of Mixed Deciduous, Moist Evergreen, and Pine Forest. Go further up and you will notice how the landscape changes from deciduous forests to a larger tropical evergreen. Flowers around the park include Vanda Orchids and Phycastylis. Although larger animals aren’t a common sight anymore, you can spot Asiatic Black bears, Chinese flying Squirrels, Macaques, Barking Deer, Gibbons, and Leaf Monkeys and various (reportedly, around 30 different kinds) species of bats. Doi Inthanon, with a recorded total of 362 species of birds (and increasing), is one of the best treats to bird watchers. March to May is when the big migration happens with some birds mating even until June. Ask the tourist center for detailed bird list.
• Nature Trails: From December to April or May is the most suitable time for trekking as it’s much drier and convenient. In fact, there is a trekking trail just by the side of the Mae Klang waterfalls which leads you all the way to the Tourist Service center. The trail is worth the effort as it gives you the opportunity to admire the wildlife and natural beauty of Doi Inthanon. Other popular trails include the Ang Ka Nature trail, which features a one-of-its-kind ecosystem and the exclusive ambiance of the Himalayas. Next is Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, which might seem superfluous given its 200 Baht entrance fee per group with a guide (compulsory). However, if you are willing to spend the cash, the jungle trekking is totally worth it. If you hire a guide in Chiang Mai, you may end up paying as much as 600 Baht per person. Keep in mind that the trail is closed from June 1^st to October 30^th of each year.
• Borichinda Cave: A beautiful limestone cave which houses some stunning stalactites and stalagmites and a small stream. Borichinda Cave is around a 2-hour walk from the Mae Klang Waterfall. Alternatively, you can drive up the cave which takes only 10 minutes. The splendid views of the caves dazzling in the sunlight are worth the trip.

If you are interested in taking a peak into the lives of tribal communities of northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon can be your passport to the same. There are many Hmong families living around the base of peaks, who have since then moved from cultivating opium poppies to vegetables and fruits, thanks to the Royal Project. Visit the local markets and enjoy the brightness that sparkles from the smiles as well as outfits of these indigenous people. Other tribal population includes those of Karen Tribe.