Doi Inthanon: Complete Guide to Exploring the Roof of Thailand
Le Doi Inthanon is a national park Created in 1954, it was one of the first 14 national parks created in Thailand. Located approximately 70 km southwest of Chiang Mai, it is best known for housing the highest peak in Thailand, which culminates in 2 565 m.
On the program of visits, several waterfalls, nature walks and villages with rice fields will mark your route through this park, easy to access and surely one of the best known in Thailand (especially in the north). Personally, it is a park that I readily recommend to have a nice overview of the mountains of northern Thailand.
1- Getting to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai:
Given the distance, it takes 1h30 to reach the entrance of Doi Inthanon from the center of Chiang Mai. To this, you have to add a good hour and some 30 km to then reach the summit. The options to get there are varied and for those who are more cautious in terms of organization, many tours offer a day visit (count at least 1 baht per person to do so).
Doi Inthanon mountain on a clear day.
Accessing Doi Inthanon by public transport
Most of you will get there by public transport. To do this, go to Chang Phuak Gate, the north gate of the central square of Chiang Mai's old city.
500m north of the gate you will find the Chang Phuak Bus Station, this is where the songthaews (remember, the pick-ups with rows of seats fitted out behind) leave for the south of Chiang Mai, which, in this case, will be yellow.
A songthaew at Doi Inthanon.
In this case, the destination you are interested in is Chom Thong, the town located at the foot of Doi Inthanon mountain.
Cost: 20 baht / person
If you specify to go to Doi Inthanon, they should drop you off at the foot of Wat Prathat Si Chom Thong, from where the local songthaews leave for Doi Inthanon. If you prefer an air-conditioned option, there are also minibuses that leave from there.
Cost by songthaew: 140 baht / person (excluding national park entrance) || Cost by minibus: 180 baht / person (excluding national park entrance)
You can also rent the vehicle for yourself and stop whenever you want, then expect to pay around 2000 to 2 baht per day.
From Chiang Mai directly, you can also use a taxi service, either regular (the blue and yellow ones) or via Uber. In this case, expect to pay around 3 baht for the day.
Driving to Doi Inthanon by motorbike or car
If like me, you prefer your total independence, you can always rent a scooter / motorbike or a car. Given the facts already mentioned in the article on driving in thailand, I would recommend a car rather than a two-wheeler.
It is still a mountain road and the scooter is clearly not recommended if you are a beginner. In addition, I would like to remind you that not only do you need an international license (for the car too), but you also need a French motorcycle license, the specificity of being able to drive up to 125cc is not recognized here, you will not have the appropriate stamp when obtaining the international license.
A very useful tool!
Which, in other words, will not allow you to be in order and therefore not covered by insurance in the event of an accident. If you are in order, the motorbike remains an option, however, be aware that the mountains require it, if you go there in winter especially, plan on warmer clothes for the climb and the summit.
That being clarified, if you opt for the car, head south of the old town. The goal is to take route 108To do this, from the road around the central square, you can turn left onto Thipanet Road, Route 108 will be straight at the next intersection.
Either you act as if you were going to the airport, turning left at the corner of the southwest square. Then, keep left (do not take the raised bridge) and instead of turning right (the road leading to the airport), keep left all the time. Route 108 will be on the right at the next intersection (follow Mae Hong Son on the signs).
Continuing for approximately 55 km straight on Route 108, you will arrive in Chom Thong locality and a crossroads with Route 1009 on your right, leading to Doi Inthanon, which is indicated anyway.
2- Doi Inthanon: some practical information
Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. – 18:00 p.m.
Doi Inthanon is named after one of the last kings of the Lanna Kingdom, ruled from Chiang Mai, King Inthawichayanon. This change of name took place shortly after his death (as early as 1899) and was chosen to honor this king who was concerned with preserving the forests of his kingdom.
The original mountain was known as Doi Ang Ka or Doi Luang. The latter means "the big mountain" (Doi Inthanon being a fairly flat and wide mountain, in addition to being the highest). As for Ang, it means basin/pond and Ka means crow.
This other name was given by the locals referring to a pond which was said to be near the summit and where many crows came to drink. There remains a trace of this old name, a passage in the forest at the summit, the Ang Ka Nature Trail.
Entrance fees to Doi Inthanon
For foreigners, the fare is 300 baht per adult, 150 baht for children (normally under 1m20 if I rely on the temple system).
If you come with your own vehicle, there is also a small additional cost of 30 baht for a car, 20 baht if you are on two wheels (including bicycle).
If you are accompanied by a Thai (excluding guide/driver) the price is 50 baht / adult and 20 baht per child for them.
Keep your tickets safe
Around km 9 of road 1009, you will have the old checkpoint. The new checkpoint is now 2 km further. You will then have a large parking lot on your left just before a checkpoint. The latter does not really check tickets, but that does not mean that you should avoid paying. Indeed, keep your tickets, because there will be a second checkpoint just before accessing the summit, moreover, if you have time, you can also see the beautiful Mae Ya waterfall, which, although out of the way, is included in the national park (see below in the article).
The old checkpoint. Photo credit
Note that if you are just passing through the national park to go to Mae Chaem for example, report it to the guards and you will not have to pay the entrance fee (if you do not plan to visit it of course), that is what the second checkpoint is for.
Because if you go to the top, you will go straight after the 2nd checkpoint while you will take the left on road 1192 if you trace your way to Mae Chaem and elsewhere. If the guards see you going straight and you come back to Chiang Mai afterwards, you will need to have a ticket.
Conversely, if you come from Mae Chaem and reach Chiang Mai without visiting the summit, again you will not have to pay the toll (but you will be able to see the waterfalls along the main road for free)
2- Visit Doi Inthanon in one day
I will detail right after everything that is possible to see at Doi Inthanon, but because most of you will only have one day to dedicate to it, here is typically what you will be able to see there in one day, in terms of timing:
– Mae Klang waterfall
– Wachirathan waterfall
– village of Mae Klang Luang
– the 2 royal pagodas
– the summit and the moss forest (Ang Ka nature trail)
– possibly if the weather permits, walk to the Kew Mae Pan viewpoint (closed from June 1 to October 30 during the rainy season)
If you can (especially if you are self-employed), I advise you to include the Mae Ya waterfall which is still worth a look.
3- Stopping points / points of interest to see at Doi Inthanon
There is plenty to do in the park and one day is clearly not enough to really see everything. Doi Inthanon, although much visited, is quite large and depending on the season and time of week, you might enjoy more peace and quiet. Overall anyway, it is not as crowded as it can be in other tourist places (like on some islands).
Doi Inthanon's popularity is due in part to its ease of access and the Thais' appreciation of coming here for a bit of coolness. Indeed, the average temperature all year round is between 20 and 30°C.
Temperatures at Doi Inthanon at the time of finalizing this article, in early November.
In addition, in winter (from November to February) temperatures drop with an average between 2 and 12°C at the summit (sometimes even below 0). To keep it simple, I will list in order the different possible visits from the entrance to the mountain (road 1009) starting from Chom Thong to its summit. I will then add some extras that are in the area, but are not directly part of the national park or not accessible from the main road.
Mae Klang Klang Waterfall (km 8)
Mae Klang waterfall will be on a left fork shortly before the first checkpoint leading to Doi Inthanon. It is well signposted so no worries. Once you arrive at the car park, you will find shops and restaurants lining the waterfront, where many Thais come to picnic on weekends and in the good season.
Thai people love to have picnics in Mae Klang.
The waterfall is only 200 m from the car park. It is a beautiful waterfall, very easy to access. Falling down a slope over 100 m of vertical drop, the highest one that can be admired from a viewpoint exceeds 25 m.
Mae Klang Waterfall in a beautiful light.
For those who want to take a little nature walk, you can take the stairs next to the waterfall. The path goes up to the "tourist information center" (about 400 m) along the river where the Mae Klang waterfall flows. The tourist information is otherwise accessible from the main road since it is on the edge of it.
Not far from there, you have 2 “waterfalls”, Pha Khun Na and Wang Khwai Waterfall, separated by 200 m.
Close to Wang Khwai Waterfall.
The small Klang River is the main one running through the national park.
Borichinda Cave (km 9)
This cave is so little known that I myself have not yet visited it and I had a bit of trouble locating it on a map. Without being able to point it precisely, I managed to find out how to get there…
Unfortunately, it has been closed since 2015 and according to the latest news (information confirmed in September 2019) access is still prohibited, even with a park ranger... (Seen on the reference site in English on national parks in thailand)
Too bad, because this “unseen” cave is apparently quite interesting, with giant columns and a gap letting light through from the ceiling.
The interior of the cave, which cannot be seen at the moment... Photo credit John Spies)
If it ever comes in handy (I'll keep an eye on this info), I'll leave the info on the blog and here's its location (p:
From Mae Klang waterfall, go back to the main road 1009, you will then pass the first checkpoint a little further. Then 300 m after you will see a dirt road on your right. If you have the appropriate vehicle, you can take it, otherwise continue on foot it is better.
You will then have about 2km along the small Hoi river before arriving at the foot of the cave, normally indicated in Thai (see the first word in the title on the cave's facebook page who also has a series of photos).
Wachirathan Waterfall (km 21)
Probably the most famous of the park, it is also very easy to access. You will only have a few steps to reach it from the car park, itself accessible via a small road of 500 m from the main road (on your right, if you arrive from Chiang Mai).
This beautiful waterfall will refresh you, because its power and a little wind are enough to throw a little water on your face when you are at its foot, a real natural giant mister!
Wachirathan Waterfall seen from the parking lot.
A little closer.
Its name means "Diamond Creek", or in good French, the diamond stream. In the absence of a diamond, you can see a rainbow of the most beautiful effect at the foot of the falls in good weather. On the left, you will find a path (which can be slippery and a little rough for some) leading to the top of the waterfall, but having been there, we don't have a bird's eye view or really much to see apart from being surrounded by nature.
Also note that this waterfall often serves as a break for visitors who can sip coffee, nibble on snacks or even have a small meal. There are also toilets, just in case.
The path leading to the top of the waterfall.
View from the top
Sirithan Waterfall (km 22)
About 2,5 km after Wachirathan Falls, you will have a small brown sign indicating a waterfall on your left (in Thai and English). There is a space to park. From there, a path and stairs leading down lead to a platform, allowing you to admire this 50 m waterfall in the middle of nature. It is visible in the distance, surrounded by the forest, it is rather a beautiful spot that is well worth the 400 m round trip of stairs.
As it is considered secondary, it is less visited and therefore often quieter than Wachirathan, the contrast is quite striking. Even for me, it is the last waterfall I saw in the national park, going there many times, it took me several years before deciding one day to stop there (and since then I have returned).
Villages and rice fields (km 23)
Less well-known and also less easy to access, you can turn right just before a small bridge spanning a stream. You can then go to 2 mid-mountain villages (altitude of around 1 m) in the middle of the rice fields.
The first, about 3 km from the main road, is called Ban Nong Lom, and the second, another 3 km further, is Ban Phamon. This is an opportunity to try out a local homestay like the Bamboo Pink House.
The Bamboo Pink House in Ban Pha Mon. Photos by Peerawat Jariyasombat,
courtesy of Bangkok Post
This private house can accommodate up to 10 people. For a rate starting from 1 baht / night, you will be in the heart of the rice fields, in a village home to people from the Karen mountain tribe. Note that you must add a fee returning to the community of 20 baht per person. Meals are charged 120 baht per person. It is not cheap overall, but it is for a total immersion in rural Thailand.
- See photos of the Bamboo Pink House and on the Baan Phamon village.
I haven't had the chance to try it yet, but I'd be tempted. They ask for a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance, but apparently it's better to book at least 3 months in advance because there's a lot of demand, especially for the rice harvest period, around the end of October / beginning of November.
Phone: +66 (0)81-166-4344
Email: surasitd@hotmail.com
Mae Klang Luang village (km 26)
Easier to access, but therefore a little more visited, you will find the Mae Klang Luang village some 3 km after the junction mentioned above. A small road going below on the left (in the direction to climb to the summit therefore) will be indicated by Ban Mae Klang Luang.
This village is also all surrounded by rice fields. This is not their only source of income, as they also produce their own coffee. I had already stopped to eat in a small local restaurant (it was delicious!) and I had tried a small coffee of theirs in the shop opposite (by buying a 1 kg packet of rice from them, the whole lot!)
When it's really green, we get this kind of view:
To show you the difference depending on the season, here is the same village out of rice season, it looks like this:
You will find several homestays and local cafes/restaurants in this Karen village, which remains quite quiet during the day and decidedly charming. There is a small shop in the village where you will usually find a lady or young lady in traditional dress, weaving scarves, table covers or clothing in local colors. Of course, what they produce here is for sale if you are interested in local crafts.
If you go to the cafe I'm telling you about the location here on Google Maps, you will also sometimes have a lady weaving in a space set up next to the café. It is also a good spot to take a little coffee break while observing a beautiful panorama of the rice fields below.
A young lady weaving.
A wooden house on stilts in the village of Mae Klang Luang.
Another spot with weaving in progress.
The view from the cafe I'm talking about (well the weather wasn't great that day, but you get the idea!)
If you really want to go all out, note that it is possible to do a 2-hour trek there from Mae Klang. This passes through forest, rice fields and follows a stream to a “hidden” waterfall, the picturesque Pha Dok Siew Waterfall.
Knowing for the latter that it is preferable to have a guide to take you there.
Pha Dok Siew Waterfall. Photo credit.
The Royal Project and Siriphum Waterfall (km 30)
At the crossroads with road 1284, going on your right, you will cross the Hmong village of Ban Khun Klang before reaching the station of Doi Inthanon Royal Project, wanted by the late King Rama IX to introduce a more modern agriculture to the people of the mountains and especially to develop and diversify the type of crops, for an agriculture not dependent on opium, until then very widespread in the mountains of northern Thailand.
In the right season, you will also see sakura trees there, especially on the side of the road near the school (see map below to know where to find others). As a reminder, sakuras are these ornamental flowers that we can also see closer to Chiang Mai at Doi Pui, just a little further than Doi Suthep.
Sakura trees, that's what they look like!
You will find accommodation on site, but also a waterfall, visible from the main road 1284 which plunges into the void from the top of the mountain. It is possible to approach it via a path (less than 50 m) accessible from the parking lot of the Royal Garden Siribhume, a little higher on the left after the village (see the map at the bottom of the article).
You can also leave from the station car park, in which case you will pass the gardens and the walk will be about 800 m.
Headquarters and Hmong market (km 31)
Back on Route 1009, just after the Doi Inthanon National Park Headquarters, you will come across the market selling local produce from the hill tribes, many of whom are Hmong.
Hmong Market.
The two royal pagodas (km 41)
6 km after the Hmong market, you will pass the second checkpoint, continue straight for a good 3.5 kilometers of steep climb. You will come across a discreet viewpoint on the left, but now that a concrete barrier protects the bend, there is no longer any parking possible, it is still possible to stop there if you are on two wheels but you risk easily missing it, for lack of seeing it.
The viewpoint in the bend.
Then another 550 m further, you will have on your left the access path to the pagodas via a small bridge. There are guards at this point because Entrance to the pagodas is charged separately – 100 baht/person- , in addition to the national park access ticket previously paid…
It's not a small amount, especially since it has increased again since it was 40 baht before!! Effective increase since November 2022, even though the first times quite a few years ago, the site was, I think, free to access... Since the stop is "almost" obligatory, why not integrate it directly into the final price of the national park? I find it all the more unfortunate because it adds to this ever-increasing feeling that tourists have to pay more and more.
The parking lot after the bridge is often full and even insufficient, you will find other parking spaces if necessary along the road that continues towards the summit. There is also another larger parking lot a little higher on the right. They have set up a shuttle system going to the parking lot at the foot of the pagodas, which is free.
The road from the parking lot where the shuttle bus to the pagodas is located.
Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon, the Brown Pagoda, was built in 1987 to honor the 60th birthday of the recently deceased King Bhumibol Adulyadej (dynastic name Rama IX), whose cremation ceremony took place at Sanam Luang Square on October 26 in Bangkok. The name means "by the power of earth and air."
Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri, the Purple Pagoda, was built in 1992 also to honor Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday. The name means "being the strength of the air and the grace of the earth."
Thais come here to pay their respects, pay homage to the royal family, but also to enjoy the view and the gardens (and take lots of selfies...)
For the laziest (or those with difficulties), there are escalators to go up. For the others and for the descent (no choice) it will be the stairs. In good weather, strolling in the small garden next to the Queen's Pagoda is not unpleasant. The small bridge over the pond is often stormed for Instagram photos
On the King's Pagoda side, the gardens were being redeveloped, however, when it's clear, the view is pretty good, you can see the valley below and all the other mountains surrounding Doi Inthanon.
The view next to the King's Pagoda.
Kew Mae Pan nature trail (km 42)
About 500m after the pagodas as you continue your progress towards the summit, you will see a parking lot again on your left, with probably people taking pictures on the right side of the road, the view being beautiful when it is not in the fog.
The view across from the Kew Mae Pan Trail parking lot.
It is possible to take a nature walk of around 3 km if you do the complete loop. A local guide is mandatory. This will be a Hmong from one of the surrounding villages. You will need to fill out the register with your name, nationality and the number of people accompanying you and then pay the amount of 200 baht for the guide (no matter how many people you have, it's 200 baht per group).
If I didn't really like at the time that someone was imposed on me just to get more money, I put it into perspective because the walk was worth it and it at least allowed a few people to live. The first part goes through a forest that was superbly green, with lots of moss. We followed a stream to a small waterfall then crossed a small bridge to span the watercourse. And for your information, this source is one of those feeding the famous Chao Phraya river that crosses Bangkok!
The starting point of the walk.
“Mystical” atmosphere.
We then continued up to a part covered with tall grass where there is normally a viewpoint on the mountainside. I say "normally" because it will depend on the day. At this altitude in the rainy season, it is common to have your head in the clouds. This was the case the first day I went there.
It wasn't a big deal either because that day I ran out of time. In fact, I wanted to join Ban Pa Pong Pieng before nightfall, so I had done less than half of the loop and seeing this tuft of cloud, I then asked to turn back after reaching the sort of alpine savannah (the part with the tall grass, which by the way, is a firebreak zone). You should know that there are precisely two possible walks.
- You can just get to the viewpoint, so where I arrived the first time, then turn around and come back. Since it takes 1 km to get to the viewpoint, this shortens the walk because the round trip is therefore 2 km, so count 1h30.
- The other option is the 3 km loop. Knowing that the last part goes up and down several times, it takes around 3 hours to complete the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail in total.
The view is… um… how to say. Blocked today.
It was better the other day.
Below are photos from my first visit to Kew Mae Pan with a blocked view.
So if you opt for the full loop, the rest of the walk normally consists of following the mountain ridge for a while and therefore allows a beautiful view of the entire western slope in good weather. This part takes you to a viewpoint of the 2 royal pagodas, before returning to the forest and returning to the starting car park.
And when it's not blocked, with the part running along the crest, it looks like this:
Viewpoint of the two royal pagodas.
It was during this last part in the forest that I came across claw marks, because there are Asian black bears around here, with luck, you might come across small barking deer (yes yes), Chinese gorals (better than a bear…), a type of goat (from the same family as goats or chamois rather, since it's from the mountains).
It is also a place for bird watching (valid throughout the park, by the way), which are usually heard more than seen, but you can possibly spot green-tailed sunbirds (aethopyga nipalensis), flycatchers, red-bellied flycatchers (niltava vivida) or even woodpeckers, to name just a few, since no fewer than 300 species have been recorded in the park.
A bear track on a tree, gulp!
Overall, it is a "trek" rather easy, but as it can be wet, it can be slippery so prefer sneakers to flip-flops. The best season is during the "winter" months between November and February, the period until April being favorable, because many birds migrate here to breed. The period to avoid is between July and October (which is good since the trail is closed to access as a reminder between June 1st and October 30th).
In terms of flora, you will not be left out, from December to February, you can for example come across red rhododendrons, a rare species found rather in the Himalayan mountains. The sub-alpine climate of Doi Inthanon allows you to see other types of wild flowers such as vanda orchids.
You will notice in this section the number of illustrative photos, proportional in number to the pleasure taken during this beautiful walk.
Ang Ka nature trail and the summit of Doi Inthanon (km 48)
A few more km and you're at the top... Well, almost. There are still a few steps next to the parking lot. But where's the view, you might ask? Well, there isn't one...
It may be the easiest peak in the world to climb, but it still lacks a commanding view of the area... Instead, you have a Royal Thai Air Force radar station (which also doubles as a weather station).
A foggy day at the summit car park...
And there you are, almost there, the real summit is a few meters after this sign.
Small chedi at the top, housing the ashes of the last king of Chiang Mai.
Right next to the parking lot, a small path goes through the mossy forest. After a few hundred meters, a sign tells you the altitude reached, a simple mound in the middle of this forest that is humid all year round reminds you of your victory, BRAVO, you have reached a peak!
At the top is actually a small chedi containing the ashes of King Inthawichayanon, who had asked to be placed there upon his death.
Bring a sweater for this summit, as it is normally quite cool all year round (especially compared to the rest of Thailand, with perhaps an exception around March/April/May when it can also be at least a little warm). Note that it is often foggy, especially before noon and particularly in the rainy season.
Shortly before the car park, opposite the official summit, you will find a wooden footbridge on the left side of the road. This footbridge makes a small loop in the moss forest, for just under 400 m.
The Ang Ka Trail path looks like this.
4- Bonus visits
Assuming you have time (let's say at least 2 full days and therefore 1 night on site), here, in addition to everything I mentioned below, is what you could add as visits to Doi Inthanon.
Mae ya waterfall
Mae Ya is a little outside the national park as it is not located along Route 1009 but you have to turn right directly from Route 108, shortly after the junction with Route 1009 (see the map at the end of the article).
You will then have a checkpoint and will have to pay the 300 baht entrance fee if you haven't been to the main part of the park yet. Keep the ticket, because it is valid for the rest of the national park if you visit on the same day (usually the next day too).
Once at the car park, you will have about 500 m on foot to reach the foot of the waterfall.
Close to Mae Ya waterfall.
In the rainy season it looks like this.
Less visited, it is nevertheless one of the most impressive in the area. Falling 250 m over several floors, the main fall, visible from the spot set up at the bottom, exceeds 40 m. The waterfall forms a large staircase over a width reaching 100 m.
It is therefore considered the second largest behind the majestic Thi Lo Su Falls in Tak Province (near the border with Burma).
During the rainy season.
In winter.
The difference between the rainy season and the off-season is quite impressive, not necessarily in terms of water flow, but also in terms of color and atmosphere.
A guy enjoying his moment. Do you see him?
Mae Pan and Huai Sai Lueang Waterfall
Mae Pan is a waterfall that falls 100 m in height. Very little visited, it is more difficult to access, it is reached by a 500 m path, along a small precipice where the stream below is a little overflowed by vegetation.
The day I went there, I was absolutely alone (with just one spider that surprised me and almost made me fall...).
Access to the waterfall from the end of the car park, itself at the end of the road.
A path? What path?
The culprit who made me jump!
It is also a place to camp and there is another waterfall at the entrance of the camp, Huai Sai Lueang, easy to access since a path of a few meters from the parking lot takes you to the foot of it. It is from the Mae Pan camp that you can reach the rice fields of Ban Pa Pong Pieng (see below).
Huai Sai Lueang waterfall.
Ban Pa Pong Pieng
If you are in the area during rice paddy season (July to early November), I suggest you visit in the village of Pa Pong Pieng, where I believe the most beautiful rice fields in Thailand are located.
By yourself a 4×4 or a good motocross bike is essential but it is also possible to ask the park ranger to take you there (for 700 Bahts round trip), you can sleep on site in one of the homestays, all at 500 Bahts per night / person (dinner and breakfast included).
5- The surroundings of Doi Inthanon
I'll talk about the area around Chom Thong since that's the one I know, but the Doi Inthanon area is worth a look if you have the time (and are curious and independent). There's a typical country life and pleasant landscapes, between rice fields and mountains. I wandered around this area as I was coming back from Mae Ya waterfall to get back on road 1009.
Instead of returning via the main road 108, which would normally be the quickest, I cut through the villages (thanks to my GPS). In doing so, I came across villagers busy in their rice fields, I passed a few temples protruding from the fields and forests surrounding the mountain in the background, which completed this beautiful picture.
6- Sleep at Doi Inthanon
If you want to sleep on site, you will have several choices. There are those already mentioned in the article, namely staying in one of the homestays in the villages populating the mountain (Mae Klang, Khun Klang, Pa Pong Pieng, to name just a few).
There are also campsites near the Royal Project, at Mae Pan waterfall, but also towards Chom Thong. For something more modern or comfortable, you will have to stay towards the more urbanized areas, either in Chom Tong, or on the other side towards Mae Chaem (closer to the summit).
- For my part, I had tested the Baan Sunlomjoy, which, for 700 baht, offers a minimum of comfort with a superb view of the mountain and the rice fields nearby.
The view from the room at Baan Sunlomjoy.
- Also tested because it is really not expensive, the Smile Place (from less than 500 Baht), it is basically a recent building, located not far from the edge of the main road. For this price, it does the job, but I find the reception blah blah and the whole gives a hotel with a rather sad appearance.
The room at Smile Place.
The view from the room early in the morning.
If just a dorm is enough for you, the Inthanon Hostel should do the trick, with a price tag of less than 200 baht. For more luxury, Doiintanon View Resort would be a good choice (from 1 Baht, or €800).
Among other interesting ones, I noticed some recent hotels as good candidates for a future stay, like the Nok Chan Mee Na or B-tel Chom Thong Resort. As there are many others and I'm not going to list them all here, I'll let you make your choice:
– Book your hotel in Chom Thong –
7- What to do and see in Doi Inthanon: the map
To make the map easier to read, I have removed secondary attractions and other names mentioned in the article by default.
If you want to add them to the map, open the menu at the top left of the map below:
You are back from Doi Inthanon, I am interested in your opinion!
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Camille
Hello Romain.
I'm arriving in Chiang Mai in a few days and would like to visit Doi Inthanon.
I was thinking of going there by public transport (as I am not comfortable on a scooter) but I am wondering what is possible to do by songthaew from Chom Thong? Is it possible to make stops on the road? Which parts should I choose if I am on foot? Is hitchhiking an option in the park?
Thanks a lot !
Camille
Roman
Hello Camille,
It is of course possible to make stops on the road. Visiting the park on foot seems impossible to me as it is spread out (it takes more than 30km to get from the entrance to the summit). Hitchhiking is not particularly common in Thailand, not sure it would be profitable in terms of timing / desired stops
You can also simply arrange directly from Chiang Mai to have a vehicle/songthaew (to share with others possibly), some have offers for a day visit to Doi Inthanon.
Celia Fritsch
Thanks for all this info, we'll be at the park for 2 days and with everything I've read here, we have plenty to keep us busy for 2 days! It's great.
I read on your site that you need an international license to rent a car but I read on the Avis site that it is not mandatory as long as you have a license in Latin, so that makes me doubt? It was too late when we realized that you need an international license to apply for it and we are leaving in 10 days, if you can enlighten me, thank you.
Roman
Hello,
I'm afraid an international license is required...
Celia
Good evening,
Thanks for the reply………… well now that compromises our trip.
Roman
Not necessarily, it remains entirely feasible by public transport, otherwise there is also the option of renting a car with driver.
Celia
we did a big part of what you describe here, renting a vehicle with driver for 1600 bts, it was super cool and we will do the end tomorrow…………everything is doable without renting a car
Roman
Glad you enjoyed the beauty of this park, which can indeed be visited without your own vehicle!
maou
Hello,
I want to go by local transport, what can I visit on foot?
And is it easy to find a shared taxi to go to Chom Thong?
cordially
Roman
Hello,
Normally you can negotiate the collective taxi for the day, it will take you to different visiting points of the park and will wait for you each time, otherwise nothing is really accessible on foot per se.
Nico
Hello Romain,
Thank you for this article.
A question about transportation. I am thinking of visiting Doi Inthanon by public transportation. Would it be possible to know how to get from one point to another that is on your map (to visit the waterfalls).
Is there transportation available between the different waterfalls?
Regarding the rice fields, if I think I will be in Chiang Mai in May, do you think the fields will be nice and beautiful to visit?
Thank you in advance.
Roman
Hello,
If you take a songthaew (pick-up) in Chom Tong, it will stop at different points and wait for you (I have never done this but I imagine you have to define the desired stops beforehand)
Unfortunately, no rice fields in May, it is the beginning of the rainy season but planting only takes place in July...
annie donadio
Hello Romain,
I read you regularly and it's always a treat. We have already done Doi Inthanon, but just the pagodas, and a car ride. This year we plan to stay 2 or 3 days in the Mae Chaem region, with the intention of seeing Pa Pong Pien, the waterfalls and doing the 2 or 3 small walking tours you mentioned. We are a couple aged 69 and 72, still in good shape. We will have a rental 1x4. We will arrive from Mae Hong Son and after these 4 days head to Chiang Mai. Can you advise me when arriving from MHS where to stay and how to organize these 3 days.
thanks in advance
Roman
Hello Annie,
I know you are indeed a regular here and thank you for it! Coming from Mae Hong Son, if you want to stop before going up to Pa Pong Pieng, the only place where you will easily find guesthouses is in Mae Chaem, as in Phu Chaem for example, and if you already want a night in the rice fields, there is also the Kowit Maechaem Farmhouse.
Basically I would say that it will take a day to get to Mae Chaem, taking the time to stop and see the interesting points (I don't know them all, not having yet traveled the whole area around Mae Hong Son) but for example if it is the right season (November), you can go see the Mexican sunflower fields (Thung Bua Tong Fields) at Doi Mae U Kho, and a little further, see the Mae Surin waterfall.
A day that you can spend relaxing in Pa Pong Pieng. If you have a 4×4 you can go there by yourself via the roads mentioned in my article dedicated to this place. A last day can be devoted to visiting the national park, its waterfalls and the walk to the summit in particular, you can possibly sleep in Chom Thong rather than returning directly to Chiang Mai (well it only takes 60km but it's still something...)
annie donadio
Thank you Romain for your quick and interesting answer. I'll note your advice. I would like to do Loy Kratong in Tak (on November 23 we will arrive from Kanchanaburi) then Mae sot, Mae sariang, Mae Hong Son then Mae Chaem, which would make us be there around December 5. Isn't that a bit late for the rice fields and sunflowers?
I will send you photos and my feelings about these 3 days.
cordially
Antoine
Hello Romain,
I'm going to Thailand next month, and wanted to know if it was possible to visit part of the park in half a day and then go to the rice fields of Ban Pa Pong Pieng. I booked a night there but I would like to know if it was accessible from Doi Inthanon Park at the end of the day.
Thank you so much!
Roman
Hello,
Yes it is quite feasible, ideally you need to arrive at the center of the Mae Pan waterfall around 16 p.m., this is where you will go up to Ban Pa Pong Pieng (make sure you have confirmed your transport beforehand via your accommodation which can normally take you and bring you back down the next day, for 700 Baht).
Emilie
Hello Romain, thank you very much for all this information! We are thinking of going for 2 or 3 days to Doi Inthanon. But is the entrance fee valid for one day only or valid for 2-3 days if we sleep in the park? Thank you for your answer. Emilie and Stephane
Roman
Hello,
Actually, once inside the park you can stay as long as you want, the only time the ticket is checked is when you go up to the top. Of course, otherwise you can stay 2 days since I did it recently.
froussart
Hello Romain,
Really exciting
Question please: from what time in the morning can we find songthaews that take us from Chiang Mai to the foot of the Wat Prat mountain? Because I read that Doi Inthanon opens from 5:30 in the morning, but that it takes 2h30 (transport from Chiang Mai + minibus to go to the summit)….
Thank you very much for the reply!
Roman
Hello,
As far as I know, once you find a songthaew willing to take you for the day, there is no real start time since you can find some at all hours. The best thing in this case is to agree the day before with a driver to come and pick you up at your hotel the next morning at the desired time and privatize it for the day.
Céline
Hello,
Very interesting information thanks to you when we prepare our future trip to Thailand. It's not always easy to select visits depending on the time we have on site. But this site and its owner are rather convincing to try to reach Doi Ithanon from Chang Mai in a few weeks. ?
Thank you!
Roman
Thank you !
Aurélie
Hello,
This post is a bit old so I hope I get a response :)
We are going to Chiang Mai in August and plan to go for a day to Doi Inthanon. On the edge of the park there is an elephant camp Chiang Mai Elephant Land and we say that the ideal would be to spend a night in the area to avoid the unnecessary drive from Chiang Mai two days in a row.
Do you know this place and if so, do you know a gh or hotel that allows us to spend the night there?
Thank you in advance,
Aurélie
Roman
Hello,
Just because the post is old doesn't mean it's no longer relevant and the blog is still very much active 😉
So no, I don't know Chiang Mai Elephant Land, to tell the truth this kind of center emphasizing "no riding" and the "well-being" of the elephant is growing like mushrooms since it is fashionable following the awareness of tourists of the treatment of elephants in Thailand. However, there are so many that it is difficult to distinguish between things, some just take advantage and only make camps "good" in appearance...
In any case, it is not possible to go to these camps by yourself, which implies that it is next to Doi Inthanon or not, the departure will be from Chiang Mai anyway, to my knowledge, it is not possible to ask for support from elsewhere, even if it is close to the camps (but to try, maybe I am wrong… it would be interesting to confirm).
As for accommodation, I have tested several in the area:
- Smile Place, cheap quite basic and close to the main road, a few small restaurants next door and a 7/11
- Baan Sunlomjoy, the first tested, run by a nice little Thai family, not expensive, beautiful view of the rice fields and the mountain, basic no breakfast (and not easy to find at first because it is set back from the main road)
- T Table Inthanon, on the road crossing the park (6km before the main entrance), good value for money
- Doi Inthanon Riverside Resort, beautiful mountain view, on the river with swimming pool, beautiful setting but a little disappointed by the room.
- Mae Win Guest House, located north of the national park, it is a little isolated, but has a family guesthouse atmosphere, cabin rooms in the middle of the woods.
As a bonus, not tested and in the same area as the one above, it would allow you to kill two birds with one stone, sleep close to Doi Inthanon (north side) and spend time with elephants because they offer packages with visits and elephants, Karen Eco Lodge
Aurelie
Hello Romain,
Thank you very much for this very complete answer. I had no doubts about the answer 🙂
Having tested Ganesha Park when it first opened a few years ago, I know that some camps allow you to get there by your own means, but it must not be possible for everyone. Especially since in this case, the exact address of the site is impossible to find. I will write to them and see what they offer me, nothing ventured, nothing gained 😉
I also read good reviews about the Karen Eco Lodge, it could be a good alternative. Thanks again!
Marie
Hello Romain,
I came across your site while doing research to visit Doi Inthanon. To summarize, we are a group of 10 young people (between 16 and 17 years old) and we have been self-financing this trip for about a year. We have collected enough money to go during the April holidays with our 1 leaders. Over these 2 days: after having done 10 days of trekking in Chiang Mai, we would like to spend the day at Doi Inthanon on Wednesday, but in the evening we have to leave Chiang Mai and take a night train to go to Lopburi. In your opinion, how should we go about it in terms of transport and for the day, because with 2 people it is complicated to organize!
If you ever answer me, thank you very much for enlightening us.
Roman
Hello,
In my opinion, in this case, the easiest thing is to call on a local agency to organize this day. You will find what you need on site and they will have minivans to transport you all.
Sylvie
Hello Romain
Congratulations on your site.
Will we see green rice fields in February?
Thank you for your answer
Roman
Hello,
Unfortunately not because here they only plant once a year so no rice fields before July...
Ash
Hello Romain! Great article.
I have a question though: not being an athlete at all, is this still doable without having a physical condition that is particularly suited to usual sporting activities?
Thank you ?
Roman
Hello,
If the request is in relation to the forest walk (Kew Mae Pan trail), then yes, no worries, it goes up and down but there are regular breaks, for the views, to observe, to rest. Allow 3 hours if you go rather slowly to complete the loop.
Mertrud Lucy
Hello and thank you for all this information.
I would like to visit Doi Inthanon for 2 days with a night in Ban Pa Pong Piang if I can find it or with the addresses given, all by transport and on foot.
Do you think this is possible?
Roman
Hello,
Everything is possible, you just have to organize yourself well 😉 In theory, the first day you have to take one of the yellow songthaews to visit part of the park and get dropped off at the crossroads on the road to the Mae Pan waterfall camp (I doubt that the latter will drop you off at the bottom). Having arranged transport with your accommodation in Ban Pa Pong Pieng, you will be taken care of to go up and down there and the next day, do it again, go back up to the main road and wait for a songthaew to pass by heading to Chiang Mai.
Helen
Hello Romain, thank you for these excellent articles!
If we book accommodation in Chom Thong and want to spend 2 days in the national park, will we have to pay the park entrance fee again the next day?
What we would like is to spend one or two nights inside the park, cheap but with real mattresses anyway (there will be 6 or 7 of us. If there is no hot water it does not matter). What advice? How to book in advance since we are leaving at Christmas, which I know is a peak tourist season! We would like to rent a car in Chiang Mai for the 7 of us in order to continue the road then to Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhotai (even if the scams we see on the internet cool us down a little!)
Thanks for all your advice!
Roman
Hello,
To my knowledge, yes, it is possible to visit it over 2 days with the same ticket. To book accommodation in the park, there is no other choice than to go through the official website: http://nps.dnp.go.th/reservation.php?option=home
However, it is not possible to book more than 60 days in advance, so to book around the Christmas period, it will not be possible until next month.
To rent a car, no worries if you go through an international rental company like Hertz, Avis, Budget etc., they are all present at Chiang Mai airport and this will allow you to return the car elsewhere if necessary (but be careful of the sometimes high drop-off fees).
Julie
Hello Romain,
First of all, thank you for all this useful information! Your blog is very clear and very precise, it's a treat to read you!! My partner and I are organizing our trip to Thailand (planned for March), and you are helping us a lot ?
I still have a question: we would like to visit Doi Inthanon, renting a car for more freedom and to see as much as possible. However, after reading your article about driving in Thailand, it scares us a little (we already know about driving on the left, that's something...). Despite the difficulties of driving there, do you still recommend renting a vehicle? And is it mandatory to rent from Chiang Mai airport (all the international rental agencies we found are there)? And how is the traffic in Chiang Mai?
thank you in advance
Roman
Hello,
As such, it is especially renting a two-wheeler that I advise against. Renting a car remains entirely possible. Especially if you are already familiar with driving, a left hand drive is a plus. To my knowledge, all the main international rental companies (budget, avis, hertz) are only available at the airport. But the latter is really very close to the center so easy to access. Traffic in Chiang Mai itself is quite chaotic, a GPS is more than preferable. Outside the city you will see that it is cooler.
daas
Hello,
Great blog and photos, we will be in Chiang Mai in February 2021, for the visit of Doi Inthanon we are 2 couples with children (teenagers) is it possible for a person who has heart problems to do this excursion, is there a lot of slope, or can we do it by car. Because I don't really understand the route, on the excursion sites it is not recommended for people with heart problems thank you in advance.
Sylvia
Roman
Hello,
Let's say that as such, it's a mountain road, so inevitably a bit winding... If the question is "can we rent a car and do it ourselves", the answer is yes, because basically, you won't have a bus anyway if that is the question, it's either in a minivan or possibly in a pick-up if an excursion is organized. But to answer in relation to the feeling of nausea, it's difficult for me to realize when you're not concerned. It's not a road that seems particularly prone to that to me however because it's not a series of tight S-turns overall. In addition, given the visits to be made, there are frequent stops.
DIERINCKX
Hello ,
There are 4 of us, we plan to go by taxi or minivan, but is it possible to find a guide on site and at what price?
Roman
Hello,
In theory, if you take a taxi for the day, a guide is not really necessary since the taxi will be able to take you to the main sites. And for that, you can privatize any common taxi (the famous red pick-ups of Chiang Mai). Expect to pay around 2500 Bahts to do so. If you absolutely want someone who speaks English to accompany you, the easiest thing is to book a day trip through one of the city's agencies.
Raphael
Hello Romain,
We are leaving (2 adults and 2 children aged 8 and 10) next Tuesday for Thailand (from April 6 to 25) and hope to visit the park over 2 days. We do not yet have a specific route. Thank you for all this very practical and interesting information. Are there any updates to take into account since the last comments and/or following Covid?
Goods.
Roman
Hello,
Having been to the park recently, the only thing that has changed with covid is the short trek near the summit, which is currently inaccessible. Otherwise the advantage is that it is very quiet.
Raphael
Thank you for your reply. I am improving my knowledge, especially on treks, thanks to your blog.
Marie-Pia
Hello Romain,
Thank you for your blog full of interesting information to help you organize your trip!
We will be in the Chiangmai area at the end of December and would have liked to see the rice terraces. When you say that the rice is planted in July, what scenery do we see in December? Mud terraces? Is the scenery worth it or not? Do you happen to have a photo of the rice terraces at that time?
Thank you in advance for your answer !
Marie-Pia
Roman
Hello,
Unfortunately, rice is harvested during the first half of November, so for the rice terraces at the end of December it's a miss. You will have terraces with just straw (the remains of the stalk), no mud because it will be all dry. It is certainly not the most representative, but you will find a photo of a rice field at this time on this article: https://thailande-et-asie.com/quand-visiter-thailande-meteo-mois-par-mois
Long Isabelle
Many thanks for this detailed report of what you can see at Doi Inthanon, because I admit that I was a little lost. It really helped me prepare my road trip, thank you!
Roman
With great pleasure, always happy to know my articles are useful! Enjoy your visits!
Clementine
Hello, thank you for this very detailed article. However, I have a question. We are leaving with 3 people and we would like to know if it was possible to find a "private" driver (we want to be autonomous in discovering the park but cannot rent a car) the same day by going to Chang Phuak Bus Station or if it was necessary to book in advance. And do you have any idea of the prices? Thank you in advance for your answer
Clementine
Roman
Hello,
No need to book in advance in general, however, you missed the answer which is in the article, I explain, I quote:
"You can also rent the vehicle for yourself and stop whenever you want, then expect to pay around 2000 to 2 baht per day." and I'm talking about the famous red pick-ups, which can act as a private driver for the day.
André M'GOMRI
Hello Romain. My name is André and my partner and I are going to visit Thailand in June 2023. By chance, given the richness of your blog, would you not accompany French people coming from REUNION Island during their stay for a trek to Doi Chiang Dao? It would be around a period from June 09 to 13 for 2 days?
This is a fabulously precise blog and kind response.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful life experience with us.
Very cordially to you,
A.M'G
Roman
Hello,
Unfortunately, only a Thai will be authorized to accompany you on a trek so I'm afraid I won't be of any use to you in this case, especially since being based in Bangkok, it would involve significant costs for me to come to Chiang Dao for just two days... In any case, thank you for the compliment and enjoy your visit!
Virginie B.
Hello,
First of all, THANK YOU for sharing this, does it really make you want to?
We are planning to rent a car for 2 days with our children at the end of October.
Our road trip: Chiang Mai – visit to Doi Inthatoi National Park – Pa Bong Piang rice fields and overnight stay – return to Chiang Mai.
Do you think this is possible in terms of timing?
Merciii
Roman
Hello,
Yes, no worries, it can be done in 2 days, especially since now, the rice fields are easily accessible via the road that has been tarmacked. At the end of October it will be very green and the rice high, it will be great! Enjoy your discovery!
Charline
Hello and thank you for all these discoveries!
We are 2 friends going there at the end of November (Loy Krathong obliges?) so on the 27th to Chiang Mai, on the 28th to the Doit Suthep Park up to the summit making stops here and there… And back to Chiang Mai in the evening or should we plan a night elsewhere? (Not a great view of the rice fields at this time from what I understand) where do you advise us to book and how from France? Because given the date I'm afraid that everything will be stormed quickly…
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Roman
Hello,
Don't worry at the base, Chiang Mai is a big city so there will always be rooms available somewhere, after if you want to book to be at peace, you can look on Booking. At the end of November we arrive at the end of the harvest period so normally there are not too many full rice fields in fact. But the region is beautiful because it is the very beginning of the dry season so it is still very green (the forests).
NessKhn
Hello,
Thank you very much for this valuable information! Is it possible to ask to do the Pha Dok Seaw Waterfall trek by public transport (with the songthaew)? And can we find a guide on site directly?
Otherwise we think we will arrange to visit the park and then ask to go see the rice fields of Ba Pa Bong Piang
Thank you so much!
Roman
Hello,
Normally yes, if you rent the vehicle for the day, it will stop where you tell it to. To my knowledge, you don't really need a guide to do this little trek, if the driver knows it, he will drop you off at the Karen village of Mae Klang Luang, from where you can leave, and should wait for you on the other side of the path, which leads to the edge of the main road. For the rice fields, there still have to be some, what season will you be there?
NessKhn
Tomorrow !
Thank you very much!!
Jessica
Hello and congratulations to you for this great vlog! Soon it will be our turn to go there, we planned to rent a car for 1 day in Chiang Mai to go to Doi Inthanon and do the circuit visit to the summit in July. My question is: is it possible to do everything you describe in 1 day with return to Chiang Mai and can we go there in a Yaris without problem? And July does not pass mudslide? Thank you in any case for this wealth of information
Roman
Hello and thank you !
It's doable in a day but to not be too much in the race, leaving a little early is not too much. No worries in Yaris, any car can reach the summit, it will just be a bit difficult on some hills. No mudslides on this road to my knowledge or very rare so it should be fine.
Gwendal
Hello, we are planning to visit the Doi Inthanon National Park with my girlfriend in mid-March but neither she nor I have an international license. To tell the truth, we have driven scooters all over Asia and received a nice fine in Vietnam but we are able to drive. Do you think there are risks of control if we exclude the risks of accidents, legality, etc.?
Thank you!
Amandine and Gwendal
Roman
Hello,
Unfortunately, I am not the one to ask this kind of question, because personally, knowing well the dangers of the road in Thailand, I do not particularly recommend this mode of transport for the north, even less if it involves driving illegally... I will not worry about the risk of checks but rather about the consequences in the event of an accident, much more common than one would like to believe (Thailand is generally in the top 5 of the deadliest countries on the roads, 80% of which concern two-wheelers...)
At your own risk then… but otherwise it’s very easy to visit with the songthaews (shared taxis) 😉
Nat
Hello
Thank you for this blog topic which helps me to prepare my stay in Thailand, being a nature lover I would like to spend 2 days there to visit the Doi Inthanon park.
We will arrive from Chiang Mai.
I am looking for a well-located rental close to the park but with amenities and restaurants, as we will be on foot.
Do you have any addresses you can give me?
Thank you very much in advance for your valuable advice.
Roman
Hello,
Sorry for the response time but I was on vacation in disconnected mode. To answer you, there are two possible choices, either sleep in the locality of Chom Thong, the small municipality which is at the foot of Doi Inthanon, you have for that small simple hotels like the Bansuan Inthanon Eco Resort, which is located near one of the best restaurants I have eaten at in Thailand, Kruabanrao? (visible here).
If you want more comfort, you have in this corner the Shada Hotel.
There is also the punyin hotel @inthanon, which is more in the city itself.
The other option is to sleep within the national park itself, around the area where the visitor centre is located. There are several cafes and restaurants along the road up the back of the mountain, including the Inthanon Lao Ju House or The Camp Inthanon for more comfort.
In this area you have the friendly 22 Aquarius Glamping Cafe for snacks and excellent coffee during the day.