Doi Inthanon National Park

Visit the highest peak in Thailand! Doi Inthanon National Park is accessible as a day-tour from Chiang Mai. The paradox of the summit is that there are no views. At 2,565 meters above sea level, the summit of Doi Inthanon is forested and covered in mist year-round.

Instead of taking in a sweeping vista, you are immersed in the cool moist air and come face-to-face with the moss and lichen covered tree trunks. There is a short ring-track through the forest with a monument marking the highest point. A nearby information center has posters explaining the flora and fauna that is found at this altitude and lower slopes

Doi Inthanon Day Tour Itinerary

The tour includes all transport, licensed English-speaking Tour Guide, all attraction tickets, and a set-menu lunch.

You will visit all the places listed throughout the day, but the order will vary based on season & logistics. (e.g. trekking may be morning or afternoon).

  • Pickup from Hotel in Chiang Mai.
  • Drive south to Doi Inthanon National park. (park entry fee included)
  • Go to the highest point in Thailand (free).
  • Visit the Cloud Forest boardwalk (Ang Ka Trail) near the summit. (free, PRIVATE TOUR ONLY)
  • Visit the Royal Pagodas and gardens (entry included)
  • Browse the fresh produce at Hmong markets (free, time-permitting)
  • Set menu lunch (included)
  • Trekking with local Karen guide along Pha Dok Siew nature trail. 2 hours easy walk (mostly downhill) through forest and past waterfalls and Karen farmland (local guide fee included).
  • Finish trek at the Karen village of Mae Klang Luang village where you can sample locally grown and freshly roasted arabica coffee. (free)
  • On the way back down the mountain, visit Wachirathan waterfall. (free)
  • Return to hotel at around 6pm or earlier

Both the private and group tours include the same points of interest. Here is a quick comparison on prices and inclusions.

Doi Inthanon Group Tour

฿1,700

per person

Share your guide and van
with other travellers

Pickup around 7:30am

Doi Inthanon National Park

Trekking with local guide

Coffee tasting at Karen village

Set-menu lunch

Highest Point in Thailand

Ang Ka Nature Trail

Royal Pagodas & Gardens

Wachirathan waterfall

Doi Inthanon Private Tour

฿4,100 (2 pax)

฿3,000 (3 pax)

฿2,800 (4 pax)

฿2,500 (5+ pax)

฿2,050 (7+ pax)

per person

Same inclusions as group tour

+ Later start time (8:00am)

+ Exclusive tour guide

+ Private transport

+ Exclusive local guide for trekking

Royal Pagodas & Gardens

The Royal Pagodas are very photogenic, and a highlight of any trip to Doi Inthnon.

Doi Inthanon Royal Pagodas

These twin Pagodas (their official names are Pra Mahatat Noppamethanedon and Pra Mahatat Nopphonphusiri) honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, and are surrounded by spectacular gardens. While the summit does not have …

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Trekking to Mae Klang Luang via Pha Dok Siew Trail

We strongly recommend this trek as part of all day trips and overnight itineraries to Doi Inthanon.

Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail

For many visitors to Doi Inthanon National Park, this trek is the highlight of the day. A local Karen guide will lead you (mostly downhill) through forest and farmland to her village. The forest walk …

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Mae Klang Luang Village

Mae Klang Luang (Karen Village) Mae Klang Luang is a Karen Village situated within Doi Inthanon National Park. Named after the Mae Klang river, the local population earn the bulk of their income from farming, …

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If you are unable to complete the trek (for example, due to restricted mobility), we can drive you straight to the village of Mae Klang Luang so you will not miss out on the coffee tasting, and we can use the additional time to go for an easier walk in the village.

Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

If you would like a more challenging walk, the Kew Mae Pan trail is at a higher altitude (starts just above the royal pagodas), and takes 2.5 hours. This trail is not open during the wet season to ensure safety. Please let us know during the booking process if you prefer this trail as availability for group tours is not guaranteed, and for private tours we need to arrange for a local guide in advance.

Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

A local Hmong guide will lead you through forest and open grasssland to scenic vistas high on the slopes of Doi Inthanon. The trail starts in sun-dappled rainforest and you pass by a scenic watefall. …

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Wachirathan Waterfall

Wachirathan Waterfall is one of several scenic waterfalls within the park. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls and is easily accessible.

Swimming is not permitted at this waterfall – for safety, aesthetic & environmental reasons, but you will get some great photos.

Doi Inthanon National Park - Wachirathan Waterfall

Ang Ka Nature Trail (Cloud Forest Boardwalk)

Close to the summit is another boardwalk This is only a short walk of a few hundred meters, but it lets you get a little further into the forest and experience the misty, moss-covered forest floor and high-altitude peat bog.

Doi Inthanon Royal Project

The Doi Inthanon Royal Project is located near the Hmong village of Khun Klang within the National Park. This is a royal sponsored project to improve agri-technology and market local Karen and Hmong produce.

Doi Inthanon Hmong Markets

On the lower slopes of Doi Inthanon is a daily market where Hmong villagers sell fresh produce and also processed goods such as dried fruit.

Fresh Produce at Doi Inthanon Hmong Market
Packaged Goods at Doi Inthanon Hmong Market

If you are planning to do the Mae Hong Son Loop, this itinerary includes all Doi Inthanon attractions featured in the day tours.

Accommodation in Doi Inthanon

Please be aware that accommodation in Doi Inthanon is not served by public transport. Please ensure you have appropriate tranpsort arrangements before booking accommodation stays.

 

Rangbondoi (Mountain Nest)

Peaceful Bungalows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is vegetarian and vegan food available at Doi Inthanon?

Yes, this is a common request – a vegetarian or vegan lunch is available on both group and private tours. Let us know during booking and, to avoid delays at lunch, don’t be shy about reminding your guide on the morning of the tour.

Is halal food available at Doi Inthanon?

No, the lunch restaurant is not halal certified. For private tours we can sometimes arrange halal lunch boxes to bring from the city. Check with us, we will do our best to help, but may not have the staff available in peak season.

Is kosher food available at Doi Inthanon

For private tours we may be able to bring a kosher lunch from Chiang Mai Chabad House – but due to the hours of operation we need to pickup the previous evening so this service is limited to foods that will safely keep overnight. Check with us, we will do our best to help, but may not have the staff available in peak season.

Can we hike both the Pha Dok Siew and Kew Mae Pan trails?

We can run a private tour with extra hiking – both major trails are possible if all people are fit, experienced hikers, and are prepared to start early. Contact us for details.

Is the group tour available every day?

Yes, we have multiple tour groups every day. The way the group tours work is that we pool our guides/vehicles with several other operators, this way we can keep adding groups to meet demand.

What is the maximum group size for group tours?

We use Toyota Commuter vans configured with 12 passenger seats (in addition to guide and driver up front). You should assume each group is full or near-full, as we finalize the number of tour groups only days before the tour date.