Perhaps one of the most underrated things to do in and around Chiang Mai, embarking on a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand is perfect for nature lovers and just an hour and a half away from the heart of Old Town by car. It is home to the highest mountain in Thailand, nature trails, stunning gardens and incredible waterfalls. If you are visiting Chiang Mai and want to venture off the beaten path, get yourself to Doi Inthanon National Park!
How to get to Doi Inthanon National Park
The best way to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon is to hire a driver. The drive is just over an hour and a half from downtown Chiang Mai, and this way you can maximize your time in the park and get from point-to-point easily. It is possible to get there by scooter, but the road is winding and steep in some sections: unless you are a skilled scooter or motorcycle driver, I would advise against it. Once you are within the park, it is easy to drive between the sights. I would not recommend walking from point to point!
I paid 3000 Baht (approximately 90 USD) for a private car for the day, but you can also opt to take a Songthaew (share taxi) – the cost difference is not much so I would opt for the private air conditioned car. There is plenty of parking so it is also possible to self-drive if you have access to a rental car. You can charter a private car and driver for the day in Chiang Mai by clicking here (there is a 500 Baht surcharge for Doi Inthanon), or leave a comment below for the contact details for my regular driver in Chiang Mai. More details on the location of Doi Inthanon National Park available here.
Alternatively, you could also join a group tour, just visit one of the many tour agencies around town or book your space on a Doi Inthanon group tour here. The only issue is that most group tour itineraries skip quite a few of these landmarks (or visit the same places at the same time, crowds galore), and make sure you read the reviews and itineraries clearly!
Wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai to make the most of your time there? If you only have a few days, then the best place to stay in Chiang Mai is within “Old Town”. I can highly recommend See You Soon Chiang Mai, a boutique hotel located above a fantastic cafe and right next to Wat Chedi Luang temple, or Nawa Sheeva, a few steps away from Tha Pae Gate with a private pool. Click here to check current room rates at See You Soon Chiang Mai or click here to check availability at Nawa Sheeva.
Alternatively, I can also recommend BED Chiang Mai Gate Hotel just outside the Old Town. This boutique property is an adults only hotel in Chiang Mai and offers clean and spacious rooms. If you’re looking for a hotel with a pool in Chiang Mai, head to BED Chiang Mai Gate Hotel. Click here to check current room rates at BED Chiang Mai Gate Hotel or click here to find some other accommodation options in Chiang Mai’s Old Town!
Important tips to know before visiting Doi Inthanon National Park
- Start early – the park is large so you’re not going to have to fight your way through any crowds, but you’ll want to make the most of the day. You should aim to leave Chiang Mai by 9 am in the morning. The park opens at 6 am if you are extra ambitious, and closes relatively early at 4:30 pm.
- The entrance fee for the park is 300 Baht for foreigners and 30 Baht for a vehicle, free for Thai nationals (prices current as of November 2018). Hang onto your tickets as you will need to produce them at various checkpoints.
- Because of the high altitude, the climate is significantly cooler in the park (20 degrees Celsius or so in March and 16-20 degrees in November). Bring a light jacket if you are visiting early in the morning, and wear comfortable walking shoes for the nature trails. The most popular time to visit Chiang Mai is during the “cool” season from December to early March, when the temperature in Chiang Mai is “only” 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 Fahrenheit) during the day and slightly cooler at night. April, May and June tend to be warmer months and the rainy season begins around May all the way through to October/November. However, the Doi Inthanon weather can be unpredictable…it even dipped below 0 degrees one year! Long story short, bring a warm jacket just in case.
- There are plenty of bathrooms in the park – I have a tiny bladder and had no issues!
- There aren’t a ton of places to eat in the park, so I would recommend that you have a solid breakfast and bring a snack and water for the day.
- You cannot swim in almost all of the waterfalls, but bring your swimsuit along just in case.
- Most of the trails are well shaded, so you probably won’t get sun burnt. If you do burn easily, you might need some coverage when you walk the Mae Pan Nature Trail.
What to do and see in Doi Inthanon National Park
1. The Highest Point in Thailand
Begin by driving all the way up to “The Roof of Thailand” located approximately 2.5 KM above sea level. Snap a picture at the massive sign marking the highest point, then swiftly move on. The trail around this spot is well paved and takes you through shaded (and very chilly) parts of the forest.
Don’t be surprised if you bump into Buddhist monks along the path – the whole thing should only take you approximately 15 minutes. Ask your driver to meet you at the end of the trail.
2. Angkha Nature Trail
The entrance to this trail is conveniently located at the end of the previous trail and will only take you 15 minutes or so to walk from start-to-finish (360 metres). The mossy wooden pathway is extremely quiet and serene (or creepy, depends how you look at it!).
3. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail and Waterfall
This nature trail is the definition of getting off the beaten track in Chiang Mai. For me, Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail was the highlight both times that I went on a Doi Inthanon day trip; in fact, hiking this trail was a complete accident the first time around!
I’m not a massive fan of hiking (so shoot me), and I hadn’t done much research ahead of time; there was a massive language barrier so unfortunately when I asked the park staff how long the hike would take, no one could answer my question. So off I went (what’s the worst that could happen?), with no idea how long the trail was and what I had just signed up for.
Luckily, Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is only approximately 3 KM long and is a relatively easy hike with plenty of areas where you can sit down and catch your breath. It is only accessible with a guide and the fee is 200 Baht. The trail offers 21 stations with detailed explanations about the plants and ecosystem as well as several stunning view points. The best part? I hardly saw any other tourists while hiking along this trail in March, though the trail was significantly more crowded when I visited 2 years later in November.
Although my guide didn’t speak any English, she was patient and even snapped a few photos for me – although tips are not compulsory, it most certainly was appreciated. The entire hike takes approximately 2 hours or 1.5 if you are a fast walker.
It’s important to note that Mae Pan Nature Trail is closed for reforestation from June 1 to October 30 each year. It would be a shame to miss this trail on your Doi Inthanon day trip.
4. Royal Pagodas and the Gardens
The royal pagodas are located just a few minutes’ drive from the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri (try saying that 3 times fast) were built to commemorate the birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his Queen. The pagodas are surrounded by a beautiful garden with stunning foxgloves and plenty of butterflies (and bees).
There is an additional entrance fee of 40 Baht to enter this section of the park.
5. Wachirathan Waterfall
The Doi Inthanon waterfalls are pretty darn spectacular. Wachirathan is a gorgeous dual stream waterfall that is incredibly easy to reach – it is just steps away from the parking lot. It is a must-see if you are visiting Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai, and the waterfall is popular with tour groups so don’t be surprised if you see a fair few people here. Unfortunately, no swimming is allowed here.
6. Sirithan Waterfall
Slightly less popular but still beautiful, Sirithan Waterfall is a short walk down from the main road. The viewing platform is fairly far away from the waterfall itself, so consider bringing a zoom lens.
7. Mae Ya Waterfall
Mae Ya is probably the most popular waterfall for visitors to Doi Inthanon National Park. You can get up close to this waterfall so you can snap some long exposure shots to get that milky look. It is fairly out of the way so it is not uncommon for drivers to ask for an additional 500 Baht, and you will need to walk 600 meters or so from the parking lot to get to the viewing platform. Don’t skip Mae Ya on your day trip to Doi Inthanon!
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
For a relatively small city there are plenty of things to see and do in Chiang Mai. If you are planning your trip, I would recommend staying for 3-5 nights to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai. Click here for a list of other things to do in Chiang Mai including chasing waterfalls, checking out the night markets, visiting a ginger farm and getting a massage!
If you only have a few days, then the best place to stay in Chiang Mai is within Old Town. If you are a longtime reader of Yoga, Wine & Travel then you’ll know that I am a sucker for beautiful, boutique hotels. See You Soon Hotel and Cafe in the heart of Old Town is an amazing hotel with a handful of spacious and newly renovated rooms and stunning & tasteful decor. The rooms sit atop a wonderful cafe (try the mango and sticky rice) with tasty food and drinks, and the wifi connection is very stable and fast throughout the property.
It is also located right next to the Sunday market so you can roll back to your room after stuffing your face full of street food. Click here to check current rates at See You Soon Chiang Mai.
I would also highly recommend Nawa Sheeva, about 2 blocks away from Wat Chedi Luang and the Tha Pae Gate. This small boutique hotel has incredibly friendly staff, clean and spacious rooms as well as a small private pool, though the wi-fi can be a little unstable at times. Click here to check current rates at Nawa Sheeva.
If you are looking for a slightly more modern hotel with a pool in Chiang Mai, then you’ll want to check out BED Hotel Chiang Mai Gate. This boutique property is an adults only hotel in Chiang Mai and offers clean and spacious rooms. Click here to check current room rates at BED Chiang Mai Gate Hotel or click here to find some other highly rated accommodation options in Chiang Mai’s Old Town!
Has this article inspired you to plan a Doi Inthanon day trip? Charter a private car and driver for the day in Chiang Mai by clicking here (there is a 500 Baht surcharge for Doi Inthanon), or join a Doi Inthanon National Park tour by booking online here. However, most group Doi Inthanon tour itineraries skip quite a few of these landmarks in the article – if you want to visit ALL of the landmarks you should charter a vehicle.
Looking for more Thailand travel tips and recommendations?
- Make sure you read my guide to the top things to do in Chiang Mai
- Check out all of my Thailand travel guides here
- Read this 10 day Thailand itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip
- Head out of Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai to see the unique blue and white temples
- Interested in reading more about ethical and responsible tourism in Southeast Asia? Click here for 10 things you should know before you visit Southeast Asia
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Video music credit: Eveningland – Melissa / Youtube Audio Library
Good info for Thailand trip! Great photos! Thanks!
Thank you for taking the time to read this, Wendy!
In all my Thailand trips, I have missed going to Chiang Mai. Every time I read about Chiang Mai, I feel the urge to go there.
I was blown away by this part of Thailand, Anu. There’s a special charm that I can’t put into words!
How beautiful! And with the elevation I imagine it’s also a great way to beat the heat. Thanks for the very detailed article.
I actually needed a scarf to stay warm in some parts!
I missed out on this place during my last visit. I would love to go on such trails that give such scenic views as this one.
You’ll have to go back for another trip! I hadn’t initially planned on visiting but loved my time in Doi Inthanon.
I haven’t been in Thailand. But if Ido, I will definitely visit Chiang Mai. It looks there are plenty of hiking areas with calm and relaxing nature around. Just to sit there and listen to the waterfalls 🙂
Thanks for your recommendations!
Please please please go to Thailand ASAP! The food is incredible and the nature is stunning.
wow Doi Inthanon National Park looks amazing! that watchiran waterfall looks like heaven! So beautiful ! I wish I explored more while I was in Thailand! Hopefully I can go back one day and visit that wonderful place!
I hope you get there ASAP, Ada!
Doi Inthanon is an amazing park. What I enjoyed most when I visited, apart from the amazing waterfalls, where the villages. It’s a great place truly. Thanks for bringing back such memories. Awesome post!
I missed out on visiting the nearby villages – maybe next time!
I have not heard of Doi Inthanon National Park before but it looks so pretty. I am a huge fan of waterfalls also and I especially like the Mae Ya Waterfall, how beautiful is it. The is a cool fact to about it being the highest mountain in Thailand. I am definitely adding this to my list of things to do next time I am in Thailand. Just beautiful pictures
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, Mel! I hope you get to visit and see it with your own eyes soon.
Quick question, does the nature trail take you to the summit? So if you like hiking and mountain climbing you can’t do it here? Coz if it is just 3km? So the altitude is 2500m above sea level? I have always thought Thailand was so hilly.
No – the Angkha and Mae Pan nature trails are separate from the “highest point in Thailand”. However there are other trails available that require approval ranging from 1 to 8 kilometres. Each trip needs approval from the Chief of the National Park and a trekking leader is needed: more on that here: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Doi-Inthanon-National-Park–153
Wow, this looks beautiful, this a trek I want to try. I hadn’t heard of Doi Inthanon National Park before, stunning!
It’s slightly off the beaten path, most people head to Doi Suthep instead. I hope you get to go there soon!
I loved this place. Unfortunately we were driving there as part of a bigger day itinerary. So now when I see this I wish I would have hiked as well. Such great views on the way indeed
Did you head to the villages instead? I hope you get to go back soon Mihaela!
How beautiful! I have not traveled to Thailand yet but this place would be a good reason to do so soon. Interesting that they charges differently too for thai and foreign nationals, they do that in India too. Must be an Asian thing.
It’s fairly common in other countries in Europe as well 🙂
Gorgeous photos and sounds like a really rewarding walk to do. I have never heard of this walk before so it’s nice to learn something new about Thailand 🙂
It’s a relatively easy hike, even for someone like me who doesn’t enjoy hiking!
The trails seem very nice and serene. The pagodas are beautiful especially with the gardens around them. I love seeing waterfalls and this park has no shortage of them for sure. Visiting a ginger farm would definitely be interesting. We usually try to work in a hike when we go on trips and I think Thailand would be no different.
I hope you get to Thailand soon then!
All the waterfalls look gorgeous. I’m sure the water made the sun less harsh! Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail looks awesome. I’ll definitely keep this in mind if I’m traveling to Thailand.
If you make it to Chiang Mai make sure you visit the Bua Thong sticky waterfall as well!
https://www.yogawinetravel.com/10-things-to-do-in-chiang-mai-that-dont-involve-riding-elephants-or-petting-tigers/
Great advice and tips in this post! I would have definitely gone straight to the group tour option, had I not read this post. I’ve done a lot of solo travel so I’ve never forked out for a driver by myself. It sounds like a great way to see all the beautiful landmarks in the park though! The Royal Pagodas and Gardens are so beautiful, they’d be top of my list!
The extra cost was definitely worth it for the flexibility!
I tried to take a group tour here when I was in Chiang Mai in 2014 and I ended up riding elephants instead. I was so upset about it, because I’m very against animal tourism. We didn’t even go trekking! Sounds like you had a blast though, much better than the group tour.
That’s horrible, Megan! I’m sorry that happened. If you ever go back I have some suggestions for other things to do in Chiang Mai that don’t contribute to animal abuse:
https://www.yogawinetravel.com/10-things-to-do-in-chiang-mai-that-dont-involve-riding-elephants-or-petting-tigers/
I’ve been to Thailand but visited the usual beaches. I wish I’d known about this place earlier. The waterfalls look absolutely stunning. Gonna pin this for later.
This part of Thailand really blew my mind away – I hope you make it to Chiang Mai soon!
I have always loved natural trails and Doi Inthanon National Park looks a must visit place in Thailand for me. Will keep this place in my bucket list for Thailand!
Let me know if you make it to Chiang Mai!
We haven’t visited Thailand yet, and as we bookmark things to do when we visit, we’ve been looking for posts like this. We enjoy hiking so Doi Inthanon sounds like a great option. Thanks!
You’ll love Thailand, Eulanda! The food is amazing and there is so much to see and do.
Oh wow, this national park looks incredible. I haven’t been that fussed with Thailand before, but these pictures and information are tempting me to visit when I head to Australia!
Thailand is one of my favourite countries to visit – the food is incredible, the culture is rich and most of the people I’ve met have been incredibly friendly!
This place looks absolutely stunning! That view from Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is breathtaking! Love an accidental hike! haa
I wish I had planned better (ended up getting a few blisters) but it was worth it!
Looks Wonderful. I am planning to go to Thailand in January. I am bookmarking this article. Looks like a great day trip.
Hope you have a fantastic time in Thailand!
I haven’t been to Thailand yet. There are so many things to do there that I think I will need at least 3 months to see all the beautiful places there 🙂
It’s an amazing country! I hope you get to visit soon 🙂
The pictures are beautiful! have never heard of that park before but I think, this is kind of my place (I am also not a hiker but enjoy smaller hikes once in a while, so this is definitely a place I would like to hike).
That’s exactly how I feel about hiking, Arzo! Short, easy hikes are manageable once in a while, but I can’t imagine walking for hours on end haha
I love this blog so much. It’s named after all my favourite thing! 🙂 You had me at the waterfalls, a really great post idea for a day trip.
Thank you so much for checking this website out, Reebex! <3
Never knew that Thailand had mountains. Another thing that attracted my attention in this post was the presence of toilets. This is good to keep the environment clean and others fresh and tidy.
I have a tiny bladder so toilets are IMPORTANT! Haha
I love Chiang Mai however unfortunately I did not go to Do Inthanon National Park. Your photos look stunning. I would love to go there. I would be keen to visit the Watchiran Waterfall or course go to the highest point in Thailand.
I hope you get to revisit soon, Kathy! I’m already planning my next trip back.
I can always count on you for some solid travel tips! I have this thing for waterfalls so the waterfall would definitely be a spot I would visit!
You would love these ones, Kana! They’re all stunning and not overcrowded. Another one to visit in Chiang Mai is the sticky waterfalls (Bua Thong).
Hi your pictures look lovely.
I’m planning a trip to Chiang Mai this December and would definitely go here after seeing your post!
Would like to ask how much it cost you to hire a driver to Doi Inthanon for the whole day?
Is it possible to get a contact for your driver?
Look forward to hearing from
You
Hi Eileen, I paid 3000 Baht for the day. My driver’s name was Pawat and his contact number is: +66 81 672 9595. The best way to reach him is by phone or Whatsapp. Enjoy your trip!
Hi! This sounds amazing and definitely something I am trying to do too. How did you find your driver? Was he also your guide while visiting all of the different trails in Doi Inthanon National Park?
Hi Julie, my driver gave me his contact information after he picked me up from the airport. His name is Pawat: +66 81 672 9595. You don’t really need a guide in Doi Inthanon except for during the Mae Pan trail, and the licensed guides for that 2 hour trek can be found at the entrance to the trail.
Thanks for the info Flo! Very helpful. One last question, how long did your day trip at Doi Inthanon take?
Hi Julie, I left the hotel early at around 9 am and was back by around 5, 5:30. The trip wasn’t super rushed either!
Hi
your post is amazing. We want to go Chiang mai in June 2018. Can we go to Doi Inthanon National Park by bus?
or do we need a vehicle inside of park?
thanks your reply
Hi Samaneh,
As I mention in the post you will need to either drive (car or scooter), hire a driver + car, or alternatively you can hire a songthaew to take you from the Old City in Chiang Mai. Have a great trip!
Flo
This is really helpful!
I will be going to Doi Inthanon this November and at first I thought of joining a group tour but I found out in here that we can actually do it in our own. Just a question. From Chiang mai to Doi Inthanon, is the road really that difficult or is it all concrete? Also, do we leave our scooter at the entrance and walk our way through the top? How long do you think it will take then?
My boyfriend will be coming with me and he is a really good driver so I am thinking that maybe he can manage driving us through. That would really be a great bonding experience for us!
Hi there, the road is well paved pretty much all the way. Once you get to the park, you can get from spot to spot by scooter, so don’t worry about walking between sights! I’d recommend spending anywhere from 3-5 hours in the park. Have a great trip!
Nice blog!
How long did it take you to finish the entire tour? Planning to leave Chiang Mai at 6am so we can return before 5pm to catch the last bus to Chiang Rai.
Hi Ives, you’ll be fine if you’re leaving Chiang Mai at 6 AM. I didn’t leave until around 10 AM and was back by 6 PM, and I dilly dallied around at a few of the spots. Have a great trip!
Hi Just wondering if we can get the name of the driver 2 years on.. had issues with Klook as we’re a group of 4 not 3! 🙁
Of course! His name is Pawat and has a big van so the price is slightly higher – +66 81 672 9595
Hi! I’m just wondering if you could give information about the private driver you use in Chiang Mai? Me and my boyfriend were just going to ride motorbikes there but it may be a bit less stressful just to hire a driver?
Thanks! Loved the info in this article 🙂
Oh sorry just realized you already gave out the drivers info in other comments. Thanks!!
Not a problem at all, Brooklyn! Enjoy your trip 🙂
Thanks for Thai tips! What car service do you recommend in CM?
Hi there, if you are a large group (4 and above) +6then I recommend contacting Pawat by Whatsapp: +66 81 672 9595
Otherwise, you can charter a car via Klook.
Hi! Thank you so much for this! I was wondering if I could get the details for your regular driver?
Hi Olivia, sure! His name is Pawat and has a big van so the price is slightly higher – +66 81 672 9595
Hello Flo.
First of all, many thanks to all the effort you have put on those texts. It was very helpful. I just want to point out that I took the Klook tour you have recommended and it ended up not being very good. Not because of the park, which is beautiful and worth visiting, but because of the tour agency’s disorganization. On the bright side, I’ve just came back from the Elephant Nature Park (also following your recommendation) and it was nothing less than perfect!
So thanks again for making my trip to Chiang Mai even better!
Hi K, thanks for taking the time to read this and for providing feedback! I’m sorry to hear that your experience was less than stellar. If you ever make it back to Doi Inthanon I recommend getting a private driver for more flexibility, but I encourage you to reach out to Klook with your review as well so that they can take it back to the tour company.
I’m so glad you hear that you enjoyed your time at ENP! Happy travels.
what is the contact information of your driver?
Hi Judy, the information is in the comments above.
This is amazing information. Thank
You so much! I want to visit the park but i have a flight to catch at 9:30pm. Do you think it would be possible to get back to chaing mai in time? Should I do a group tour or hire a driver? Also would you be able to give me the number of your driver?
Hi Ish,
I left early and got back around 5 PM or so. I’ve provided the pros and cons of doing a group tour vs. hiring a driver in the article, and the contact info of my driver is in the comments section. Good luck and have fun!