Doi Inthanon National Park is a picturesque region with the highest mountain in Thailand. As part of the Himalayan Mountain Range, the park is made up of lush, green vegetation on a sprawling, undulating terrain. Hike through the Thai wilderness with your family for a greater appreciation of the country’s spectacular scenery.
Gaze up at the park’s eponymous mountain, which has the country’s tallest peak, at 8,415 feet (2,565 meters). Climb to the summit at sunrise to appreciate the excellent views as the day begins. The trail to the peak meanders past waterfalls, which have optimum water flow during the wet season from May to November.
Inspect the Buddhist shrines along the nature trial that are dedicated to the birthdays of monarchs. The park and its tallest mountain are named in honor of 19th-century King Inthawichayanon, the seventh ruler of Chiang Mai. He worked to preserve the forests of northern Thailand.
Trek along the hilly paths, making sure to dress for the year-round cool and wet weather at such a high altitude. Wander past the varied vegetation, which includes regions of sphagnum bog, evergreen cloud forest and pine and other trees.
Inspect the wonderful Siamese sakura flowers that cover the trees in a layer of pink in late January and early February. Above these exotic trees are about 360 species of bird decorating the sky, making it among the best bird-watching sites in Thailand. Spot the ashy-throated warbler, the green-tailed sunbird, the Sikkim treecreeper and many others. Below, wild boars, deer and gibbon apes patrol the forest floor.
Pay a fee with discounts for kids at the visitor center, a short drive from the main entrance to the park. The site opens daily from early morning until early evening. Stay at the main campsite and rent tents and other accessories.
Doi Inthanon National Park is about 70 miles (110 kilometers) southwest of Chiang Mai. Arrive at the main entrance, which is on a rural road off the main highway from the city.
