Doi Inthanon Day Trip from Chiang Mai: National Park Guide

At 2,565 metres, Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand. The peak and the national park surrounding it sit in Mae Chaem District, roughly 90 minutes southwest of Chiang Mai, and cover 482 square kilometres of montane forest, waterfalls, and highland agriculture. The summit ridge is cool enough year-round to support flowering plants and bird species normally found in the Himalayas - and to require a jacket even in April.

Day trips from Chiang Mai combine the summit chedis, two or three waterfalls, and a village viewpoint into a single long day. The route is straightforward; what you see depends on whether you have your own transport, join a guided tour, or hire a driver.

Getting there

Guided tour - The most popular option. Full-day tours from Chiang Mai typically depart 7:00–8:00 and return 17:00–18:00. A standard tour covers the twin royal chedis, Wachirathan Falls, and the summit viewpoint. Better tours also include Mae Klang Falls, the Ang Ka Nature Trail, and sometimes a Karen or Hmong village stop. Cost: approximately THB 1,200–2,500 per person as of 2026 including minivan, guide, national park entry, and lunch. Browse Doi Inthanon tour options from Chiang Mai to compare.

Rented motorbike or car - The park road is fully paved and well-maintained. A motorbike from Chiang Mai handles the climb easily; a small car is more comfortable for groups. Fuel cost for the round trip (approximately 220 km) is roughly THB 200–350. National park entry is paid at the gate; you can go at your own pace.

Private driver - Hiring a driver from Chiang Mai for the day runs approximately THB 2,000–3,000 for the vehicle. This works well for families or small groups wanting flexibility without driving themselves.

The summit chedis

The twin royal chedis - Naphamethinidon (dedicated to King Bhumibol Adulyadej) and Naphaphonphumisiri (dedicated to Queen Sirikit) - sit near the summit at approximately 2,450 m, surrounded by manicured flower gardens. Built in 1987 and 1992 respectively to mark their 60th birthdays, the chedis are more recent than their architectural grandeur suggests. The gardens are planted with temperate flowers - impatiens, marigolds, and bromeliads - that bloom against the backdrop of montane forest. Entry: approximately THB 80 as of 2026.

The viewpoints near the chedis look north across ridges of forest rolling toward Myanmar. On clear December and January mornings, the view extends over 100 km. Mist and cloud are common from May to October.

Waterfalls

The park has three main accessible waterfalls:

Mae Klang Falls - The most impressive in terms of volume. Located near the park entrance, the falls cascade down terraced rock over approximately 100 metres. A wooden walkway allows viewing from multiple levels. Busy on weekends but manageable on weekdays.

Wachirathan Falls - A single-drop waterfall approximately 70 metres high with a wide curtain of water. The power and noise of the fall during the wet season (September–October) is significant. A flat viewing platform sits opposite the falls, a short walk from the car park. Most tours include this stop.

Sirithan Falls - Smaller and quieter than Wachirathan, but often more peaceful. Worth stopping at if you have time and want to get closer to the water.

Ang Ka Nature Trail

A 400-metre boardwalk loop through old-growth cloud forest near the summit (elevation approximately 2,500 m). The trees here are covered in mosses, orchids, and ferns; the atmosphere is misty and cool. This is one of the best accessible highland forest trails in Thailand - serene and genuinely different from anything on the lowland circuit. Allow 45 minutes. No extra fee beyond the national park entry.

Bird watching

Doi Inthanon records over 360 bird species - more than anywhere else in Thailand - including species found nowhere else in the country. The summit ridge hosts Green-tailed Sunbird, Ashy-throated Warbler, Rufous-throated Partridge, and the endemic Doi Inthanon subspecies of several mountain species. Serious birders hire a specialist guide for dedicated pre-dawn sessions on the summit ridge; several Chiang Mai bird tour operators run these trips. Expect to pay approximately THB 2,500–4,000 per person for a full birding day.

What to bring

The summit is cold by Thai standards. Even if Chiang Mai is 35°C when you leave, pack:

• A light fleece or jacket (essential November–February, recommended year-round)
• Comfortable walking shoes (the trails are paved or well-maintained, but footwear matters)
• Water and snacks - the only food options inside the park are a couple of basic canteens near the summit
• Rain jacket if visiting May–October

Best time to visit

November to February - Cool and clear. The summit chedis are at their best with clear views, the flower gardens are in bloom, and temperatures at the top are cold enough to feel genuinely alpine. This is the season to aim for.

March to April - Still dry, but haze from agricultural burning can reduce visibility on the summit considerably. Worth checking air quality forecasts.

May to October - Waterfalls are full and the forest is at its greenest. Cloud and rain reduce summit views but the lower trails remain accessible and less crowded. Not a bad time to visit if the waterfalls are a priority.

See also: Chiang Mai travel guide · Chiang Mai day trips · Things to do in Chiang Mai · One week in northern Thailand