Doi Inthanon National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Chiang Mai

Doi Inthanon National Park is often nicknamed the “Roof of Thailand” for its otherworldly views. These stretch over the hilly terrain of the Chiang Mai province from the highest point in the country.

Home to an impressive mountain, thunderous waterfalls, verdant forests and hundreds of species of birds, the park is as diverse as it is beautiful. Day trips to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai will awaken the adventurous spirit within you and enable you to see a more tranquil side of Thailand, just a stone’s throw from the city.

Here's all you need to know about Doi Inthanon National Park, one of the most exciting day trips from Chiang Mai.

How to get to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai?

Doi Inthanon National Park is in the Thanon Thong Chai Range of the Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand. It is approximately 90 kilometers south of Chiang Mai city.

From Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park by car

The journey to Doi Inthanon National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours by car and is an easy drive. You’ll leave Chiang Mai in a southerly direction, following Route 108. As the road ends, you’ll turn right onto Route 1009 and follow it the rest of the way to the park.

Guided tour to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai

If you don’t have access to your own transportation during your stay in Chiang Mai, or don’t wish to concern yourself with the details, make the jaunt to Doi Inthanon National Park via a guided excursion.

These trips usually last between 8 and 10 hours, and you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in the city. You can expect this type of excursion to begin between 8 AM and 9 AM, returning to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.

How much does the entrance ticket to Doi Inthanon National Park cost?

• Adults: THB300 (US$9)
• Children (aged 3-14): THB150 (US$5)
• Children under 3: Free

What is the typical itinerary?

All Doi Inthanon National Park day trips have their own unique itineraries. However, they usually begin with a convenient hotel pickup from your accommodation in the city early in the morning. This enables you to maximize your time spent at the park.

After weaving your way out of the city, you’ll arrive at the national park, where you’ll often ascend its eponymous mount in your vehicle. You’ll have the opportunity to snap a spectacular photo from this vantage point before seeking out several of Doi Inthanon’s waterfalls.

All tours take you to see the lofty spires of the twin pagodas, one of the most iconic sites in the park. The majority of Doi Inthanon National Park day tours include lunch before a short hike through the forests in the area. Rounding out your excursion, you may meet the Karen tribe, who have lived in the park for over 150 years and are distinguishable by their elongating gold neck rings.

While this is a typical itinerary of a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, some excursions visit other destinations along the way, such as elephant sanctuaries. Here, you’ll spend time marveling at the creatures and learning about their difficult history in the logging, war, and tourism trades.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Doi Inthanon National Park?

There are a plethora of attractions to be explored within this green corner of Thailand. Whether you wish to trek through the cloud forest, meet an ancient tribe or get up close to the country’s most beloved mammal, you’ll find a Doi Inthanon National Park day tour to suit your interests.

Guided tour to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai

As part of a small group, you’ll journey out of the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai, in search of the undisturbed nature of Doi Inthanon National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll experience the roaring cascades of Wachirathan Falls, which tumble down a series of glistening rocks from a height of 80 meters.

Continuing on, you’ll visit the smaller, yet just as impressive Sirithan Waterfall. On your Doi Inthanon National Park day trip, you’ll also get a taste of Thai culture by discovering the twin pagodas — Napamatanee Don and Napaphon Bhumisiri. Located at the highest point in the country, these pagodas were built for the late king and queen, in the latter half of the 20th century.

Before returning to Chiang Mai, you’ll meet members of the ancient Karen tribe, who originated from Myanmar.

Private tour to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai

Those seeking a more tranquil experience may opt for a private day tour to Doi Inthanon National Park. With your own personal guide, you’ll witness the most spectacular waterfalls in the park. While visiting the Karen tribe, you’ll have the opportunity to try Arabica coffee at a local farm.

You’ll enjoy a local lunch and spend the afternoon participating in an invigorating hike through the wild. Your trek through the park will lead you to Siew Waterfall, where you can slip into its cool plunge pool for a refreshing dip. Private tours give you the flexibility to control your day’s schedule, spending more or less time at each attraction, as you wish.

Day tour to Doi Inthanon National Park plus elephant sanctuary from Chiang Mai

If you have a limited itinerary, you may choose to combine activities in order to experience as much of Thailand as possible. You’ll start your Doi Inthanon National Park day trip by heading to an elephant sanctuary.

This haven for the gentle giants prohibits elephant riding, giving the remarkable creatures some much-needed respite after years of torture. Watch the elephants as they go about their daily lives and witness their playful nature as you interact with them.

Then, continue on to the national park. Here, you’ll see its impressive mount that stands over 2,550 meters high and pay your respects to the late king, and queen at the twin pagodas. Visit a Thai market to purchase local fruits, such as sweet mangoes and fragrant durian.

Enjoy a local lunch before going on a hiking expedition along the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, which leads you above the clouds and is aptly nicknamed the “Heaven Trail.” Try a local brew at a coffee roaster house before ending your day tour and returning to the city.

How much does a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai cost?

Basic day tours to Doi Inthanon National Park that take place in a group cost between US$40 and US$70 per person. These excursions include a professional guide, entrance fees and round-trip transportation. Those on the higher end of this range also tend to provide lunch.

Combination tours that include an elephant sanctuary cost US$70 per person and include all fees, as well as lunch.

You can expect a private tour to cost approximately US$130 each, and you’ll benefit from the services of your own personal guide.

What will you see and do?

Doi Inthanon National Park covers almost 500 square kilometers in the north of Thailand and encompasses a myriad of landscapes, including mountains, and cloud forests. The park forms part of the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, which stretches across five Asian countries.

Within the national park is the Doi Inthanon mountain, which towers over northern Thailand at an elevation of over 2,500 meters and has gained the park its nickname as the “Roof of Thailand.”

Doi Inthanon National Park is named after king Inthawichayanon, who was the seventh governor of Chiang Mai. This revered figure ruled in the 19th century and was concerned about preserving Thailand’s forests. Upon his death, his remains were returned to nature and scattered within the confines of the national park.

Originally, the park was home to a myriad of large beasts, including elephants and tigers. However, their presence was eradicated over the centuries by poachers. Over 30 species of mammals still reside within Doi Inthanon National Park, including wild boar and gibbons.

Additionally, over 30 species of bats can be found within the park’s caves. Birdwatchers can listen to the thrum of exotic birdsong from over 500 different species, such as the ashy-throated leaf warbler and collared grosbeak. The majority of these birds migrate to the region around March each year and stay there to breed until July.

The most popular walk within the park leads along the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, which covers less than 3 kilometers on a steep upward trajectory to an elevation of around 2,200 meters. The trek itself is pleasant, with plenty to see along the way, including waterfalls and cloud forests.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be blessed with an unforgettable view of endless clouds and mountains. The best time to catch this sight is around sunrise, although it is a spectacular natural phenomenon at any time of day.

On a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to witness several ferocious waterfalls and bathe in their frosty yet energizing pools. The most popular of these include Sirithan Waterfall, Wachirathan Waterfall and Mae Pan Waterfall.

What are the opening times?

Doi Inthanon National Park is open throughout the year, between 5:30 AM and 6:30 PM.

Please note that the park’s main hiking path, the Kew Mae Pan Trail, is closed between June and October annually, in order to support the forest's recovery.

When is the best time to visit Doi Inthanon National Park?

The best time to plan your day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park is between November and February. During these months, the climate is cool, due to the partk elevation and can drop as low as 0 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures usually hover between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. You'll also experience little rain at this time of year.

Travel tips

• Doi Inthanon National Park is large and there is much to explore. Because of this, you should aim to leave Chiang Mai as early as possible to spend the full day adventuring.
• Bring layers with you on your day tour to Doi Inthanon National Park, as temperatures can drop suddenly.
• Many Doi Inthanon National Park excursions include hiking on their itineraries. Set yourself up for an enjoyable walk by wearing sturdy hiking boots or sneakers.
• There are plenty of photo-worthy sights within the national park, so remember to bring your camera with you.