Doi Inthanon National Park is an oasis of lush jungle, tumbling waterfalls and cool weather. It's known as the "Roof of Thailand" and is set high in the Chiang Mai Province. Scenic hiking trails wind through the 1,000-square-kilometre park. The popular Ang Ka Trail follows a wooden boardwalk through the cloud forest, while the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail offers more challenging terrain.
The park is anchored by Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak. The granite mountain towers 2,565 metres above sea level and even sees frost at certain times of the year. Popular with picnickers and Chiang Mai day-trippers, the cascading Nam Tok Mae Klang is the park's signature waterfall.
As you explore the park, you'll discover a wonderland of moss, lichen and orchids. You can also spot hundreds of exotic and tropical bird species, including yellow-cheeked tits, cobalt-blue flycatchers and green-tailed sunbirds. The jungle is also home to gibbons, macaques and giant flying squirrels.
Getting there
Doi Inthanon National Park is a two-hour drive from Chiang Mai. It's easy to reach using private transport, charter shuttles or motorcycles and mopeds rented in Chiang Mai. Local buses run from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park via Chom Thong.