Doi Inthanon National Park sits in Chom Thong District, a short way south of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It is known locally as "Thailand's Roof", a nickname that fits its position: the park contains the country's highest peak, and the land rises well above the lowland plains that surround it.
The park is a nature reserve, and most visitors come for the outdoors. The air is noticeably cooler than in the city, which makes walking and sightseeing comfortable even in the warmer months. Waterfalls are scattered through the reserve, and the forested slopes give a sense of how different the upland landscape is from the valleys below.
What to see
- The royal twin pagodas, Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Naphaphon Bhumisiri, stand within the park and are among its best-known sights.
- Waterfalls dotted across the reserve, good for a short walk and a cool break.
- Hill tribe villages in the area, where you can get a sense of the communities who live in these highlands.
- The summit area, reached by road, for views over the surrounding hills.
Planning a visit
Because the park is spread over a large, hilly area, a visit works best with some time set aside and transport arranged in advance, whether by your own vehicle or a tour from Chiang Mai. The park's address is Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai 50160, and you can call +66 53 286 729 to check arrangements before you travel.
Many visitors combine the park with a stay in Chiang Mai, which offers temples, markets and restaurants to fill the rest of your trip. For anyone wanting a change from the city, Doi Inthanon offers a quieter, greener and cooler side of northern Thailand.
