Towering above the green landscapes of Northern Thailand lies Doi Inthanon National Park, a place of breathtaking beauty and the undisputed “Roof of Thailand”. If you’re seeking an escape into nature’s embrace, a journey to this magnificent park you should not miss.
Doi Inthanon became a national park in 1972 (2 October 1972), which at that time was the 6th national park inside Thailand.
We have been to this national park a few times before. But this year we finally decided to purchase the Thailand National Park Passport. With this passport you can collect stamps in all national parks of Thailand. The first stamp we got here at the park. The nice addition was that we could get some specific signatures from park rangers who added their own piece of art.
Where the Sky Meets the Land: Location and Geography
Doi Inthanon National Park is nestled in the Thanon Thong Chai Range, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai city. Its convenient proximity to the popular tourist hub makes it an ideal day trip or a more extended adventure for those wishing to delve deeper into its wonders. If you are up to it, you can also camp inside the park.
The park spans a vast area, covering parts of the Chom Thong, Mae Chaem, Mae Wang, and Doi Lo districts of Chiang Mai Province.
Reaching for the Heavens: Thailand’s Highest Peak
The undisputed star of the park is Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, soaring to an impressive elevation of 2,565 meters above sea level. As someone with a surveying background I find it amusing that the highest point is stated to be 2565.3341 meter above sea level (four decimals!).
All the way at the top you find a parking right next to the observatory. Park here and follow the signs to the highest point. It is just a very short walk into the forest to find the point marked to be the highest point in Thailand. The trees here are giants. Enjoy the nature here.
Relax and eat
At various locations along the road to the top you will find parkings. I encourage you to stop at these places instead of rushing to the top. Each of these parkings have something to offer, from beautiful views to some local food and drinks.
Not far from one of the parkings you find the King Rama IX monument and the two big pagoda’s. This place is popular with the tourists.
Location