When most people think of Thailand, they imagine sun-drenched beaches lined with restaurants and bars, rivers of noisy traffic streaming through dusty city streets, and the late night chaos of Bangkok’s Khao San Road. But if you head inland, to the northern province of Chiang Mai, you’ll discover a completely different side to the country.
Best known for its ancient Lanna culture, historic Buddhist temples, and the spectacular mountain ranges that crown the northern province, Chiang Mai offers a far more wholesome and relaxing experience than the nation’s beach front backpacker resorts. And right in the heart of the province, Doi Inthanon National Park is a lush mountain sanctuary where you can lose yourself in the serene tranquility of an otherworldly garden in the clouds.
Nicknamed the ‘Roof of Thailand’, the national park is full of thundering waterfalls, moss-covered hiking trails, hill tribe villages, stunning view points, and is home to the spectacular King and Queen Pagodas. Covering an area of almost 482 km², the notional park is part of the southern extension of the enormous Himalayas, with altitudes that range from about 800 meters to 2,500 meters at its upper reaches. The national park was named in honour of King Inthawichanyanon, one of Thailand’s recent monarchs. The King was a great lover of nature and was passionate about protecting the forests in northern Thailand. Upon his death, at his request, the King was buried in the national park and the forest was renamed Doi Inthanon, in his memory.
High in the mountain sanctuary, the weather is cool and humid, and makes an ideal year round destination for visitors seeking the serenity of this misty mountain kingdom. The rare ecosystem has created a unique landscape which is home to almost 400 species of native birds, as well as gibbon, deer, and wild boar, making the national park a haven for photographers and outdoors enthusiasts. Criss-crossed by elevated board walks, breath-taking scenery and pristine natural beauty, the Doi Inthanon National Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking the most authentic Thai experience.
And with the park’s entrance just 90 km from Chiang Mai city by road, it’s perfectly situated for day trips as well as for longer explorations and overnight stays. An ideal destination for couples, families with children, and solo travelers, the Doi Inthanon National Park provides a rare glimpse into a hidden mountain retreat that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.
How To Get To Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand?
For international visitors to Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, you’ll first need to fly into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). This is an extremely well connected travel hub that services frequent flights from all over the world.
Flight times to Bangkok from London are around 11 to 12 hours, from Sydney about 9 hours, and a flight from New York, with at least one stop, takes between 18 to 20 hours. Once you land in Bangkok, you need to catch an ongoing domestic flight to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which only takes about 1 hour and will give you some fantastic views if you manage to get a window seat.
When you arrive in Chiang Mai city, there’s a huge range of accommodation to suit every budget – from very cheap hostels to very reasonably priced luxury hotels and resorts. Doi Inthanon National Park is about 90 km to the southwest of Chiang Mai by road, and usually takes about 2 hours to drive. Depending on your preferences, you can travel onwards to the national park and base yourself in one of the nearby hotels, or, alternatively, stay in Chiang Mai and take day trips to the national park.
What’s the Best Time To Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand?
The most popular time to visit Doi Inthanon National Park is during the dry season, between November and February. Daytime temperatures in the dry season range from about 10 to 20 Degrees Celsius, with temperatures at night dipping close to freezing in the highlands. The cool, dry weather and clear blue skies are perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the forests and temple complexes; and in the early mornings you’ll often witness a magical ‘sea of clouds’ hanging over the valleys below.
March to May in Chiang May is the hot season, when temperatures rise to around 20 to 30 Degrees Celsius during the day. The landscape explodes with vibrant greens and wildflowers bloom across the highland gardens and fields. However, due to the warmer temperatures, it’s often cloudy and the regional agricultural burnings can reduce visibility.
Meanwhile, the true rainy season, between June and October, sees the skies open and the forest is drenched with regular rainfalls. The trails are usually slippery and can be dangerous, although the increased humidity brings thick banks of mist and can make for some extremely dramatic photography. So if you want to avoid the crowds, and enjoy cheaper hotel prices, then the rainy season is a good time to visit.
Overall, the best time to visit Chiang Mai and the Doi Inthanon National Park for most people is sometime between November and February.
What To Do In And Around Doi Inthanon National Park?
Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfalls and Royal Pagodas Full Day Tour
Setting out from Chiang Mai, this full day tour offers you a hassle free way to experience the top highlights of the Doi Inthanon National Park. Led by a multilingual guide, you’ll explore the lush forests and waterfalls before ascending to the pinnacle of the ‘Roof Of Thailand’ to see the King and Queen Pagodas. En route, you’ll stop off at the Sirithan Waterfall, a 50 meter giant that’s fed by the Mae Klang River, as well as the 80 meter multi-tiered Wachirathan cascade.
After spending some time at the Pagodas to stroll around the immaculate gardens and see the intricate craftsmanship up close, you’ll visit the Bann Klang Luang hill tribe village. Here you’ll learn about the traditional life of the hill tribes, sample some locally grown organic coffee, enjoy an authentic lunch, and get the chance to wander around the area to take a few photos, browse handmade arts and crafts, and absorb the incredible scenery.
Finally, after an action packed day, you’ll head back to Chiang Mai in your air-conditioned vehicle to be dropped off back at your hotel. Multiple pickup and drop-off locations are available, and lunch and water are included with the tour – although you will have to pay a very modest admission fee to enter the King and Queen Pagodas area.
You can find out more about this full-day whirlwind tour of Doi Inthanon, and reserve your places, here.
Visit the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary and Go Bamboo Rafting
This thrilling day of adventure begins with a hotel pickup that takes you out to the Bua Thong Waterfall. Here you’ll be able to climb up the cascading waterfall’s rocks, cool down, and take in the spectacular mountain views.
Next on the itinerary, you’ll visit a local elephant sanctuary, where rescued and former working elephants live out their lives in safety and comfort. You’ll be able to see these gentle giants up close, help with their feeding, and watch them roam around together. This ethical sanctuary, as well as others throughout Thailand, provide a wonderful environment where elephants can thrive in their natural surroundings without being persecuted or forced into hard labour.
Finally, to round off an enchanting day, you’ll drift down a tranquil river on a bamboo raft through the abundant forest scenery. The tour includes lunch, pickup and drop offs, and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
You can find out more about the tour, and reserve your seats, here.
Join a Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at an Organic Farm
If you’ve developed a taste for authentic Thai cuisine, then why not learn how to cook it yourself so you can impress your friends when you get home? On this half-day experience, the day starts by visiting a local market where you’ll be shown how to select the ingredients you’ll need later. Then you’ll drive to the Smile Organic Farm Cooking School on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here, you’ll look around the organic kitchen garden, learn about traditional Thai herbs and vegetables, and even get some tried-and-tested tips on how to grow your own Thai herbs when you get home.
Next you’ll dive straight into your hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to cook a variety of Thai classics, including curry pastes, curry, stir-fry vegetables, soup, and tasty spring rolls. All the ingredients for the class are provided and, best of all, once you’re finished you’ll sit down together to enjoy the fruits of your labour! And after a fun half-day, with a full belly, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.
You can find out more about the half-day cooking experience, and book your places, here.
Help Out with Gibbon Conservation on a 2-Day Cultural Tour
This 2 day trip takes you to a gibbon conservation center where you’ll see these fascinating primates in their natural forest habitat. You’ll have the opportunity to actively support these important conservation efforts while learning about the traditions of the local Thai culture.
On the first day of the tour you’ll travel from Chiang Mai to the Doi Inthanon National Park and Mae Chaem. After you arrive you’ll hike out into the forest to watch troupes of gibbons in the wild. Next on the itinerary, you’ll enjoy authentic Thai food with the community of a traditional Karen village before sleeping for the night in lovely wooden cabins in the forest.
As the sun rises on the morning of the second day, you’ll hear gibbons calling in the forest, alongside the inspiring dawn chorus of the birds. Once you’ve had breakfast you’ll hike out with a local guide to track the gibbons in the forest. You’ll learn all about the social habits of the gibbons, and have plenty of opportunities to snap some great photos of these agile primates in the wild. After your morning hike, you’ll return to the village to learn about some traditional Thai weaving techniques, as well as how the locals grow rice, tea, and coffee.
Lastly, after a slow lunch, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Chiang Mai with some wonderful memories and standout photos for your social media.
You can find out more about this unique 2 day tour, and book your place, here.
Stay at the Hotel Shangri-La Chiang Mai
An exquisite blend of comfort, luxury, and convenience, the Shangri-La Chiang Mai 5 Star urban resort is just 10 minutes from the city’s airport, and ideally located in the heart of the Old Historic city. The family-friendly hotel offers guests a serene oasis with mountain views and a superb range of amenities.
Boasting the largest outdoor pool in Chiang Mai, the hotel also has free WiFi throughout, a badminton court, a spa and wellness center, and an on-site infirmary. The hotel has a good choice of rooms, each with a spacious en-suite, ultra-comfortable bedding, tea and coffee making facilities, cable TV, and room service.
Not far from the popular Night Bazaar, Shangri-La Chiang Mai is within easy walking distance of countless bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques. What’s more, the friendly staff at the front desk are always available to help you arrange day trips and tours, as well as your onward travel from Thailand.
You can find out more about the Shangri-La Chiang Mai Hotel, and book your rooms, here.
