Doi Inthanon & The Great Holy Relics Pagoda
By: Geoff Piper Photography
Tags: Travel, Thailand, Photography, Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon

My journey to The Great Holy Relics Pagoda in Doi Inthanon National Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand!

Medley of Monks || Shot with my Nikon D850, Nikon 16–35mm (f/4) @ 22mm, f/10, .3", ISO 50, Lee Filter System and Circular Polarizer

I planned my two day trip to Doi Inthanon and The Great Holy Relics Pagoda more than a month in advance of my trip to Thailand. I had seen amazing images of The Great Holy Relics Pagoda as well as other scenes from the park (i.e., waterfalls and nature trails). I greatly desired to see as much as I could in two days and of course take pictures of my own. Ultimately, I needed more time (perhaps at least 3–7 days) to fully enjoy all of the sites that this incredible park has to offer. I did my best in the time that I had.

Chiang Mai Arrival

Once I arrived in Chiang Mai, I confirmed my reservation with a private driver for two trips over the next two days to Doi Inthanon. I chose a private driver to maximize my time taking pictures rather than dealing with transportation issues and delays. My driver and personal guide, as well as his wife for the second day, were amazing people. My days began at 7AM and lasted until 7PM in the evening. Each drive to and from Chiang Mai was an adventure itself. My drivers shared so much valuable information about the history of the park and sites, the best locations for photography including many that I had not discovered, and took me wherever I wanted to go. I did not miss any of the key spots through their incredible help and guidance.

Doi Inthanon Background

Doi Inthanon National Park (nicknamed “The Roof of Thailand”) was established in 1972 and sits within The Thanon Thong Chai Range, in the Chom Thong District of Chiang Mai Province, approximately 60km west of Chiang Mai, which is about a one and one-half hour drive. This massive park and national heritage site contains many notable destinations including Doi Inthanon (the country’s highest mountain at an elevation of 2,565m) and The Great Holy Relics Pagoda.

Doi Inthanon National Park is home to many different and unique species of plants and animals as well as home to approximately 4,500 villagers including those of Mae Klang Luang known for its rice production and gorgeous paddies and terraces. The park contains many notable rivers, including The Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem, Mae Khan, and a part of Ping River which generates electrical power for the region and country, as well as countless waterfalls the largest and most famous being Wachirathan Waterfall as well as The Mae Klang Pha Dok Sieo waterfall depicted in a famous Thai movie. The park also offers incredible hiking trails such as Pha Dok Sieo (also known as The Mae Klang Waterfall Trail), Ang Ka Luang and Kew Mae Pan nature trails, and of course many opportunities for birdwatching.

For more of my images from Doi Inthanon, please visit my website and this gallery:

https://www.geoffpiperphotography.com/Galleries/Doi-Inthanon-Thailand/

For more information about this park and experience, visit its website located here:

http://nps.dnp.go.th//parksdetail.php?id=121&name=DoiInthanonNationalPark

Great Holy Relics Pagoda || My First Trip

On my first trip to The Great Holy Relics Pagoda, I arrived in the mid-afternoon about 2 hours before sunset. This gave me plenty of time to enjoy the grounds, learn the history of the pagodas and take many daytime pictures.