Doi Inthanon - Climbing Thailand's Highest Mountain Doi Inthanon - Climbing Thailand's Highest Mountain November 2011 Climbing Doi Inthanon I'd always suspected climbing Thailand's highest mountain was going to be easy. However, I didn't think it would be this easy. Evidently, about 200 other tourists also thought the same thing :) Nevertheless, despite jostling for my turn to be photographed beneath the Thai Highpoint sign, the trip to the summit of Doi Inthanon is still a worthwhile and pleasant one-day excursion from nearby Chiang Mai, especially as there are a number of other interesting attractions in the vicinity of the summit. | The Mountain | Whilst nearby Chiang Mai enjoys year-round temperatures in the 20-30C range, Doi Inthanon is decidly cooler, with temperatures reaching zero during winter (December-January). The mountain is often shrouded in mist and heavy rain is not uncommon. The entire falls within the Doi Inthanon National Park, and while you may think this would open up all sorts of hiking trails, there are infact no hikes/trails to the mountain summit. The only way up is via road.

Covered in forest, the mountain is temperate and you'd certainly need at least a light sweater during the winter months. During our November climb, the temperature ranged from 2-12C. | Getting to Doi Inthanon | Whilst it is possible to catch public transport to Doi Inthanon (a bus from Chiang Mai to the base of the mountain and another smaller minibus to the summit), private transport is certainly the most convenient way to get the summit. In addition, with so many other things to see and do in the area, private transport provides the freedom to see these sites in your own time. From Chiang Mai, any number of private and group operators will take you to the mountain. We ended up paying about 2000 Baht (~USD$60-70) to have our own car for the entire day. This allowed us up to take our time up the mountain and then see other sites as desired. We didn't bargain very hard, so it might be possible to get a cheaper price or join a group. | Getting to the Summit| Getting to the summit is all pretty well sign-posted.

The roads are very good and with the number of Thai and foreign tourists visiting the summit, there are loads of ammenties. On the way to the park entrance, most tour companies/guides will first stop at a Hmong roadside market. Here you can buy all sorts of dried fruits, nuts and a few handy crafts. Soon after, you enter the actual park. There is a 200 Baht entry fee per person (for foreigners only) and a 50 Baht car entry fee. Once inside the park there are a number of waterfalls, food stops, toilet stops, lookouts on the way to the summit. We ended up stopping at Sirithan Waterfall on the way up and Wachirathan Waterfall on the way down. Wachirathan is much more developed with a carpark, toilet block, restaurants, whereas Sirthan is just the waterfall. Both are really nice. We also stopped at the Royal Chedi's on the way back from the summit. This really is a must. Despite the hordes of tourists and the why was this built here running through my mind, it's still pretty cool.

Built a couple of years ago in honour of the current King and Queen of Thailand, two massive Chedi (a his and her I guess) have been constructed on apposing peaks. Each is essentially a temple, however each has an internal temple with very nice stone relief and other wall paintings. Don't worry if the stair-case to the top of Chedi looks daunting, you can get an esculator up each flight of stairs. Yep, you can stand on walkway to avoid walking for 2 minutes up the staircase (ok, we did it :). As we were there in winter, we missed out on what is apparently quite a spectacular flower festival on each of the two Chedi summits which is held during the warmer months. But back to the summit. Getting to the actual summit is really straight-forward. You can drive almost all the way. There is a big carpark just below the summit. Here there is a Thai Airforce Base (which you can't photograph) and there is then a pretty obvious sign and trail to the actual summit. | Doi Inthanon Summit | The actual summit is twofold. After a short walk up a flight of stairs there is a large wooden The Highest Spot in Thailand sign.

I guess the fact that this is the first actual marker of the summit means everyone wants their photo taken beneath this sign. We literally had to wait in line in order to have our photo taken. I do wonder why this sign is here. It is pretty obvious (well for me anyway) that this wasn't the highest point as there is a path which continues up right behind the sign. Anyway, a little further along there is shrine and from here there is a wooden walkway which leads into the forest. I guess for those who are too lazy to continue to walk, the first sign might be enough. However, 20-30 metres along this walkway is another sign which also the highest point in Thailand. There is an actual survey marker here and given this marker sit on an concrete block, on top of a wooden platform, I guess this really is the highpoint. Again, we had to wait out turn to get our photo taken. Unfortunately this spoils the 'summit' a little, as it's really get your photo taken and then immediately get out of the way for the next group of people who want their photo taken. It would have been nice to have enjoyed being here without the urgency to hurry up.

As we were there in the middle of the day, I guess we couldn't expect much else. Earlier in the day (or in the rain) I'm sure is a better and more peaceful time to actually enjoy the summit. Nevertheless, this wooden pathway then continues through the forest and eventually comes out at a small ranger hut and a nearby souvenir shop. Here you can a buy a range of bits and bobs about being on the highest point in Thailand (hats, tshirts, magnets etc). There is also a sign which displays the minimum/maximum temperature for the day (2-12C for us). And of course more lining up to get your photo taken (although not as bad this time). It's quite amusing to people watch here for a moment, as many Thai and (I guess) other tourists are very warmly dressed given the cool temperature. As I'm sure many locals don't own warm clothes (why would you in a country with such warm weather all year round) it was funny watching people decked out in ski gear and other sub-zero clothing.

Anyway, it is a short walk back along the road to the carpark, or (like us) where you have your own guide, he had moved the car to the exit point :) We could really be lazy. However, there is also another short walk here. This is also very worthwhile doing. Following an elevated wooden walkway, this path leads through a really 'ancient' feeling and out of place temperate forest. Mosses, lichens and fern trees. There is also a short side detour to visit a shrine (and a chunk of engine) from a helicopter which crashed in the area some time ago. The Highest Mountain in Chiangmai, Thailand : Doi Inthanon Monday, 07 July 2008 14:45 DOI INTHANON "Doi" is the northern word for "mountain" and Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand. Originally named Doi Anka it was renamed in favor of Chao Inta Wichanont who was the father of King Kaew Nawarat and Princess Dara Rasamee. The namechange took place in 1939 after the Princess had her father's remains interred on the mountain.

Gawila Military Barracks: Named for Prince Gawila who was the general who reclaimed Chiangmai from the occupying Burmese armies. Prince Gawila was appointed by King Rama I to be Pra Chao Chiangmai, ruler of Chiangmai, in 1796. Six years later, in 1802, the Prince was further elevated to be virtually the King of Chiangmai (but giving allegiance to Bangkok). The Gawila dynasty ruled for 143 years and, today, their descendants take the name surname "Na Chiangmai" ("at Chiang Mai") e.g. Jao Kohkaew Na Chiangmai. The higest mountain in the country, Doi Inthanon is 2,565 meters above sea level. It is actually part of the Himalayas, the mountain range that stretches from Nepal and Bhuttan to Burma and Northern Thailand. It was originally known as Doi Luang, "big mount" in Thai. At the foot is Doi Inthanon National Park which is known for its biological diversity and complex ecological system that teems with wildlife. Even at the summit, the forest canopy is thick.

It is here where the waters of the Ping River and its tributaries emanate from. The park has scenic waterfalls, steep cliffs, different rock formations as well as stalactite sand stalagmites, particularly in the Bori Chinda cave. Another tourist attraction is the Doi Inthanon Royal Project that was started in 1979 to help hill tri bes cultivate cash crops other than opium and to teach them modern agricultural practises. There are two route that lead to the mountain, the first is the Natural Study Trek route at Kiu Mae ( km 42). This short trail winds through the pristine forest for about 2.5 km. Rhododendrons commonly found in the Himalayas also grow abundantly here and are in full bloom from December to February. This nature trail is closed for reforestation from June to October. To get there, take a truck from Phra That Chom Thong or Mae Klang Waterfall. It goes up to the Doi Inthanon National Park office and neighboring villages. The fare is between baht 20 - 30.

Doi Inthanon National Park Doi Inthanon National Park "The Roof of Thailand" Located in Chiang Mai Province, Doi Inthanon National Park encompasses the highest mountain In Thailand, Doi Inthanon, as well as several lesser summits. The doi (mountain) is largely a granite batholith intruding a southerly extension of the Shan Hills range and forming the divide between the Nam Mae Ping river to the east and the Nam Mae Chaem river to the west. Lower elevations in the most easterly pant of the park are limestone formations and contain a number of caves. Formerly known as Doi Angka, the mountain now bears (since 1899) a shortened version of the name of Chiang Mai's last sovereign, King Inthawichayanon. During his reign, he had, with great foresight, expressed his concern for the forests of the northern hill country as the watershed for all of central Thailand. The modern study of rain forest hydrology has borne out his early convictions and given substance to Thai folklore which describes this hill region as the home of the Phiphannam, the 'spirit who shares water'.

Before the King died near the turn of this century, he commanded that his remains be placed at the top of this mountain: his ashes at the summit stupa are visited by thousands of people each year. The park covers an area of 48,240 ha. Its lowlands below 800 meters in elevation are warm and very dry during the rain-free season, but the summit of Doi Inthanon, at 2565 meters, has a climate more like Canada than Thailand. The temperature has been known to drop as low as -8 degrees C. and frosts are not unusual during the cool, dry season. January is the coldest month: an average nighttime temperature is 5.5 degrees C. At any season, Doi Inthanon is a comfortable reprieve from the heat of the lowlands. At altitudes above 1000 meters, rainfall exceeds 2500 mm, considerably more than at nearby Chiang Mai. Even in the dry season, November to April, there is rare but occasional rain or the summit may be shrouded in cloud for a part of the day; persistent mist is an important factor in the maintenance of moist forest there.

The various sub montane forest formations at higher elevations are a unique asset of the park. They have dominant species belonging to temperate climate families rather than tropical. The summit area supports the only red rhododendron in Thailand (R. delavayi); it blooms from December through February. There are also two white-blossomed species abundant on Doi Inthanon which are restricted to only a few other sites. Where mists are persistent, the slopes carry a moist hill evergreen or 'cloud forest' with many epiphytes, plants which live on tree trunks and branches but do not receive their moisture and nutrients from the host tree as do true parasitic plants. Instead, they are nurtured by the accumulation of dust particles and humus around their 'root' area and the moisture retained there, augmented by frequent bathing in cloud and mist. Epiphytic orchids are also abundant, along with lichens, lianas and fern. At mid-elevations, 800 - 1500 meters, two species of pine are present, Pinus merkusii mixed with dipterocarp in the lower range, and P.

kesiya with oak and laurel on drier slopes in the upper range. The pines are thought to be a relic from a prehistoric cooler climatic period when flora from the Sino-Himalayan region migrated southward. At the mid-elevations of the park, much of the forest has been removed by the activities of swidden cultivators and the slopes have converted to fire climax grasslands. Birdwatching : Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects additions; Many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rockthrush and the Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker are known to oversummer and probably breed. Over 190 bird species are listed as common to abundant.

Bird lists are available at the Visitor Center and at Park Headquarters GETTING TO THE PARK Private transportation is the recommended way to visit Doi Inthanon. The main attractions are spread over a distance of 40 kilometers and only a private vehicle will allow flexibility in planning your itinerary. Motor cycling is the best mode since it allows travel on some of the rough and narrow dirt roads which lead to hill tribe villages. Mae Klang Water fall is located 66 km southwest of Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 to Km 57 (just 1 km before the village of Chom Thong). Turn right onto Highway 1009 and continue 8 km to where the road forks. Mae Klang is 300 meters straight ahead. The summit road forks to the right, reaching Park Headquarters near Km 31 and the summit of Doi Inthanon at Km 48. The 14 kilometer route to Mae Ya Water fall begins in Chom Thong village. A minibus can be hired in Chom Thong for about 500 baht for the return trip.

Mini-buses labeled in English Doi Inthanon Park can be hired at either Chom Thong or Mae Klang for the trip to the summit; the cost is about 500 baht for the return trip. These mini-buses have a regular touring route which includes the main points of interest along the summit road. Per-person costs will be lower it you can share the tour with others. Unmarked mini-buses also leave Chom Thong frequently for Mae Chaem (decreasing in mid-afternoon). The fare is 20 baht to the point where the Mae Chaem road intersects with the summit road at Km 38, or 30baht to Mae Chaem. If you request it, this mini-bus route will drop you at Park Headquarters, Km 31. If you arrive at Km 31 or 38 in the morning hours, you may be able to flag down another vehicle to reach the summit. FACILITIES Accommodations: Adjacent to the Hmong village, Ban Khun Klang, behind Park Headquarters, is a large compound with 11 guest houses available for public rental. Electricity, beds and bedding are provided in all units.

Arrangements for guest house rental should be made at Park Headquarters. Campsites are Iocated at the Headquarters area and at the Mae Pan Ranger Station. Two-person tents can be rented at Headquarters. No sleeping bags or mats are available, but a number of blankets are available for rental. Firewood is provided and campfires are permitted throughout the year. Please use caution during the dry season. Food stalls serving meals and snacks are located at several places in the park (see maps). Stalls at Mae Klang Water fall and in the Headquarters area are open during daylight hours every day. Bottled water is widely available in the park, along with other drinks. Visitors Center A new information and interpretive center is located at Km 9.5 on the summit road. There is an excellent slide show of the park, plus assistance, maps and other interpretive displays. The Visitor Center can also be reached by a short walk from the Mae Klang Ranger station. The trail follows the river up stream, passes the waterfall and reaches the Visitor Center in a few hundred meters. Walking Trails As a result of long occupation by hill tribe people, Doi Inthanon has many footpaths.

Some of the main tracks have evolved into single-lane, motorcycle and truck roads providing access to villages. Most walking trails in the park are not signed at the trail head nor marked along the route. If you want to do some walking, please contact the Park Headquarters. PLACES TO SEE, THINGS TO DO Mae Klang Waterfall Because of its easy access, this unusual waterfall has been visited by Thai people for many years and they continue to come in large numbers on any sunny day in the year to swim, picnic and relax in this beautiful setting. The rapids and waterfall spill over a wide exposure of granite and can be approached closely. Visitors are asked to exercise caution around the waterfall area and while swimming either above or below the falls. A well-maintained trail leads up the side of the waterfall, and continues to the Visitor Center and beyond. Brichinda Cave (Km 9) This impressive limestone cave has a gigantic entrance chamber and tower and a second huge chamber with a skylight opening to the surface. It can be reached in about one hour from the main road, or in less time if the beginning portion of the route is cycled. Vachiratharn Waterfall (Km.

20.8) The falls are reached by a short, easy trail from the parking area. Vachiratharn waters tumble down granite escarpment, creating a misty veil of great beauty. Visitors should be very cautious: three people have fallen to their deaths while taking photographs. Just a short distance on the main road beyond Vachiratharn is the small Karen hill tribe village, Ban Sop Had. Turn right just past the bridge and you will find the village a few hundred meters up the dirt access road. Park Headquarters (Km 30.8) The headquarters building has a small camping space nearby, and staff will provide assistance. Access to the Hmong village Ban Khun Klang, the guest house compound, and Siriphum Waterfalls via road intersecting with the main summit road at Km 30.4. A excellent view of Siriphum can be enjoyed by walking or cycling along the track which forks left from the main road just beyond the entrance to the guest house compound. The falls are actually twins: two parallel plumes named for King Bhumipol. and Queen Sirikit.

Napamaytanidol Chedi (Km 41) Continuing north of the main summit road, turn left at km 41.8 over a bridge on a paved road which leads to a magnificent chedi completed in 1989 to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol. Gew Mae Pan Trail One of the most beautiful and rewarding walks in the park is a new trail which begins a short distance up the main summit road from Napamaytanidol. The path leads for a kilometer or more through dense, moist evergreen forest, then emerges and follows the top of a steep slope bordering the canyon headwaters of the Mae Pan River. Dotted with red rhododendron, the trail proceeds southward for another kilometer with fine, open views to the west, then re-enters the forest and eventually terminates at Napamaytanidol Chedi. Two hours would allow a leisurely walk with camera stops. Summit of Doi Inthanon (Km 48) The drive to the summit offers some fine views, especially during November and December, before the dry season haze has become well established.

On your visit to the summit stupa containing the remains of King Inthawidhayanon, be sure to read the English translation on the back of the marble plaque nearby. Photographing any part of the radar station is forbidden, but visitors may take pictures freely of any other subject. On the main road and opposite the summit Ranger Station is a sign in Thai marking a short, self-guided nature trail which descends to a sphagnum bog in a small karst depression The bog area. which displays the red blossomed Rhododendron delavayi, comes nearest to a true montane forest formation and is a good location for bird-watching. If you continue around the bog and down a short distance, you will reach a memorial shrine marking the site of a helicopter crash which occurred in the mid-seventies and killed the first superintendent of this park. Mae Ya Waterfall (14 km from Chom Thong) Thought to be the highest in Thailand and is well worth the extra effort to get there. Park officials estimate that the Mae Ya River plunges more than 250 meters at this point.

It is a beautiful, fanning cascade, dropping down an ever-widening series of steps -- without a doubt, a photographic favourite. The Mae Chaem road A scenic pleasure. From the start at Km 38 on the main summit road, the first kilometers travel through some of the most lush forest on the mountain. Then the road comes out into the open and follows a descending ridge with fine views. Mae Pan Area At Km 6.6 on the Mae Chaem road is the turn-off to Mae Pan Waterfall, marked by a sign in Thai and English. The dirt access road descends about two kilometers to the Ranger Station and campground and is suitable for any vehicle although the road can be slippery on the uphill return after a heavy rain. The area is quiet, off the beaten track, and can be described as the back country of Doi Inthanon Park. It offers a rewarding loop hike of 1.5 to 2 hours through untouched terrain with small waterfalls and tumbling creeks along most of the route. Visitors can walk the 800 meters to Mae Pan Falls and back again, as well as the 200 meters to Huai Sai Luaeng Falls just beyond the campground.

Both of these trails are clear and well-maintained. See the following related articles: Mount Inthanon | mountain, Thailand | Britannica.com Mount Inthanon mountain, Thailand THIS ARTICLE IS A STUB. You can learn more about this topic in the related articles below. Alternative Title: Doi Inthanon Mount Pinatubo Mount Inthanon, Thai Doi Inthanon, mountain in northwestern Thailand that is the country’s highest peak (8,481 feet [2,585 m]). It lies southwest of Chiang Mai , in a spur of the Danen Range between the Chaem (west) and Ping (east) rivers. Learn More in these related articles: in Thailand: Relief ...Long granitic ridges were formed when great masses of molten rock forced their way upward through the older sedimentary strata. Peaks average about 5,200 feet (l,600 metres) above sea level. Mount Inthanon, at 8,481 feet (2,585 metres) the highest in the country, is in northwestern Thailand, near the historical city of Chiang Mai.

The city is overshadowed by Mount Suthep, site of a... Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article.

Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: July 20, 1998 URL: Access Date: January 19, 2017 Share Doi Inthanon National Park Tour - Chiang Mai | Expedia Doi Inthanon National Park Tour by Tour East Thailand Duration 7h Free cancellation Cancellation Policy You can cancel free of charge until 72 hours before your reservation starts. After that time, no cancellations, changes or refunds will be made. No booking or credit card fees Mobile Voucher Accepted per adult Price was {0} Discount price is $74 $74 Check Availability Previous image, 5 total items. Next image, 5 total items. Good!

3/5 Expedia Guest Rating Spend a day at Doi Inthanon National Park, "the roof of Thailand." Visit the sacred and tranquil Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, beautiful Wachirathan Falls, jungle trekking at Aang-Ka (Michael's Trail), and see the pagodas of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri. Begin your day with ease as you're picked up from your hotel and driven to Inthanon National Park, located south of Chiang Mai. Pay a visit to Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong and discover holy relics and ancient Siamese treasures like the Shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon. Continue to Inthanon National Park, "the roof of Thailand" with vistas of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the country at 8,514 feet (2,565 m), and home to over 383 species of birds and tropical wildlife.

Take a relaxing break at Wachirathan Falls before continuing to the breathtaking pagodas of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri, built in honor of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Take a stroll along the Aang-Ka Trail (Michael's Trail) and reach the summit of Inthanon for amazing views of Thailand and a great photo-taking opportunity. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch before making your way back to Chiang Mai, reflecting on your momentous and exciting natural encounter. Spend a day at Doi Inthanon National Park, "the roof of Thailand." Visit the sacred and tranquil Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, beautiful Wachirathan Falls, jungle trekking at Aang-Ka (Michael's Trail), and see the pagodas of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri. Begin your day with ease as you're picked up from your hotel and driven to Inthanon National Park, located south of Chiang Mai.

Pay a visit to Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong and discover holy relics and ancient Siamese treasures like the Shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon. Continue to Inthanon National Park, "the roof of Thailand" with vistas of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the country at 8,514 feet (2,565 m), and home to over 383 species of birds and tropical wildlife. Take a relaxing break at Wachirathan Falls before continuing to the breathtaking pagodas of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri, built in honor of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Take a stroll along the Aang-Ka Trail (Michael's Trail) and reach the summit of Inthanon for amazing views of Thailand and a great photo-taking opportunity. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch before making your way back to Chiang Mai, reflecting on your momentous and exciting natural encounter.

Learn and talk about Doi Inthanon, Geography of Chiang Mai Province, Highest points of countries, Mountains of Thailand, Thanon Thong Chai Range Easiest route drive Doi Inthanon ( Thai : ดอยอินทนนท์ ( pronunciation )) is the highest mountain in Thailand . [1] It is in Chom Thong District , Chiang Mai Province . This mountain is an ultra prominent peak , known in the past as Doi Luang (meaning "big mountain") or Doi Ang Ka, meaning the "crow's pond top". Near the mountain's base was a pond where many crows gathered. The name Doi Inthanon was given in honour of King Inthawichayanon , one of the last kings of Chiang Mai , who was concerned about the forests in the north and tried to preserve them. He ordered that after his death his remains be interred at Doi Luang, which was then renamed in his honour. Today, the summit of Doi Inthanon is a popular tourist destination for both foreign and Thai tourists, with a peak of 12,000 visitors visiting the summit on New Year's Day.

In addition to a range of tourist facilities on the summit, there is also a Royal Thai Air Force weather radar station at the summit and the Thai National Observatory (TNO) at km44. [2] Contents Geography[ edit ] Doi Inthanon is the highest peak of the Inthanon Range ( Thai : ทิวเขาอินทนนท์) of the Thanon Thong Chai Range , a subrange of the Shan Hills in the Thai highlands stretching southwards from the Daen Lao Range . This range, the southwesternmost of the Shan Highland system, separates the Salween watershed from the Mekong watershed. Other high peaks of the Loi Lar Mountain Range are Doi Luang Chiang Dao (2,175 m), Doi Pui (1,685 m), and Doi Suthep (1,601 m). In 1954, the forests around Doi Inthanon were conserved, creating Doi Inthanon National Park , as one of the original 14 national parks of Thailand.

[3] This park now covers 482.4 km² and spreads from the lowlands at 800 m elevation up to the peak at 2,565 m. Given the varied climatic and ecological areas regions, the park supports a range of animal species, including over 360 bird species. Climate[ edit ] The climate is typically tropical and fairly cool on the summit of Doi Inthanon. In winter the average temperature is 6 °C (43 °F) in January and temperatures can sometimes drop below 0 °C (32 °F). From March to June, temperatures are pleasant especially at higher altitudes. The rainy season runs from April to November, sometimes it rains often more than 2 hours per day. The two chedis[ edit ] On the main road to the summit of Doi Inthanon stand two adjacent chedis , one called Naphamethinidon (นภเมทินีดล), meaning "by the strength of the land and air", and the other, Naphaphonphumisiri (นภพลภูมิสิริ), meaning "being the strength of the air and the grace of the land".

These temples were built to honour the 60th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1987, and the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen Sirikit in 1992, respectively. Geology[ edit ] Geologically the mountain is a granite batholith in a north-south oriented mountain range. The second-highest peak of this range is Doi Hua Mot Luang at 2,340 m. View west from Doi Inthanon Mae Ya Waterfall Doi Inthanon control and reporting center on the summit Sign marking the top of Doi Inthanon Original courtesy of Wikipedia: — Please support Wikipedia. This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia . A portion of the proceeds from advertising on Digplanet goes to supporting Wikipedia. We're sorry, but there's no news about "Doi Inthanon" right now. Limit to books that you can completely read online Include partial books (book previews) Oops, we seem to be having trouble contacting Twitter Support Wikipedia A portion of the proceeds from advertising on Digplanet goes to supporting Wikipedia. Please add your support for Wikipedia! Searchlight Group Digplanet also receives support from Searchlight Group.

Visit Searchlight Copyright © 2009-2016 Digparty. All rights reserved. Doi Inthanon National Park "The Roof of Thailand" Chiang Mai Tour Packages and Travel Information “My Chiang Mai Tour” Welcome the travelers who love to travel to Thailand Doi Inthanon National Park Doi Inthanon National Park “The Roof of Thailand” Doi Inthanon is the highest summit in the country and during the winter season the temperature on the top of the mountain can drop to 0 degrees Celcius. This mountain, which is the end point for the Himalayan mountain range, traverses Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Thailand; it reaches 2,565 meters above the sea level. Within an hour drive of Chiang Mai town are numerous places that can provide that picture perfect postcard spot. Despite the cold from November to December, trees and plants of all sorts grow here to form a mountain-side forest. Due to the difference of temperatures in high and low altitudes, the mountain supports more than one type of forest : the lower part of the mountain has plants that grow with humidity and the cold.

Rare plants grow in these forests including Sphangum Moss and the Delavey Rhododendron. Near the peak of Doi Inthanon is a peat swamp forest, which is like a natural reservoir that stores seeping underground water, known to locals as Ang Ka Luang . The area boasts a nature trail regarded as one of the best in the country. A wooden track built into the forest enables visitors to observe nature and enjoy the variety of plants originating from the Himalayan region, for example, Delavay’s Rhododendron (Rhododendron arboretum subsp. delavayi), White Rhododendron (R. lyi), Inthanon Lady’s Slipper (Pephiopedilum villosum) and the parasitic plant Krathon Phra Ruesi (Sapria himalayana). The area is also a refuge for animals native to the Himalayan region, including the Common goral (Naemorhedus caudatus).

and endemic species of field rat: the Common European White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura russula), the Pere David’s Vole (Eothenomys miletus), the Red-toothed Shrew (Soriculus salenskii), and the Crocodile salamander. Many activities are available at Doi Inthanon, here is a list of the top activities to do, from the top of the mountain to the bottom. First is the peak of Doi Inthanon, once up here, you’ll be at the highest (and probably coldest) point in Thailand. From this point, if you are interested in mountain hiking, villagers can take you on a long trek in the surrounding forest where you will meet with Karen and Hmong villages (this trek can take half day or full day). Nearby the peak of Doi Inthanon is a radar station belonging to the Thai Air Force as well as memorial of the last ruler of Chiang Mai. You can visit these two spots by yourself and also take a little walk in the nature walk path available at Kew Mae Pan . The walk is about 360 meters which shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.

Along the way, you’ll see some of the mountain’s flora up close. After you walk, make your way to Summit of Doi Inyhanon (Phra Mahathat Chedi., Km.41.5) where you will find the Great Holy Relics . Pagoda of Nobhamethanidol and Nabhapolbhumisiri constructed by the Thai Air Force and Thai people on the auspicious occasion of HM the king’s 5th cycle birthday in 1992, Buddha’s relics are kept inside the two pagodas. From the exterior, you will see both pagodas with beautiful tiled murals, visitors can also take a magnificent panoramic view photographs of surrounding area of Doi Inthanon. The mountain of Doi Inthanon is mainly comprised of granite batholiths while limestone can be found in the lower region. It is one of the 14 national parks of Thailand and is one of the most beautiful and natural places of country. A visit there can be a one day trip or it can be extended to a few days with nights over. The area offers many overnight options such as camping or sleeping in beautiful mountain style bungalows at the Royal Agricultural Station.

When on a visit to Doi Inthanon, make sure you stop over at the Royal Agriculture Station Inthanon, to see the beautiful garden where various plants and vegetables are grown. The station allows researchers and farmers to learn more about plant-life at high altitude. Chiang Mai remains a long way from the sea, but if it is cool waters you seek fear not, the province is blessed with the beautiful lush green landscapes and Doi Inthanon houses some of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls. Some of these waterfalls have calm pools where one can fully immerse oneself, while others are simply beautiful, shady spots to dip your toes. Most can get thunderous in the wet season and caution should be exercised on slippery rocks or when considering swimming. The areas around the falls are often perfect for hikes and picnics, with swimming largely permitted. You might not always get them all to yourself, but the sight of relaxed, smilling locals enjoying the tranquil settings is an experience in itself. Doi Inthanon mountains is cool all year-round and spawns the Mae Klang, Mae Pako, Mae Pawn, Mae Ya, Mae Chamand Mae Khan rivers.

Mae Klang Waterfall is the first waterfall you’ll discover in Doi Inthanon National Park and it is arguably one of the most beautiful. The waterfall has several tigers with the main waterfall cascading around 25 meters down at 45-degree slope into a swimmable pool There is a viewing area at the waterfall , which is great for a scenic photo and a shot and easy nature walk to get there. The waterfall is an ideal place for a picnic or just a serene stop over on your day trip to the area. The biggest waterfall in the park, Mae Ya Waterfall is also one Chiang Mai’s most impressive. More than 230 meters high, it cascades down a steep and wide triangular shelf into a pool. Located only 500 meters from the parking area, there is a tented area with food on offer and it is a good setting for a picnic. Sirithan Waterfall is a medium sized waterfall within the park of around 40 meters, which drops down two large steps. From the main road there is the shot jungle walk to access it and there is also the scenic viewing deck.

Remember to take some warm clothes when visiting to Doi Inthanon as it can be surprisingly chilly at times, especially at this period of the year. Another two jewels of Doi Inthanon are the Siriphum Waterfall and the Wachirathan Waterfall. Siriphum is an impressively tall waterfall accompanied by another thinner one. This waterfall towers high above the trees which, in December, are decorated with purple blooms. Views are beautiful from the road when approaching the falls and the Siriphum Waterfall is located close to the Royal Agricultural Station, which are gardens worth a visit. The Wachirathan Waterfall has the most power and spray of the falls in Doi Inthanon; it is probably one of the most popular, probably due to its ease of access. A little-know gem not far from Doi Inthanon at Km. 6.6 on the Mae Chaem road is Mae Pan Waterfall. It is the marked by a clear sign and has a dirt access road that descends about two kilometers to the Ranger Station where you will find a campground. This area is quiet and well off the beaten track.

From the ranger station there is an excellent loop hike of 1.5 to 2 hours through virgin terrain with small waterfalls and bubbling streams along most of the route. Visitors can walk the 800 meters to Mae Pan Falls and back again, as well as 200 meters to Huai Sai Luang Waterfall just beyond the campground. Both of these trails are clear and well looked after. There are many more sights and activities for visitors to see and do while in Doi Inthanon such as bird watching for birdwatchers, is a sanctuary for more than 370 bird species. Some examples are the Greentailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis subsp. angkanensis) of the Doi Ang Ka region, the Chestnut-tailed Minla, and the Blue-winged Minla. The hilltribe village visits; you can be sure to bring back beautiful memories from your trip to the top of Thailand.

Note : Not accessible for wheelchair user Our services : Doi Inthanon - Climbing Thailand's Highest Mountain Doi Inthanon - Climbing Thailand's Highest Mountain Homepage About Resources Climbers Contact Store About Me Somehow, long ago I thought it would be a good idea to climb the highest mountain in every country I visited. What started as abit of a hobby and a way to see places and things off the normal tourist route, has now become the focal point of many a planned holiday. Researching the how, where and what of climbing my next peak, I realised that many of these mountains have very little information at all about actually getting to the summit. So I built a website...and then another, and another. And now I've managed accumulate quite a few peaks and hence quite a few websites. The Highest Mountain in Thailand - Doi Inthanon Tourism November 18, 2011 The Highest Mountain in Thailand – Doi Inthanon “Doi” is the northern word for “mountain” and Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand.

Originally named Doi Anka it was renamed in favor of Chao Inta Wichanont who was the father of King Kaew Nawarat and Princess Dara Rasamee. The namechange took place in 1939 after the Princess had her father’s remains interred on the mountain. The higest mountain in the country, Doi Inthanon is 2,565 meters above sea level. It is actually part of the Himalayas, the mountain range that stretches from Nepal and Bhuttan to Burma and Northern Thailand. It was originally known as Doi Luang, “big mount” in Thai. At the foot is Doi Inthanon National Park which is known for its biological diversity and complex ecological system that teems with wildlife. Even at the summit, the forest canopy is thick. It is here where the waters of the Ping River and its tributaries emanate from. Doi Inthanon National Park Tour - Chiang Mai | Travelocity Doi Inthanon National Park Tour by Tour East Thailand Duration 7h Free cancellation Cancellation Policy You can cancel free of charge until 72 hours before your reservation starts. After that time, no cancellations, changes or refunds will be made.

No booking or credit card fees Mobile Voucher Accepted per adult Price was {0} Discount price is $74 $74 Check Availability Previous image, 5 total items. Next image, 5 total items. Good! 60% of customers recommend Spend a day at Doi Inthanon National Park, "the roof of Thailand." Visit the sacred and tranquil Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, beautiful Wachirathan Falls, jungle trekking at Aang-Ka (Michael's Trail), and see the pagodas of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri. Begin your day with ease as you're picked up from your hotel and driven to Inthanon National Park, located south of Chiang Mai. Pay a visit to Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong and discover holy relics and ancient Siamese treasures like the Shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon.

Continue to Inthanon National Park, "the roof of Thailand" with vistas of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the country at 8,514 feet (2,565 m), and home to over 383 species of birds and tropical wildlife. Take a relaxing break at Wachirathan Falls before continuing to the breathtaking pagodas of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri, built in honor of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Take a stroll along the Aang-Ka Trail (Michael's Trail) and reach the summit of Inthanon for amazing views of Thailand and a great photo-taking opportunity. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch before making your way back to Chiang Mai, reflecting on your momentous and exciting natural encounter.

Spend a day at Doi Inthanon National Park, "the roof of Thailand." Visit the sacred and tranquil Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong, beautiful Wachirathan Falls, jungle trekking at Aang-Ka (Michael's Trail), and see the pagodas of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri. Begin your day with ease as you're picked up from your hotel and driven to Inthanon National Park, located south of Chiang Mai. Pay a visit to Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong and discover holy relics and ancient Siamese treasures like the Shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon. Continue to Inthanon National Park, "the roof of Thailand" with vistas of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the country at 8,514 feet (2,565 m), and home to over 383 species of birds and tropical wildlife.

Take a relaxing break at Wachirathan Falls before continuing to the breathtaking pagodas of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri, built in honor of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Take a stroll along the Aang-Ka Trail (Michael's Trail) and reach the summit of Inthanon for amazing views of Thailand and a great photo-taking opportunity. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch before making your way back to Chiang Mai, reflecting on your momentous and exciting natural encounter.

Question: Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in which country?
Answer: Thailand