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The highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon rises to a height
of 2565 meters (8, 415 feet) above sea level. This altitude
means that temperatures on Doi Inthanon are refreshingly brisk
year round and regularly dip below freezing during the cool
season (October to February). The national park which contains
Doi Inthanon and bears its name covers 482 square km (186
square miles) and contains Sanpatong District, Chomthong District,
Mae Chaem District, Mae Wang District, and the Toi Lor Sub
district of Chiang Mai Province.
Doi Inthanon National Park is a true jewel of natural beauty,
consisting of rugged mountainous terrain blanketed by lush
tropical forests and dotted with mighty rivers and majestic
waterfalls. The park's protected status makes it a sanctuary
for a wide range of animal species and it is perhaps the best
place in Thailand for bird watching. Approximately 362 different
species of bird make their home in Doi Inthanon National Park,
many of which are not found anywhere else in Thailand.
The diversity of Doi Inthanon does not only extend to plant
and animal species, however. The park has long been home to
settlements of Northern Hilltribes as well. Recent efforts
have been made to allow theses unique villages to maintain
their traditional cultures while co-existing with modern developments
such as tourism and the Bhumibol Dam, which harnesses the
power of the Ping River to provide electricity to thousands
of Thai people.
Doi Inthanon is a popular destination for visitors to the
region, not only for its natural beauty, but for its historical
significance as well. Chedis (monuments) dedicated
to Their Royal Majesties, The King and Queen, can be found
atop the peak of the mountain.
The park has been adapted somewhat to accommodate the tourist
trade and there are some eating and drinking areas, as well
as accommodation. The rugged terrain is now crisscrossed with
pathways and roads to make it more accessible to visitors.
The development has been tightly controlled, however, and
every effort has been made to preserve the natural beauty
of the environment.
Doi Inthanon Topography and Climate
Doi Inthanon National Park consists primarily of high rugged
mountains including Doi Inthanon itself, as well as Doi Huamodluang.
The area is a major watershed and is the source of several
rivers such as the Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi,
Mae Ya, Mae Chaem and Mae Khan Rivers. It is also part of
the source of the Ping River, which runs directly through
Chiang Mai.
When you combine mountain peaks with rivers, what do you
get? Waterfalls. Doi Inthanon National Park is the location
of some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Thailand. The
most stunning of these waterfalls is probably Mae Yai, which
cascades down from a height of 100 meters (330 feet). Mae
Klang Waterfall is easily accessible to visitors, being located
right near the park entrance. On the weekends expect to see
plenty of Thai families enjoying a picnic near this scenic
point.
Wachiratan Waterfall is located halfway up the road to the
top of the peak and provides some great swimming holes at
the bottom of its 40 meter (131 foot) drop. A dip in one of
these pools is not for the faint of heart, however, as the
water temperature is downright icy. Close to the summit you
will find the slender white wisp of Siriphum Waterfall, which
is usually less crowded than its cousins. The water level
of Siriphum varies a great deal from season to season, however.
The elevation of Doi Inthanon means that it enjoys a perpetually
cooler temperature than the surrounding plains. During the
middle of the cool season temperatures easily drop below freezing
and even during the sweltering heat of the hot season the
air at the summit remains bracingly chilly.
Doi Inthanon Flora and Fauna
The high elevation and abundance of water have blessed Doi
Inthanon with a rich biodiversity that is unique in Thailand.
Its lush forests include Moist Evergreen, Pine Forest and
Mixed Deciduous. At the base of the mountains cleared agricultural
land is interspersed with deciduous trees, which lose their
leaves at the coming of the dry season. At higher elevations
the deciduous forests give way to large swathes of tropical
evergreen, which maintain their emerald hue all year round.
Doi Inthanon is home to a large and colourful array of flowers,
as well. Vanda Orchids, Phycastylis and Rhododendron can be
found growing wild all over the park.
Doi Inthanon National Park is also home to a wide variety
of animal species. Although many of the large animals are
no longer found in the park it is still home to a number of
different species. Asiatic Black Bears, Barking Deer and Chinese
Flying Squirrels can be seen, living alongside a large variety
of primates including Gibbons, Macaques, Leaf Monkeys and
over 30 species of bats. Doi Inthanon is also the best locale
in Thailand for bird watching, with over 300 different species
making their homes among the trees.
Doi Inthanon Attractions
Doi Inthanon National Park has much to offer visitors besides
its natural beauty. For centuries the area has been home to
various hill tribes who still reside there and maintain their
ancient way of life. At the base of the peaks you will find
Hmong villages, where the people continue to tend their fields
as they have done for hundreds of years. The only change is
the crop. Thanks to the Royal Project, these people have switched
from cultivating opium poppies and now grow other commercial
crops such as vegetables and flowers. Visitors are welcome
to the Royal Project, which is located right near the rangers'
station.
Try a trip to the Hmong Village, Khun Ya Noi, for a visit
to the market and to admire the people's colourfully embroidered
clothing. There are also several Karen villages, such as Ban
Mae Ab Nai, where you can purchase fine examples of traditional
Karen weaving and textiles and observe the quaint Karen way
of life first hand. If you are up for a bit of a hike then
check out Brichinda Cave, a beautiful limestone cave which
is open to the sky. The cave is located in the middle of a
deciduous forest, about an hour's walk from the road.
For those keen on trekking Doi Inthanon is a paradise, with
four striking nature trails to explore. Nature trails are
a great way to experience the fantastic scenery of Doi Inthanon
up close and personal. Doi Inthanon nature trails take a few
hours to walk and maps and guides are available at the ranger
station. Near the summit of Doi Inthanon you will find two
Chedis dedicated to Their Royal Majesties, the King and Queen.
The Chedis are located on facing hills, about 100 meters (330
feet) from one another. They were erected to commemorate the
King and Queen's 60th birthdays and each contain exquisitely
crafted Buddha images as well as fine tiled murals. The views
offered from the hills can be astounding on a clear day but
there is often cloud cover or fog obscuring visibility.
Doi Inthanon Travel Information
There are several different options for those who wish to
explore Doi Inthanon. To make it simple on yourself and make
sure you don't miss anything, see our Doi
Inthanon Tours. Another option is to explore the park
in a rental car or on a motorbike.
To get to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai take route 108 towards
Chomthong. Follow this road for 57 km (35 miles) and turn
right onto route 1009 (Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Road). Follow
this road for 31km (19 miles) and you will arrive at the entrance
of the park (trip time approximately 90 minutes). Once in
the park you can explore it on foot or in a vehicle. While
the climb is tiring, it is a great way to experience the entire
park. The ranger station at the entrance to the park is well
equipped and can provide maps, guides and information on the
park.
If you want to stay overnight at Doi Inthanon there are several
options available. The Royal Park Service maintains a small
number of chalets and bungalows on the park grounds. The surroundings
are spectacular but the amenities are limited. There are also
campsites located near the ranger stations but advance booking
is recommended, especially during high season, when much of
the accommodation is full. The nearby villages of Chomthong,
Hot and Mae Chaem also have a number of guest houses and resort-type
facilities. |
