Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon is one of those rare places that genuinely lives up to every bit of its reputation. From the moment you begin the ascent, you realize this isn’t just a mountain — it’s an experience. Riding up on a motorcycle with my son made it unforgettable. The road itself is a masterpiece. Long, sweeping curves flow into tighter bends, followed by stretches that feel like they point straight into the sky. It’s a perfect rhythm of curvy and steep, demanding just enough focus to keep you fully present while rewarding you with breathtaking scenery at every turn. The climb feels almost vertical at times, yet the pavement is smooth and beautifully maintained. Each section of the road offers something different — cool air rolling down from the summit, dense green forest wrapping around you, and viewpoints that make you want to stop just to absorb the silence. What truly stands out is the feeling of riding through changing worlds. As you climb higher, the temperature drops, the landscape shifts, and the air becomes crisp and refreshing. It’s not just visually stunning — it feels invigorating. Sharing that ride with my son turned it into more than just a scenic trip. It became one of those perfect father-son moments where the journey itself becomes the memory. The mountain, the curves, the climb — everything came together in a way that felt both thrilling and peaceful. Doi Inthanon isn’t simply a destination. It’s a ride, a challenge, and a moment you carry with you long after you’ve come back down.

We visited Doi Inthanon National Park today, and despite the long journey from Chiang Mai, it was absolutely worth it. We traveled by scooter, which took a little over two hours to reach the summit. Upon entering the park, there is an entrance fee of 300 THB per person plus 20 THB for the scooter. Our first stop was at the waterfalls, which were beautiful and free to visit. From there, we continued up the mountain to do the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail — a 3 km scenic loop. This hike costs 200 THB per group and includes a guide, which is mandatory (you cannot do this trail without one). A group can include several people, but in our case, we were just two. After the hike, we headed all the way up to the summit, where no additional fees were required. There are a few smaller trails at the top as well, and they are also free to explore. The park itself is stunning, with breathtaking views and refreshing mountain air. It was around 17°C when we arrived, but it can be much colder in the morning, so make sure to dress warmly. Although it’s quite expensive, especially with the dual pricing for tourists (which is very frustrating in Thailand), the experience is still definitely worth it. Doi Inthanon is a must-visit for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking to escape the heat and enjoy some truly unique scenery.

I booked an experience through booking.com and got picked up from my hotel. The guide Pai was very friendly and provided lots of interesting information. He planned the day very well and has included lots of little activities. We stopped at 2 waterfalls, then a few tribes where we tasted coffee and tea and contributed to the little village. We also stopped at a fruit and nut market which was super delicious and fresh. I recommend you buy little portions and eat them straight away if they are fresh, otherwise there is still a long way to go and the fruits might get mushy. It was strawberry season so they tasted very very good and sweet. I also got mulberries which I haven't eaten since I was a child, which was a great memory. After we had lunch at a restaurant nearby and then we went for a walk in a little forest opposite the national park. It was great to connect with nature and the air was cooler which was great as it was super hot otherwise. I recommend bringing sunscreen and insect repellent if you know you might burn quickly or you are a treat to the insects. The national park was also great, with the highest peak in Thailand and the little shrines. I forgot to mention, but we also visited the King and Queen's pagodas which was pretty cool to see. Recommend for an all day experience.