Doi Inthanon National Park
Go on a clear day. That's the whole trick here, because the twin royal chedis near the summit, Naphapol Bhumisiri and Noppha Methanidon, are all about the view across the highlands from their gardens, and cloud turns them into two pretty buildings and not much else. The actual highest point in Thailand has no viewpoint at all. It's a marker and a photo, and people still like ticking it off.
What fills the day is the rest: the waterfalls, which are large and free to walk up to, and the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, a 3km loop that carries its own separate fee. The park is huge and the roads are steep in places. Riders love those long curves, but if you're not confident on a scooter for two hours each way, take a guided day trip from Chiang Mai instead. Reviewers who did consistently say the guide made the day, adding hill tribe villages, coffee and tea stops and roadside fruit markets to the standard route.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Doi Inthanon National Park, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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.
I really enjoyed visiting this national park. It is very big so you need a tour, guide or suitable transport. Some of the route arr extremely steep for driving. The waterfalls are huge and so beautiful. You can also visit the pagodas and explore their lovely surrounding gardens. You can visit the highest point in Thailand, there is no viewpoint here but still cool to say you've been.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 3,669 reviews on Google.
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Doi Inthanon National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doi Inthanon National Park worth visiting?
Doi Inthanon National Park holds a 4.7★ rating from 3,669 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Doi Inthanon National Park?
Doi Inthanon National Park is typically open 05:00-18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Doi Inthanon National Park?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Doi Inthanon National Park located?
Doi Inthanon National Park is at 119, Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Thong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
119, Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Thong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand+66 53 286 729www.facebook.com/DoiInthanonNationalPark?mibextid=ZbWKwLVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Doi Inthanon National Park
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places

Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail
A forested nature trail in Chom Thong District with compulsory local guides, waterfalls, and a coffee village finale.

Siriphum Waterfall
A peaceful seasonal waterfall in Chom Thong District, ideal for swimming and nature walks away from the crowds.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand

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Safari World
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Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
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Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Doi Inthanon National Park
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)