Doi Inthanon plus Trekking
In this exciting day excursion, you will experience Thailand’s highest mountain in a way that many tourists don’t. In addition to visiting the well-known majestic twin pagodas, you’ll hike through nature on the Ang Kha trail along the summit, 2,565 meters above sea level.
In this exciting day excursion, you will experience Thailand’s highest mountain in a way that many tourists don’t. In addition to visiting the well-known majestic twin pagodas, you’ll hike through nature on the Ang Kha trail along the summit, 2,565 meters above sea level.
As the Doi Inthanon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, you’re likely to see many of them, some up close! If you love ecology, you will be in awe of its diversity as you explore nature up here.
After enjoying the breathtaking view from the summit, you will visit the twin pagodas - the King and Queen pagodas. The beautiful garden is an amazing place to walk in and take great pictures.
Next, you’ll take a leisurely 2-hour hike that will take you past farms, coffee plantations, terraced rice fields, and a waterfall where you can cool down with a swim. When you arrive at a Karen tribe village, you’ll relax with a freshly brewed cup of Arabica coffee which is grown in a plantation in the village. If you love coffee, you’ll be able to buy some to take home.
Enjoy an authentic Thai lunch before adjourning to the Wachirathan Waterfalls, which is made up of individual waterfalls. It is one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls. Swimming is prohibited but the view is worth the visit.
Please note that it is cold at the highest mountain even during Summer and it is advisable to bring a light jacket or warmer clothing if you don’t like the cold. Temperatures can drop below 0° Celcius during Winter.
Itinerary:- 8:00 Pick up from your hotel in an air-conditioned van.
- Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Doi Inthanon National Park. Your English-speaking guide will share information about your excursion.
- Visit the highest summit in Thailand at 2,565 meters above sea level.
- Take a light hike on the Ang Kha trail along the top of the summit, and enjoy the fresh air in nature.
- Visit the King and Queen Pagodas and a beautiful garden.
- Hike down to an authentic Karen tribe village. The 2-hour scenic hike will take you by farms, coffee plantations, terraced rice fields, and a waterfall.
- Relax with a cup of locally grown arabica coffee in the village.
- Have lunch at an authentic establishment.
- Visit Wachirathan Waterfalls.
- 18:00 Return to Chiang Mai and back to your hotel.
- English speaking tour guide
- Bottled drinking water
- Entrance fees
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch
- Local Trekking Guide
- Souvenirs
- Other tours not mentioned in the above itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Beverages
Things to Bring:
- Warm clothes, jacket
- Cap, hat
- Swimming suit
- Sunblock, bug repellent
- Proper shoes for hiking
Doi Inthanon National Park
Home to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565 meters or 8,415 ft), the national park is one of the most famous of the original 14 national parks in Thailand and attracts locals and tourists who get away from the cities to enjoy the fresh, cool air, and the beauty and serenity of the park.
Because of the varied climatic and ecological aspects of the area, the park supports a range of animal species, including over 360 bird species which attract avid birdwatchers from all over the world.
The national park also features beautiful waterfalls, terraced rice fields, farms, coffee plantations and villages of the local Karen and Hmong tribes whose livelihood comes from agriculture. The first research station for the Royal Project was set up here to help the hill tribe people grow crops.
Doi Inthanon was once referred to by the locals as “Doi Luang” which means big mountain. Its name is in honor of Inthawichayanon, the last King of Chiang Mai, who was concerned with the preservation of the forests in the north.
Ang Ka Luang Natural Trail
Also known as Angkha Natural Trail, it is a scenic 340 meters looped boardwalk trail, where you can take a stroll through beautiful cloud forests and some patches of rare swamp forest. The trail is mostly flat except for around 30 meters of slope trail near the start and end. It usually takes around 20-30 minutes to walk around the loop.
The forests of Doi Angkha (Angkha Mountain), is home to one of the largest species of moss found anywhere in the world. Along the trail, you might see rhododendron flowers or catch a glimpse of the unique green-tailed sunbird, found only in Doi Inthanon National Park.
To protect the vegetation, wooden boardwalks are used and the trail is designed so people can explore this amazing phenomenon of nature without affecting it.
The King and Queen Pagodas Known as Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphapholphumisiri, the King and Queen Pagodas are two spectacular pagodas built on two adjacent hills. The Royal Thai Air Force built them to commemorate the king’s and queen’s 60th birthdays in 1989 and 1992, respectively.
The chedis were both constructed in a modernist style that makes them stand out from other monuments in northern Thailand. The two chedis enshrine Buddha images and reliefs of Buddhist scenes.
Wachirathan Waterfalls
Wachirathan Waterfalls comprises a large number of individual waterfalls and is considered some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. Located in Doi Inthanon National Park, the waterfalls start from Mae Klang Creek which is the origin of the mountain range leading up to Doi Inthanon.
There is an impressive wooden bridge that stretches towards the cliffs which stand at around 70 meters (approx 230 ft). There is another steep cliff opposite it which offers photographers a beautiful natural scenery. The sun rays combined with the spray of the water creates an amazing rainbow.
The Royal Project Located in Khun Klang village within the Doi Inthanon National park, the Royal Project was implemented in 1979 and designed to teach the local villagers, mainly from the Karen and Hmong tribes, to switch from planting opium, which became illegal, to practicing modern agriculture.
The Royal Project is a lovely site to visit as it is filled with delightful gardens, lakes, flowers, and various crops. You can enjoy a coffee while appreciating the beautiful surroundings.
Local Markets
Along the route back to Chiang Mai city, you’ll find local village markets where people from the Karen and Hmong tribes sell their wares. Freshly grown fruits and vegetables, fruit wines, handmade clothing, and crafts are just some of the local products sold at reasonable prices.
