Doi Inthanon National Park
Chiang Mai
Operating day:
Daily
Operating time: 06.00 - 18.00
Category : National Parks & Marine Reserves
Attraction Details :
Doi Inthanon National
Park is Thailand’s highest mountain, 2,599 metres above sea level. Doi
Inthanon is a part of the Himalayas, which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan,
Myanmar, and ends at Northern Thailand. Complex mountain ranges and a
mild climate characterise an area with a moist and dense summit forest.
Doi Inthanon is very intersting for ornithologists. Summit forest is
the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River. Meo and
Karen hilltribes inhabit the park.
Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year.
The best period for viewing waterfalls is May through November. The
best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The
best period for ornithologists is November through March.
Getting there: Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai
via Highway No. 108 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009
and continue a further distance of 48 kilometres along Highway No. 1009
to the summit. A good asphalt road takes visitors up but is rather
steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay
for the entrance fee at Km. 8.
Doi Inthanon can be reached by a local truck (Song
Thaeo) from Phra That Chom Thong or Mae Klang Waterfall. The Song Thaeo
runs to Doi Inthanon National Park Office (Km. 31) and neighbouring
villages. A chartered Song Thaeo costing around 800 baht can make stops
at other attractions around the area.
Accommodation, restaurants, and camping sites are
available at the park headquarters at Km. 31. Tel: 0 5335 5728, 0 5326
8550 Bangkok Tel: 0 2562 0760 or
www.dnp.go.th
Attractions in Doi Inthanon National ParkNamtok Mae Ya
is one of the most beautiful cascades in Chiang Mai. Water flows from a
280-metre steep cliff onto different rock formations in a lower basin
like drapes. The well-managed waterfall is teeming with verdant forests
and is best for recreation. It is located 1 kilometre from Highway No.
1009 junction, turn left for 14 kilometres and then take a 200-metre
walk.
Namtok Mae Klang is a 100-metre one-level
waterfall located 8 kilometres from Highway No. 1009 junction and turn
left onto an asphalt road for 500 metres.
Tham Bori Chinda is
a large cave located near Namtok Mae Klang at Km. 8.5 of Highway No.
1009. The road sign to Tham Bori Chinda will be seen at the junction on
the right. The deep cave has stalactite and stalagmite formations,
Buddha images and a rocky stream. The surface of the water glitters like
diamonds flake when light reflects the stream. Sunlight in the cave
allows visitors to see the entire cave.
The Tourist Centre at Km. 9 has exhibits on nature and animals that inhabit the area.
Namtok Wachirathan is
a large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff into a
deep pool below. When there is a large amount of water, there are large
splashes in the basin, creating a cool and refreshing environment. The
delightful ambience can be felt by walking on a slippery bridge that
leads to the waterfall. To get there, turn right off Highway No.1009 at
Km. 21, then follow the signpost to the waterfall a further 350 metres
on foot. At Km.20 a new road is built to reduce the walk to the
waterfall.
Namtok Siriphum is a splendid waterfall
that falls from a steep cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to
Doi Inthanon. The attractive waterfall is located at Km. 31 of Highway
No. 1009, take a right turn for 2 kilometres and is approachable only on
foot from the base of the waterfall.
Doi Inthanon Royal Project
is in Khun Klang village close to the park headquarters. The project
was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops
other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices. Most
produces are temperate zone plants. Flower plantations, a plant
breeding research lab and flower plantations of hill tribes (Hmong) are
open to visitors.
Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri,
twin pagodas located at Km. 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth
cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both
pagodas share the similar bases as well as a two-level walking path that
surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha
images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon.
Doi Inthanon Peak has
a cool climate all year round. The Air Force Radar Station and King
Inthawichayanon’s stupa located on the mountaintop. King
Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the
importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future
generations. He was so familia with Doi Inthanon that he asked that
part of his ashes be kept here.
The Tourist Information Centre, near
the top of Doi Inthanon, exhibits a chronological background of the
mountain, including its geography, biology, forests, and animals.
Namtok Mae Pan
is the longest waterfall in Chiang Mai, which flows from a 100-metre
cliff. Its charm can be enjoyed by standing some distance from the
falls. From afar, the white water and the green forests around the
falls make a beautiful picture. From Km. 38 of Highway No. 1009, drive
along the Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem road (Highway No. 1192) for 6
kilometres and a sign to the waterfall will be seen, then drive on an
unpaved road for 9 kilometres. The lovely waterfall can be reached by a
ten-minute walk from a parking lot. In the rainy season, the road to
Namtok Mae Phan is in a poor condition; only a four-wheel vehicle could
make the journey.
Namtok Huai Sai Lueang is beyond
Namtok Mae Pan, about 21 kilometres from Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem Road.
Turn left to an unpaved road where only a four-wheel vehicle could make a
trip in the rainy season. The medium-size cascade has water all year
round and flows from a cliff to each level.
Natural Study trek on Doi Inthanon
Kiu Mae Pan starts
from Km. 42. This short trail, winding through pristine forest for
about 2.5 kilometres, a 3-hour walk, allows the hiker to experience the
natural beauty of the forest at first hand. The Rhododendrons, commonly
found in the Himalayas, are found along the trail and they are in full
bloom during December-February.
Trekkers on this route should seek
permission from the park headquarters at Km. 31 for safety reasons. A
group of not more than 15 people is recommended. Food consumption is not
allowed while trekking. This nature trail is closed for reforestation
from June 1 to October 30 annually.
Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail was
surveyed and designed by Mr. Michael MacMillan Walls, a Canadian
volunteer biologist who devoted to his work and died from a heart attack
on this mountain. This trail is 360 metres long, passing through wet
and cold areas in a lush valley. Forest above 2,000 metres is covered
with lichens and wild orchids. Indigenous plants that needs a high
level of nutrition, organic deposits, and rare species of birds are seen
along the trail.
There are more nature trails on Doi Inthanon, each
providing different views of the diversity of plants, reforestation,
the importance of tributaries, the origin of caves, hilltribe
agriculture, and bird watching. Walking trails range from 1 to 8
kilometres. Each trip needs approval from the Chief of the National
Park and a trekking leader is needed. The service is obtained at the
Park Office at Km. 31.
Birdwatching on Doi InthanonInthanon
Bird Watching Information Centre (Uncle Daeng’s Shop) is located at Km.
31. This is a bird information exchange centre among bird watchers,
nature students and the general public. The information details the
habitat and food of birds and animals living on Doi Inthanon. The aim is
to pass on this knowledge to the next generation. It also provides the
Doi Inthanon Bird watching Diary, bird sketches by various bird watching
experts, bird watching trails, bird pictures, and slides.
Winter is the best time for bird watching when
indigenous and migrant birds are found including Eurasian Woodcock,
White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Forest
Wagtail, Chestnut Thrush, Scarlet Finch, Little Bunting, and Crested
Bunting.
Thank you --->
www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com
http://www.tourismthailand.org
http://www.dooasia.com
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