Doi Inthanon, the Roof of Thailand

Hike the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 0800 for your trip to Doi Inthanon National Park. Today you will hike the famous Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain of Thailand (2,565 m). It became a national park in 1972. The park has the highest diversity of forest types and bird species of all national parks in the country. Doi Inthanon National Park is famous for its many, spectacular waterfalls. On this page we have extensive information about the national park, the trails, the history and the villages in the park.

We will drive up to the summit of Doi Inthanon. Here we will first visit the Shrine of King Inthawichayanon after who the mountain has been named. Very close to the shrine is the short but beautiful Angka Nature trail. At this elevation of the mountain evergreen, mossy forest is prevalent.

After we have hiked the Angka Nature Trail we descend towards the nearby Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. This trail is only open in the dry season, from November 1 until May 31. It is the most popular trail of the park. A local guide of the Hmong tribe will accompany us. The Hmong people manage the trail. You actually don’t need a guide but it gives the local people some extra income. The trail starts with a lovely walk through evergreen forest to a viewdeck. From this viewpoint the trail continues along a steep ridge with magnificent views over Mae Chaem and the Mae Pan River valley. Don’t worry, the trail is very safe. Take your time and enjoy the amazingly scenic views.

The Royal Chedis and the Vachirathan Waterfall

After we have finished hiking the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, we will briefly visit the two Royal chedis. One is called Naphamethinidon, meaning “by the strength of the land and air”, and the other, Naphaphonphumisiri, meaning “being the strength of the air and the grace of the land”. These temples were built to honour the 60th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1987, and the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen Sirikit in 1992, respectively. Then we will enjoy a late Thai lunch at a local restaurant.

We will continue to the Vachirathan waterfall. Along the way, we will stop at the Khun Klang market where the Hmong people sell products from the Royal Project. The Royal Project (1969) is a non-profit organisation, founded by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was aimed to solve the problems of deforestation, poverty and opium cultivation by promoting alternative crops in Thailand. We will also briefly stop at the Karen village Ban Mae Klang Luang to taste their delicious coffee. The Karen and the Hmong have been living in this area for a long time.

Last but not least is the thundering Vachirathan aka Wachirathan Waterfall. It is the most popular waterfall in the park. After this we will drive back to Chiang Mai. We will drop you off at your hotel and hope you have enjoyed our trip to Doi Inthanon National Park.

We also offer a rainy season day tour to Doi Inthanon.