Doi Inthanon: Hiking the Nature Trails

Price per person in THB
2 persons3 persons4 persons5 persons6 persons7 persons8 persons
4,4003,4002,8002,4002,2002,1002,000
Difficulty
50%

Hiking the Nature Trails of Doi Inthanon is available from November 1 until May 31.

This is a private tour. Doi Inthanon National Park is one of Thailand’s most beautiful protected areas and boasts a great diversity in flora and fauna. Today you will drive to the summit of Thailand’s highest mountain, trek through cloud forest near the summit and visit Doi Inthanon’s most spectacular waterfall. You will hike the famous Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. You will also learn about the Hmong and Karen, the tribal people who live in the National Park.

Total driving time: four hours

From: 4,400.00 ฿

Map of Doi Inthanon Doi Inthanon: Trekking the Nature Trails on the Roof of Thailand
Doi Inthanon: Hiking the Nature Trails on the Roof of Thailand

Doi Inthanon, the Roof of Thailand

The summit and the short Angka Nature Trail

This is a private tour. Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 0700 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 in 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, where 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 forest is prevalent.

Hike the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

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. It is the most popular trail in the park and for good reason. A local guide of the Hmong tribe will accompany us because they 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 the evergreen forest to a view deck. 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. We will hike at a leisurely pace so we have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing views.

The Royal Chedis

After we have finished hiking the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, we will briefly visit the two Royal chedis. They constructed these chedis to honor the 60th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1987, and the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen Sirikit in 1992, respectively. After this, it is time for lunch which we will enjoy at a local restaurant.

Baan Mae Klang Luang and thundering waterfalls

Having finished our lunch 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 organization, founded by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It 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 Baan 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, which 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.

Highlights

Comfortable private transportation

Summit of Doi Inthanon

Angka Nature Trail

Vachirathan Waterfall

Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail through mossy cloud forest

Hmong Royal Project Market

Two Royal Chedis

Karen village Baan Mae Klang Luang

Inclusions

What is included?

Transportation by AC minibus
English speaking guide
Local Hmong guide during Kew Mae Pan hike
Lunch
Drinking water during meals
Entrance fees (300THB per person for the National Park)
Limited medical insurance

What is not included?

All drinks except drinking water
Personal expenses
Tips

Timeline

08.00 – Departure from the hotel
09.45 – Visit the summit of Doi Inthanon and a short walk
10.30 – Start hiking Kew Mae Pan Natural Trail
12.30 – End of the hike
12.45 – Visit the two Royal Chedis
13.15 – Leave the chedis and stop at the Hmong market
13.45 – Late lunch at a local restaurant
14.30 – Visit the Karen village Ban Mae Klang Luang
15.00 – Drive to Vachirathan waterfalls
16.00 – Drive back to Chiang Mai
17.30 – Drop off at the hotel

What to bring

Long sleeves/Jacket during wintertime (Nov – March)
Hiking shoes with good grip
Sunscreen
Hat or cap
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Raincoat
Small backpack