Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon is famously known as the highest peak in the territory of Thailand, the land around it is part of the Doi Inthanon National Park. The park is about 90 minutes drive southwest of Chiang Mai city and is known for its magnificent waterfalls , flora, fauna, lakes, temples and magnificent panoramic views. At a height of 2565 meters Doi Inthanon is often referred to as the "Roof of Thailand" because on the top of this mountain, are two magnificent domed Buddhist temple monuments known as Chedis.

Doi Inthanon National Park extends to 482 square kilometers and is home to a huge variety of forest plants, 66 species of mammals and 386 bird species. The forests include moist evergreen vegetation, pine forest and mixed deciduous forests.

In a clearing you can see beautiful and rare flowers such as orchids and rhododendrons. Among the animals that inhabit Doi Inthanon National Park are tigers, deer, wild pigs, rabbits , monkeys, apes, Asian black bears and a great wealth of birds. Some time ago at the base of the mountain was a lake where many crows gathered.

In this context, is one of the previous names of the mountain and the park - Doi Ang Ka, which translated means "Lake of the crows at the top." Until the year 1899 Doi Inthanon National Park was known as “Doi Ang Ka or as Doi Luang (great mountain). Today its name is a shortened version of the King of Inthawichayanon, which is one of the last kings of Chiang Mai who was concerned about forests and nature in the north.

Doi Inthanon National Park is situated 2565 meters above sea level, which determines the cold weather and high humidity throughout the year. At the top of the mountains the temperatures are freezing. Most of the time this divine nature is covered by fog. Even climbing Doi Inthanon in the summer when the foot of the mountain is warm, the snow on top has one wearing thick layers of clothes.

Mount Doi Inthanon is part of the mountain range that separates Burma from Thailand, known as Loi Lar. The second highest peak within the Doi Inthanon National Park is Doi Huamodluang, reaching 2330 meters above sea level. This fascinating mountain is valuable to Thailand, as it is the source of many rivers including Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi and others.

The most spectacular waterfall in the Doi Inthanon National Park is the 100 meter Mae Ya Waterfall.

Near the very top of the mountain there are two remarkable commemorative Buddhist temples that were built, known as Napamaytanidol Chedi. These temples were built to commemorate the 60th birthday of the King and Queen respectively in 1987 and 1992

To view the detailed and comprehensive beauty of the Doi Inthanon National Park, it is best to join one of the many travel trips and tours organized by the nearby town. Given the magnitude of the mountain, joining a tour group would be your best option in order for you to get the most from this magnificent natural marvel. Initially, take the bus to Chom Thong, from Chang Mai Gate, south of the city, then take a bus to Mae Klang waterfall. The last link is another bus to the Doi Inthanon Mountain.