Visiting Thailand's Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Just two hours out of Chiang Mai sits the highest point in Thailand. The peak is part of the Shan Hills, which connects farther north to the Himalayas.

The summit sits at 2565 meters above sea level, which is just under 8500 feet. For an altitude that high, Doi Inthanon hardly feels like a mountain at all. This may be good or bad depending on the kind of person you are and your level of fitness. I expected something a little more strenuous, but Doi Inthanon is nice for the views, but would be a disappointment for anyone expecting a nature hike.

About 30 minutes of the two hour drive from Chiang Mai are within the national park boundaries. The entrance fee is 300 baht (a little under $9) per person and 30 for the vehicle. There is no way of getting there other than by car. As I mentioned in another post, we hired a private driver for the day. If you don’t feel squeamish about driving on really steep and bendy roads, I’m sure it would be a nice drive if you rented a car. But it’s important to keep in mind that in Thailand, they drive on the same side of the road as in the UK, so that can also take getting used to.

The highest point in Thailand is actually a big wooden sign surrounded by a lot of trees. We were warned that it could get cold up there. But to be honest, compared to the heat down in the city, I would say the weather was pretty nice. Nothing a cardigan or light sweater can’t help you handle. I’m sure during a cold snap, this advice may be more important to heed. There are two large parking lots on either end of the peak. So you can go take a picture with the sign and come down on the other side. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).