[Chiang Mai Attractions Recommendation] Doi Inthanon Day Trip Itinerary | Thailand's Highest Peak + Twin Towers + Waterfall + Mountain Village Must-See Route
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⛰️ Complete Guide to a Day Trip to Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai's Highest Peak
Want to spend a day capturing waterfalls, seas of clouds, mossy forests, and twin pagodas? Doi Inthanon National Park, about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Chiang Mai, is the most classic nature route in Northern Thailand. If the season is right, you can also walk the Grand Scenic Trail to see the sea of clouds and sunrise.
🧭 Quick Navigation
- Suggested Itinerary (Departing from Chiang Mai)
- Must-see highlights
- Tickets, opening hours, and transportation
- Clothing and Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Charter/transfer inquiry
🗺️ One-day itinerary suggestion (avoid backtracking)
- Depart from Chiang Mai city center at 7:00 AM (via Highway 108 → Highway 1009)
- 08:30 Wachirathan or Sirithan Falls (choose 1-2)
- 10:00 Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (Open from November to May, 1.5 to 2 hours of walking)
- 12:30 Twin Royal Stupas and Gardens ( Naphamethinidon & Naphaphonphumisiri )
- 14:00 Park's highest point (2,565m) + Ang Ka Luang Moss Forest Trail (20–30 minutes, boardwalk)
- Return to Chiang Mai at 16:00
Note: Kew Mae Pan is closed for health and wellness activities from June 1st to October 31st each year; if it rains, you can visit Ang Ka or the waterfall group instead.
🌟 Must-see highlights
1) Twin Royal Pagodas and Gardens
The two pagodas were built to commemorate the King and Queen of Thailand. The circular garden offers a wide view, and on a clear day, one can see the surrounding peaks in the distance.
2) Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (Seasonal Only)
The open mountain ridgeline and low rhododendron grass slopes are open from November 1 to May 31. A local guide must be hired at the entrance. The loop is approximately 2.5 kilometers.
3) Ang Ka Luang Moss Forest
The cloud forest at an altitude of nearly 2,500m features a cool, damp wooden boardwalk covered in moss, which takes only 20–30 minutes to walk around and is very beginner-friendly.
4) Waterfall Group (Wachirathan/Sirithan/Mae Klang)
There are several waterfalls to choose from along the way. The water flow is spectacular during peak season, but during the rainy season, be careful to avoid slipping and protect your camera from splashing water.
ℹ️ Tickets, Opening Hours, Transportation
- Tickets: Approximately 300 THB for foreign adults and 150 THB for children; additional 30 THB for small vehicles (tickets for the pagoda area are charged separately).
- Opening hours: The park usually opens at around 5:30 am and closes at 6:00 pm –6:30 pm (subject to the announcement of the day).
- Distance/Driving Time: Chiang Mai city to the park is about 90–103 kilometers , and the driving time is 1.5–2 hours .
- Season: November–February is dry and cool with good visibility; June–October often has afternoon showers, and the mountain roads are slippery, so please be careful.
🎒 Clothing and Tips
- Insulating layer (it's cooler in the early morning and evening), waterproof jacket, non-slip walking shoes.
- Please note the time restrictions and closures of the trail; a guide needs to be hired on-site at Kew Mae Pan .
- If you are driving, be careful when overtaking on mountain roads and be aware of fog; if you are unfamiliar with the road conditions, it is recommended to hire a car for peace of mind.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is half a day enough time to play?
A: I recommend a full day trip to visit multiple sites without rushing; for a half-day trip, you can choose "waterfall + pagoda" or "highest point + Ang Ka".
Q: Is it suitable for children?
A: Ang Ka boardwalk and waterfall viewing platform are very friendly; Kew Mae Pan has stairs going up and down, so consider your physical condition before deciding.
Q: What is the best time to view the scenery?
A: The sea of clouds and light are most beautiful in the early morning; there is more fog and showers in the afternoon.
🚐 Departure from Chiang Mai|One-day chartered car tour with Inta Warmth
- 9–12 seat VIP VAN | 10 hours including fuel | English-speaking driver with familiar routes
- We can customize the "walking trail/waterfall/pagoda/sunrise" route to your liking.
View our Chiang Mai chartered day tour series 📱 Instant WhatsApp inquiry