Doi Inthanon National Park covers the areas of Sanpatong District, Chomthong District, Mae Chaem District, Mae Wang District, and Toi Lor Sub-district of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 482 square kilometers. The National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand and the source of many rivers such as Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power. The National Park has beautiful natural scenery such as waterfalls, particularly Mae Ya Waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.
Historically, the mountain of Doi Inthanon was refered to as Doi Ang Ka. Prince Intharawichayanon, the last ruler of Chiang Mai, realized the importance of the country's forests, especially in the north, where the forest serve as the watershed for the country. He was interested in helping and supporting people who were investigating the history in his area. So he requested that his body must be placed on the summit of Doi Ang Ka. After his death, the mountain was renamed Inthanon, a short version of his name. Today, visitors can see the Inthanon Wichayanon stupa on the summit of Doi Ang Ka.
The geographical features of the National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand (2,565 meters above the sea level), followed by Doi Huamodluang (2,330 meters above the sea level). Doi Inthanon is the source of many rivers including Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem, Mae Khan, and being part of Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power.
Mae Klang Waterfall
Mae Klang Waterfall is located in the east of the National Park, approximately 8 kilometers away from Chom Thong - Doi Inthanon Road, then make a left hand turn for 1 kilometer until reaching the Waterfall. This waterfall is very popular among Thai and foreigners who come to swim, picnic and relax. The rapid stream and waterfall spill over the area produce cool and pleasant for visitors.
Mae Ya Waterfall
Mae Ya Waterfall is a large waterfall of 260 meters high, located in the south of the National Park. The Waterfall originated in Mae Ya Gully. Many tourists claimed that the Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand since the Waterfall is like a combination of different waterfalls. The Waterfall can be accessed from the right hand side of Chomthong-Hod Road, then, follow the guide posts.
Siriphum Waterfall
The Waterfall was formerly called "Lao Lee Waterfall", which was named after the headman of a nearby tribesman village. After that Mr.Ror.Vor. Jakthong Thongyai, a former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, named the Waterfall "Siriphum" to enhance the prestige of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. The Waterfall is located near km 31, Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Raod
Vachiratharn Waterfall
Vachiratharn Waterfall (or "Muangyong Waterfall") is a 70-meter-high waterfall, having originated in Mae Klang Gully and being located near km 22, Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Raod. At the Waterfall, there are many caves; and the most beautiful one is Borijinda Cave, a large cave with stalactite and stalagmite, located in the east of the National Park.
Kaew Mae Pang Nature Trail
one of the most beautiful and rewarding walks in the park is a new trail, which begins a short distance up the main summit road from Napamaytanidol. The path leads for a kilometer or more through dense, moist evergreen forest, then emerges and follows the top of a steep slope bordering the canyoned headwaters of the Mae Pan river. Dotted with red rhododendron, the trail proceeds southward for another kilometer with fine, open views to the west, then re-enters the forest and eventually terminates at Napamaytanidol Chedi. Two hours would allow a leisurely walk with camera stops.
Summit of Doi Inthanon
Summit of Doi Inthanon offers fine views to visitors, especially during November and December. On the summit, there is a stupa containing the body of prince Intharawichayonon, whose chronicle placed on the back of the marble plaque nearby. However photographing any parts of the radar station s forbidden.
Brichinda Cave
This impressive limestone cave has a gigantic entrance camber and tower and a scene huge chamber with a skylight opening to the surface. This cave has a medium-size, which has beautiful stalagmite, is situated in the middle of deciduous forest. It takes about one hour walk from the main road.
View Point and Phra Mahathat Chedi
At Km. 41 of Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Road, there are Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri built for presenting to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit by Thai Air Force.
Wang Kwai Waterfall
This waterfall has cold pleasant water which is suitable for swimming. Visitors can take route 00, Chiang Mai - Hod, turn right to route 00, Chom Tong - Doi Inthanon at 58 km. and proceed for another 9.7 km.
Siritan Waterfall
This waterfall is 81 km. from Chiang Mai. Take the route 108, Chiang Mai - Hod and turn left at 58 th km. and continue on Chomg Tong - Doi Intanon for 23 km. you will reach Siritan Waterfall. The 100 meters trail in the Montain Rainforest will brighten up your day.
Doi Khun Klang
Approximately km 31, the geographical area is surrounded by fields of grass due to reclamation of forests since 50 years ago, as a result, Doi Khun Klang looks wavy, particularly in the rainy season, the scenery of Doi Khun Klang is so greenish and spectacular for photographing. However, nature lovers wish to see the forests rather than the fields of grass.
Mae Pang Waterfall Group
at Km. 6.6 on the Mae Chaem road is the turn-off to Mae Pang Waterfall. The laterite access road descends about two kilometers to the Mae Chaem Ranger Station and camp-ground, and is suitable for any vehicle although the road can be slippery on the uphill after a heavy rain. The area is quiet, of the beaten track, and can be described as the backcountry of Doi Inthanon Park. It offers a rewarding loop hike of 1 to 2 hours through untouched terrain with small waterfalls and tumbling creeks along most of the route. You can walk along the whole loop since it is largely un-marked, but any visitor can walk the 800 meters to Mae Pang waterfall and back again, as wall as the 200 meters to Huay Sai Luaeng waterall (just beyond the camp-ground).
