Doi Inthanon National Park

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).

National Parks - North Thailand

Chiang Dao National Park Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon National Park Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park Chiang Mai
Doi Wiang Pha National Park Chiang Mai
Huai Nam Dang National Park Chiang Mai
Khun Khan National Park Chiang Mai
Mae Fang National Park Chiang Mai
Mae Takhrai National Park Chiang Mai
Mae Tho National Park Chiang Mai
Mae Wang National Park Chiang Mai
Op Khan National Park Chiang Mai
Op Luang National Park Chiang Mai
Si Lanna National Park Chiang Mai
Doi Luang National Park Chiang Rai
Khun Chae National Park Chiang Rai
Lam Nam Kok National Park Chiang Rai
Khlong Lan National Park Kamphaeng Phet
Khlong Wang Chao National Park Kamphaeng Phet
Mae Wong National Park Kamphaeng Phet
Chae Son National Park Lampang
Doi Chong National Park Lampang
Mae Wa National Park Lampang
Tham Pha Thai National Park Lampang
Doi Khun Tan National Park Lamphun
Mae Ping National Park Lamphun
Mae Ngao National Park Mae Hong Son
Namtok Mae Surin National Park Mae Hong Son
Salawin National Park Mae Hong Son
Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park Mae Hong Son
Doi Phu Kha National Park Nan
Khun Nan National Park Nan
Khun Sathan National Park Nan
Mae Charim National Park Nan
Nunthaburi National Park Nan
Si Nan National Park Nan
Tham Sakoen National Park Nan
Doi Phu Nang National Park Phayao
Mae Puem National Park Phayao
Phu Sang National Park Phayao
Khao Kho National Park Phetchabun
Nam Nao National Park Phetchabun
Tat Mok National Park Phetchabun
Kaeng Chet Khwae National Park Phitsanulok
Namtok Chat Trakan National Park Phitsanulok
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park Phitsanulok
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Phitsanulok
Doi Pha Klong National Park Phrae
Mae Yom National Park Phrae
Wiang Kosai National Park Phrae
Ramkhamhaeng National Park Sukhothai
Si Satchanalai National Park Sukhothai
Khun Phra Wo National Park Tak
Lan Sang National Park Tak
Mae Moei National Park Tak
Namtok Pha Charoen National Park Tak
Taksin Maharat National Park Tak
Khlong Tron National Park Uttaradit
Lam Nam Nan National Park Uttaradit
Phu Soi Dao National Park Uttaradit
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