The imposing Doi Inthanon, located in Chiang Mai province, is the highest point in the country, and is often dubbed 'The Roof of Thailand'. In Doi Inthanon National Park there are also several lesser summits to explore. Geologically speaking, the mountain range is largely composed of granite batholiths that extend in a southerly direction towards the Shan Hills range in Myanmar (Burma), and form the division between the  Ping River to the east and the Mae Chaem River to the west.    The park covers an area of 301,500 rai (482 sq km), taking in parts of  the Son Pa Tong, Jom Tong, and Mae Jam districts. This mountainous park is also home to one of the most impressive waterfalls in Thailand, the Mae Ya Waterfall.

In the past Doi Inthanon was known as Doi Loing, or 'Doi Ang Ka' (Doi meaning mountain). Doi Loing therefore means a big mountain. The name Doi Ang Ka was sometimes used, as about 300 m away from the mountain's base there was a pond shaped like a washing tub (Ang). Flocks of crows (Ka) also used to gather at the pond, and that is how the name came to be adopted.

But what about the name 'Doi Inthanon'? Chiang Mai’s last sovereign, King Inthawichayanon, with great foresight, expressed concern for the forests of the hilly countryside in the north. He was aware that it served as the watershed for the whole of central Thailand. Before his death, he commanded that his remains were to be placed on the summit of Doi Loing. After his demise his wishes were carried out, and the mountain was renamed 'Doi Inthanon' in honour of his name. The stupa at the summit that houses his remains is visited by thousands of people every year.

In 1959, the Doi Inthanon Forest was one of fourteen throughout the country that had been established as National Parks by the government. And in 1965 it  was named as a National Conservation Area. Later on, in 1972, the park's boundaries were extended by the Forestry Department of Thailand to include the Ban Loing, Sob Tai, Song Kael, Yang Karm, Jom Tong, Mae Vin, and Son Pa Tong districts and sub-districts.

On 16th January 1974, during a visit by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit to Doi Kun Klang, he suggested that the boundaries of the park be further extended. In February the Mae Suank, Chang Keng, and Ta Pha subdistricts became part of the park. Due to the park extension projects, in 1975 the Doi Inthanon National Conservation Forest, the Jom Tong National Conservation Forest, and the Mae Jam National Conservation Forest all became the Doi Inthanon National Park that we know today.

Topography

    The park is rugged and mountainous with Doi Inthanon reaching 2,565 m above sea level -- the highest point in Thailand. Doi Hua Mod Loing is the second highest peak, and stands at 2,330 m. The park is the source of the Mae 
        Klang, Mae Pa Kor, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Jam, and Mae Karn streams. The water from the streams also generates electricity at the Bhumibhol Dam.

Climate

The lowlands, below 800 m in elevation, are warm and dry outside the rainy season, but the summit of Doi Inthanon has a climate more like Canada than Thailand! The temperature sometimes drops down to –8 degrees Celsius, and frost is not unusual during the cool and dry season. January is the coldest month with an average nighttime temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius. In any season, though, Doi Inthanon is a great place to visit if you want to be free from the heat of the lowlands.

    Forests and Wild Animals

The forested national parks of Thailand are immensely valuable towards preserving the country's heritage. In the Doi Inthanon National Park the forests comprise hilly evergreen forests, pine forests, tropical rain forests, and more. The park is also a source of many economically valuable woods like teak and pine, but logging has been discouraged for a number of years now. Moreover, there is a large variety of beautiful and colourful flowers, such as the forest rose, and a host of other flora that cannot be seen anywhere else in Thailand. Sadly, many animal species are becoming extinct due to destructive deforestation, and non-stop hunting by the hill tribe people. But you can still sometimes catch a glimpse of tigers; and gibbons, deer, wild pigs, Siamese hares, fowls and other animal life still abound, thanks to the vigilance and protection of the park rangers.

Outstanding Attractions

As many road access points have now been constructed, private transportation is a convenient way to visit Doi Inthanon. In fact, the main attractions are spread over a 40 km range, and only a private vehicle will give you the ability to make the most of your trip. A motorcycle is perhaps the best way to get through the rough and narrow dirt roads that lead to the hill tribe villages.

Nevertheless, if you want to really get in touch with the park -- and thoroughly absorb its natural beauty, then walking or hiking is highly recommended. There are many footpaths and trails to follow on Doi Inthanon as a result of the long occupation by the hill tribes. The starting point is usually at the Mae Klang Waterfall, which is located 66 km south west of Chiang Mai. You could then choose to stay over at the Mae Aeb Karen Village for the first night, at Pa Mon Karen Village for the second night, at Pang Somdet Village for the third night, followed by a walk up to the summit the next morning.   

The Summit of Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand. The trip to the summit offers some fine views along the way, especially during November and December. And when you have reached the top the atmosphere is unique. There is nowhere else quite like it in Thailand, and you feel a sense of achievement and wonder as you look out all around you. The forests you can see from above that you have recently  walked through have roses growing that are similar to the ones you can see in Phu Kra Dung, but much bigger. These high-stemmed plants are called 'Thousand-Year Roses'.

Doi Khun Klang

Doi Khun Klang is found at at Km 31. It mostly features grassland, because the forests were depleted about 50 years ago. In the rainy season, the mountain is brilliantly green, and is very pleasant for sightseeing.

The Mae Klang Waterfall The Mae Klang Waterfall is in the east of the park. When you reach Km 8 on the Jom Tong-Inthanon route, turn left and go straight ahead for 1 km, and you can’t miss it. This beautiful waterfall has been visited by Thais for many years and they continue to come in large numbers on any sunny day to swim, picnic, and relax in its quiet setting.
The Mae Ya Waterfall	The Mae Ya Waterfall is located in the south of the park. Thought to be the highest in Thailand, it is well worth the extra effort to get there. It is estimated that the Mae Ya River plunges down more than 250 m at this point. This fantastic body of water, cascading down over an ever-widening series of steps is undoubtedly a photographic favourite.

Siripum Waterfall

The Siripum Watrfall is located near to Km 31, on the Jom Tong-Inthanon route. The name of the waterfall used to be 'Lao Lee',  after the name of the leader of the Meo hill tribe, who live in the north of Thailand. Later on,  Jarktong Tongyai, who was a cabinet minister  in the Agriculture and Cooperative Society Department, proposed 'Siripum' as the new name in honour of Her Majesty  the Queen.

Watchiratan Waterfall This waterfall has as its origin the Mae Klang stream, and is located at Km 22 on the Jom Tong-Inthanon route (reached by a short, easy trail from the parking area). The water from the Mae Klang Stream has a drop ofaround 70 m at this point, creating a misty veil of great beauty.