A lovely day at Inthanon National Park

Inthanon National Park is the highest mountain  of Thailand, 2776 metres above sea level. Doi Inthanon forms the watershed between the Ping River to the east and the Chaem River to the west, both of which eventually feed the Chao Phraya River, which supplies water to rice farms of the central plains and to Bangkok.

Inthanon National Park extends over an area in excess of 48,000 ha and, after the road climbs through the lower dry regions, there is a noticeable drop in temperature and increase in lush vegetation. This is a land more reminiscent of the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island mists, ferns, rhododendrons and a wonderful feeling of freshness everywhere.

One of the places to admire such flowers bloom is at the Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Research Center (Khun Wang) in Mae Wang district. The flowers are always in full bloom during the second week of January and will last for about two weeks. Late February is the ideal time to see the full blooms of the red rhododendrons. At the summit (in January, an average nighttime temperature is a chilly 5 Centigrade), there is a large sign which advises “The Highest Point in Thailand” and, of course, this is a photo opportunity for every visitor. The ruins of an ancient temple is a short distance through the trees and a stupa, in which the ashes of King Inthawichayanon (after whom Doi Inthanon is named) are interred, may also be visited.

Many activities are available at Doi Intharion : here is a list of the top activities to do, from the top of the mountain to the bottom. First is the peak of Doi Inthanon (Km 48) : once up here, you’ll be at the highest (and probably coldest) point in Thailand. From this point, if you are interested in mountain hiking, villagers can take you on a long trek in the surrounding forest where you will meet with Karen and Hmong villages (half day and full day trek). Nearby the peak of Doi Inthanon is a radar station belonging to the Thai Air Force as well as a memorial of the last ruler of Chiang Mai.

Just a few meters below the summit car park you will find the start to the Ang Ka natrure trail this 360m long elevated boarded walkway is well worth the effort as it will take you into the un spoilt forest and you will really be able to get a feel for the flora which exits at this altitude.

Kiew Mae Pan (Km 42) is 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 canyon 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.

About 500 meters from Kiew Mae Pan. Visit one of the best points to stop to take in the views over the Doi Inthanon National park can be found at the location of the twin Royal pagodas (Km 41.5) which were built by the Royal Thai Air Force in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Their Majesties The King and Queen in 1987 and 1992 respectively.

The Hmong market (Km 31) is a good choice for anyone who is looking for products or souvenirs created by members of this hill tribe. They wear Black trousers with a dark jacket with embroidered collars and green, white and blue stripes on their long sleeves. Traditional rice growing and gardens in the hills is being replaced by emphasis on other cash crops cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries which were introduced as a substitute for opium growing. Hmong are involved in several royal projects such as the Doi Inthanon Royal Project which focus on crop substitution.