Ultimate Guide to Doi Inthanon National Park: Hikes, Waterfalls, Sunrise & Local Culture
- Flo MBT
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Located just 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone wanting to explore the highest point in Thailand. With stunning sunrise views, well-maintained trails, beautiful waterfalls, and rich Karen hill tribe culture, this park offers something for every kind of traveler.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect day at Doi Inthanon National Park — including practical tips, entrance fees, and what to expect from each highlight.
Entry Fees and Facilities
Entrance Fee: 300 THB per adult
Car Fee: 30 THB
The park is clean, well-maintained, and clearly signposted, with plenty of bathrooms and information centres throughout the area.
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The Perfect Day at Doi Inthanon
#1 Sunrise at Doi Inthanon
Start early! The park opens at 5:00 AM, and arriving before sunrise is absolutely worth it. We watched the sunrise from the carpark near the first hiking trail, and the golden morning light slowly lighting up the forested hills was magical. Bring a warm layer — it gets chilly at that altitude.
#2 Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
This popular trail takes 1.5 to 2 hours and requires a local guide from the nearby Karen village — a great way to support the local community.
Guide fee: 200 THB for two people
The walk is scenic, passing through forest, streams, and small farms. While our guide was very kind, she didn’t speak much or explain the nature around us. Still, the trail was easy to follow and peaceful.
💡 Tip: We later did another guided walk where the guide — though with limited English — showed us plants, insects, and rice fields. So the experience really depends on the guide you get.
#3 Visit to the Royal Twin Pagodas
At around 8:30 AM, we headed to the famous King and Queen Pagodas, two impressive structures dedicated to the Thai royal family.
Entrance Fee: 100 THB per person (paid at the carpark).
A shuttle bus takes you from the parking lot to the pagodas (free of charge).
The grounds are filled with colorful flower gardens, peaceful music, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
While they’re not the most breathtaking temples in Thailand, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscaping make it a worthwhile stop.
#4 Thailand’s Highest Point & Short Nature Trail
Just a short drive from the pagodas is the highest point in Thailand — marked by a sign at 2,565 meters above sea level.
Before reaching the sign, there’s a 20-minute nature trail through mossy forest that gives you a real sense of the cloud-covered, high-altitude ecosystem.
#5 Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail
Next, we drove down to a different area of the park to do another trail, also with a Karen guide (220 THB for two). There are three hiking options depending on how much time you have:
Bamboo Bridge + Waterfall loop (1.5–2 hours return)
Walk to the Karen village (3 km, 1.5 hrs) + take a taxi back (150 THB)
Walk to the Karen village with a guide, and return on your own (our choice)
This hike was our favorite part of the day — winding through lush jungle, waterfalls, and rice terraces, and offering plenty of photo-worthy views.
At the Karen village, we visited a local weaving shop (great for handmade souvenirs) and a coffee house where we were offered a free cup of coffee made from locally grown beans. You can also buy coffee to support the community.
#6 Lunch Stop
We had a relaxed local lunch near the village before continuing our route through the park. There are food stalls and restaurants in various parts of the park, but it's best to bring water and snacks just in case.
#7 Waterfalls on the Way Ou
On the way back to our accommodation, we visited two scenic waterfalls:
Huai Sai Lueang Waterfall
Mae Pan Waterfall
Both are perfect for a short break and some great nature photos to wrap up the day.
Where to Stay
We stayed in a nearby hotel for the night to avoid rushing and really enjoy the day. There are several guesthouses and eco-resorts near the park entrance, or you can head back to Chiang Mai in the evening if you prefer.
If you liked this post and want to support our journey, you can buy us a coffee here → buymeacoffee
☕️ Thanks a ton!
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