Doi Inthanon tour guide: summit, pagodas, trails and waterfalls
Updated · Idea Smile Tour, Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain at 2,565 m, and a full day out from Chiang Mai. There are several ways to see it, from the classic summit tour to guided forest trails and rice terraces. Here's how to choose.
What you see on the classic tour
The classic Doi Inthanon National Park tour picks you up at 07:30–08:00 and gets you back around 17:00–17:30. You visit the summit, the King & Queen pagodas, a Hmong hill-tribe market, Mae Klang Luang village (where Karen farmers roast their coffee) and Wachirathan Waterfall, with lunch included.
Classic tour or a trail tour?
If you'd like to walk, choose a tour built around one of the park's guided trails.
| Tour | What's different | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Doi Inthanon | Summit, pagodas, Hmong market, coffee village, waterfall | The easiest option; little walking |
| Pha Dok Siew trail | A guided walk past a series of waterfalls, lunch in the village | Pickup 07:00–07:30 |
| Kew Mae Pan trail | About 3 km along the ridge with a park ranger guide, then the summit and pagodas | Open 1 November to 31 May only |
| Pa Pong Piang rice terraces | A walk through the terraces with a local guide | Runs 15 August to 30 November |
| Trek & elephant sanctuary | Elephant sanctuary in the morning, then the summit, pagodas and Pha Dok Siew trail | A long day: back around 19:30 |
How cold does it get?
Much colder than Chiang Mai. The summit averages around 6°C in January and can drop below freezing on the coldest mornings. Even in warmer months it's noticeably cooler at the top, so bring a light jacket, comfortable shoes and a camera.
Is it worth it from Chiang Mai?
Choose Doi Inthanon if you want mountains, forest and waterfalls and don't mind a full day. If you only have half a day, or you'd rather see temples, Doi Suthep is closer; see our Doi Inthanon vs Doi Suthep guide.
Frequently asked questions
Kew Mae Pan or Pha Dok Siew?
Kew Mae Pan is a ridge trail near the summit with wide views, open 1 November to 31 May. Pha Dok Siew is a trail past a series of waterfalls, and it's the one we suggest from June to October when Kew Mae Pan is closed.
Are park entrance fees included?
Entrance fees are listed as included on the Doi Inthanon tours here. Check the “Included” list on each tour page before you book.
How long is the day?
It's a full day: pickup between 07:00 and 08:00 and back around 17:00–17:30 on most tours.
