If you have had your fair share of temples and bucketloads of mango sticky rice, you should be climbing Thailand’s highest peak - Doi Inthanon National Park to see a different side of Chiang Mai.

Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” it's the country’s highest peak at 2,565 metres. But you don’t have to worry as the hike is NOT HARD at all.

Most of all you’ll be here to have access to cool temperatures. When I was there it was 4 degrees (yes, 4 degrees!).

I never expected to experience freezing temperatures in Thailand but it was such a cool experience. Read why I recommend it and how to do this hike!

Also read: 3-5 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary + Why You'll Wish You Stayed Longer

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.

Getting to Doi Inthanon National Park

Most people do it as a day trip from Chiang Mai — about a 2-hour drive.

Some hire a driver and it’s much easier than renting a scooter given how winding the roads were.

But you should totally do it as a tour as it is much easier to have everything figured out for you due to distances of some places.

Once you enter the park (300 baht for foreigners), you immediately realise how cool this place is. You can smell the pine trees and it just doesn’t feel like you’re in Southeast Asia.

I mean I had to dig out my fleece — something I didn’t expect to wear in Thailand.

Two Trails To Choose From: Doi Inthanon National Park

1. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: To The Peak

the top of the peak at doi inthanon national park on the kew mae pan trail

If there’s one trail you shouldn’t miss, it’s this. This is the one that I did

Distance: 3 km loop
Duration: 2–3 hours
Guide required: Yes (200 baht for a local Hmong guide)
Best tour to do this: Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail & Doi Inthanon Day Trip

The Kew Mae Pan Trail is only open from November to May and it’s easy to see why it’s seasonal.

The trail is known for its stunning ridgeline with panoramic views over the mountains: you will be able to see a carpet of clouds, pine tree forests, and wildflowers like rhododendrons on a good day.

The trail is straightforward and sometimes paved and other times with stairs — so there’s nothing too hard about it if you’ve moderate fitness.

It is compulsory to go with a guide to support the Hmong community, though you don’t need one in reality considering how easy it is.

On this trek (after it), you also get to stop at this epic waterfall called Wachirathan.

2. Pha Dok Siew Trail: The Waterfall Forest Walk

While the Kew Mae Pan is all about big views, Pha Dok Siew has more waterfalls, streams and forested views. It is also less strenuous than the other hike.

Distance: 3–4 km one way
Duration: 2–2.5 hours
Guide required: Yes (same Hmong community)
Best tour to do this: Doi Inthanon National Park and Pha Dok Siew Day Tour

This trail traverses through shaded jungle paths, bamboo groves, and ends at a pretty spectacular series of waterfalls like the Sirithan Waterfall. Along the way, you pass rice terraces and coffee farms tended by the Karen hill tribe community.

It’s a more immersive experience and not dramatic like Kew Mae Pan, but feels really nice to be able to take in these views at your own time.

You get to end your walk with a fresh cup of locally grown coffee at a small hut with no signage.

The smell of beans being roasted and views of green hills is what makes this experience so special!

My Experience of Hiking Doi Inthanon National Park - Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail

I started this hike pretty early in the morning and it was freezing. This was in January where it is common for temperatures to drop as low as zero degrees.

In fact, there was news that there was hoar frost every January. I waited for my turn for the Hmong guide to take me.

blueberries spotted at the national park

They have a pretty good system where there’s a limit placed on who can trek these mountains which means it is never truly overcrowded.

We started and crossed some streams, easy trails and the sun was slowly rising.

My guide was 16 years old and belong the Hmong community. At the beginning we spotted blueberries, bear marks on the trees from the Asiatic black bears that reside in this forest as well as the gorgeous views!

The Ridgeline

more stunning views on the wooden pathway

It soon turn into a narrow path with open views of the mountains and cotton candy clouds. It honestly reminded me of some of the mountains in Taiwan.

The wooden pathway, the sea of clouds and the blueberries were all part of the experience of hiking this peak.

The air was fresh and I barely sweated considering how nice the temperatures were.

We also spotted the wild Himalayan cherry (Thai Sakura) and rhododendrons.

Doi Inthanon is not just Thailand’s highest peak — it’s also said to mark the southernmost tip of the Himalayan mountain range. As someone who is in the tropics and can't get close to snowcapped peaks, this will do.

The Twin Pagodas

The twin pagodas stand tall among the sea of clouds and green shrubbery. At this point, it felt distinctly Thai and I started dreaming of some coffee and mango sticky rice.

I came across mossy forests and rich green rainforests. It was just so nice and pleasant on the way back.

It took me approximately 1.5 hour to complete the entire trek.

Coffee with views at Mae Klang Luang village

amazing coffee at doi inthanon national park in one of their villages

This was a small little village known for its coffee farming. We absolutely loved our little cup of coffee here after the hike. The views were amazing!

There are other souvenirs sold here and you can also buy a coffee packet for 150 thai baht that comes with a small filter.

I like how they decorate the place — it felt very rustic, village-style made from bamboos. You’ve the best blend of nature and rice fields.

Also read: Offbeat Things To Do in Chiang Mai That's Not A Temple Tour!

Wachirathan Waterfall

One of the most powerful waterfalls we came across on our trip to Doi Inthanon and one which you will see at the end of your trek.

There was a 80metres drop and while it was touristy, I loved the mist and rainbows that formed as soon as the sun hit.

The weather was perfect as well and if you’re coming with your family, it is quite accessible since there’s no real hike needed.

Want to spend a longer time here? Cool stays at Doi Inthanon National Park

I toyed with the idea of staying a night before here as it gives you more time to do the trek and not rush through the whole experience.

I found you can stay at these places for the best village experience in Chiang Mai.

Inthanon Mountain Camp (amazing glamping experience at Doi Inthanon National Park)
Chiang Mai Elephant Friends (ethical elephant sanctuary + stay)
Dae La Pu House (cosy stay with awesome views)
The Maewin Coffee & Cottage (gorgeous place to stay)

Like this story? PIN IT

Thailand

Doi Inthanon National Park Hike: The Ultimate Guide to Thailand's Highest Peak