Doi Inthanon Full Day Tour: Thailand's Highest Peak

Thailand's highest point sits at 2,565 meters, and you walk to it through moss-covered forest.

A full-day tour from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park—the country's highest mountain—with stops at Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls, the twin King and Queen Chedis surrounded by gardens, a Karen village known for coffee, and a gentle nature trail walk through lush highland forest. Hotel pickup from Chiang Mai Old Town is included; an English-speaking guide leads the group. National Park fees (THB 300) and Twin Pagodas entrance (THB 100) are paid in cash on the day, and lunch is not included. Choose between a small group without entry fees, a small group with entrance fees covered, or a private option with tickets and transfers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park

• Travel from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon
• Visit Wachirathan Waterfall
• View Sirithan Waterfall from viewpoint
• Visit King and Queen Chedis and gardens
• Walk the Ang Ka Nature Trail
• Explore Karen village Baan Mae Klang Luang
• Return to Chiang Mai

The Experience

Nine to ten hours takes you from the lowlands of Chiang Mai up to the "Roof of Thailand"—a full arc through the park's waterfalls, villages and peaks. The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Chiang Mai Old Town, then climbs toward Doi Inthanon National Park. First stop is Wachirathan Waterfall, the most impressive in the Chiang Mai region, where water plunges from a remarkable height and mist swirls around moss-covered rocks. On sunny days a rainbow often forms in the spray. From there you move to Sirithan Waterfall, where the Mae Klang River cascades down a dramatic cliff face framed by dense highland forest—you view it from a scenic vantage point rather than approaching the base.

The twin King and Queen Chedis come next: two mirrored pagodas built to honor the late King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, completed in 1987 and 1992 respectively. They stand in meticulously landscaped gardens bursting with colorful flowers, and the location offers panoramic views over misty valleys and rolling hills. The chedis are a religious site, so dress respectfully—cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid flip-flops and revealing tops. After the pagodas you visit Baan Mae Klang Luang, a Karen village nestled in the mountains and surrounded by green forests, rice terraces and coffee fields. The village is well known for its coffee crop, and you're welcome to sample locally grown and freshly roasted coffee.

The Ang Ka Nature Trail is a short, easy walk along a wooden platform path suitable for everyone. The dense, mossy forest at this altitude is alive with color and life year-round, and every step brings new sights and scents of the highland environment. You'll reach the highest point of Thailand on this walk, breathing in crisp mountain air and taking in the landscape at leisure. The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and one bottle of drinking water per person. Pickups begin up to 45 minutes before the scheduled start time. During winter months (November to February) it can be chilly on Doi Inthanon, so bring long pants and a sweater or jacket; during the rainy season, a raincoat or poncho is a good idea.

What’s included

• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle from your Chiang Mai Old Town hotel.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• one bottle of drinking water per person.
• entrance fees to Doi Inthanon National Park and the Twin Pagodas (included in the "Small Group With Entrance Fees" and "Private: Ticket & Transfers" options only).

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by WanderSiam

Is this one for you?Small group tours let you pay park fees on arrival; choose the version with fees included to settle everything upfront; private tours give you dedicated transfers and advance ticket handling for the mountain and all stops.

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Top questions

What is Wachirathan Waterfall like when you arrive?

Wachirathan Waterfall is the most impressive waterfall in the Chiang Mai region, plunging from a remarkable height with mist swirling around moss-covered rocks and emerald waters. On sunny days a vibrant rainbow often forms in the mist, creating a perfect photo opportunity.

Can you walk right up to Sirithan Waterfall?

Sirithan Waterfall cannot be approached at the base; you view it from a scenic viewpoint where you can appreciate the full height and power of the Mae Klang River cascading down the cliff face, with excellent photo opportunities against the backdrop of highland forests.

What are the King and Queen Chedis and why were they built?

The King and Queen Chedis are two elegant pagodas built to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. The King's Chedi was completed in 1987 to celebrate the King's 60th birthday, and the Queen's Chedi was finished in 1992 to mark the Queen's 60th birthday. They stand in landscaped gardens with colorful flowers and offer panoramic views over misty valleys.

What can you do at Baan Mae Klang Luang village?

Baan Mae Klang Luang is a Karen village nestled in the mountains and surrounded by green forests, rice terraces and coffee fields. You can learn about local culture and sample locally grown and freshly roasted coffee, which is the village's main crop.

Is the Ang Ka Nature Trail difficult?

The Ang Ka Nature Trail is a short and easy nature walk along a wooden platform path suitable for everyone. It is not a long or strenuous hike, but a gentle stroll through dense, mossy highland forest where you can take your time and breathe in the crisp mountain air.

What fees do I need to pay in cash on the day of the tour?

The National Park fee (THB 300 per person) and entrance fee for the Twin Pagodas (THB 100 per person) are paid in cash on the day. Lunch is also not included. Some options include entrance fees; check which option you've selected at checkout.