Doi Inthanon Trek from Chiang Mai: King's & Queen's Pagodas

Trek Thailand's highest peak and walk through a Karen village in one day

A full-day guided trek from Chiang Mai into Doi Inthanon National Park combines a forest walk on the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, visits to the King's and Queen's Pagodas, lunch at the Hmong Market, and time in a Karen Hill Tribe Village. Hotel pickup is included, along with an English-speaking guide, all entrance fees, bottled water and fresh local Thai lunch. The day runs 9.5 hours and ends with coffee at Baan Mae Klang Luang before return to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park

• Pickup from Chiang Mai hotel
• Visit Doi Inthanon Summit
• See King’s and Queen’s Pagodas
• Walk through Hmong Market and lunch
• Trek Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail
• Visit Karen Hill Tribe Village
• Enjoy coffee at Baan Mae Klang Luang
• Witness Wachirathan Waterfall
• Return to Chiang Mai hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel and a drive to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak. You'll begin at the summit itself, where the views open across the park and the surrounding mountains. From there the route moves through the main attractions: the King's and Queen's Pagodas, two architectural landmarks built as tributes to the Thai monarchy, then a stop at the Hmong Market where you'll have lunch and time to browse local produce and goods.

The heart of the day is the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, a forest trek where you walk beneath tall trees through jungle and past rice terraces. Your guide explains the terraces and the landscape as you move through it. The trek ends at a Karen Hill Tribe Village, where you spend time in the community and see how the villagers live. Before heading back, you'll stop at Baan Mae Klang Luang for fresh coffee: a small moment that marks the shift from exploration to the drive home.

Wachirathan Waterfall is also on the route, a cascade that drops into a misty pool. The full itinerary moves at a pace that lets you walk without rushing, though the day is full. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for the trek itself. The guide is English-speaking and the vehicle is air-conditioned between stops. Hotel drop-off closes the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai.
• English-speaking professional guide.
• entrance fees to all attractions.
• air-conditioned vehicle between stops.
• local Thai lunch at the Hmong Market.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• fresh locally brewed coffee at Baan Mae Klang Luang.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Chiang Mai Footsteps Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Chiang Mai without a rental car: pickup from your hotel means the day starts on time and you skip the logistics of finding Doi Inthanon yourself. The fixed itinerary holds all five major stops (summit, pagodas, market, trail, village) inside a single afternoon, so the route and timing are already planned.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail like on this tour?

The Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail is a forest walk through Doi Inthanon where you trek beneath tall trees and through jungle, passing rice terraces along the way. Your guide explains the terraces and the landscape, and the trek concludes at a Karen Hill Tribe Village.

Does the tour include lunch, and where do you eat?

Yes, a local Thai lunch is included at the Hmong Market, where you'll also have time to browse local produce and goods before eating.

How do I get picked up, and what time does the day end?

Hotel pickup from Chiang Mai is included in the tour price. The full day runs 9.5 hours, and you'll be dropped back at your hotel at the end.

What are the King's and Queen's Pagodas?

The King's and Queen's Pagodas are two magnificent structures built as tributes to the Thai monarchy. They stand in Doi Inthanon National Park and are architectural landmarks that offer views and insight into Thai reverence for the royal family.

Is there a waterfall on this tour?

Yes, Wachirathan Waterfall is part of the route. It's a cascade that drops into a misty plunge pool and creates a refreshing natural setting within the park.

What should I know about fitness level before booking?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the forest trek on the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.