Doi Inthanon trek: Thailand's highest peak adventure

Doi Inthanon: the highest peak, two nature trails, hidden waterfalls and a Karen village in one day

This 11-hour guided trek from Chiang Mai takes you to Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest mountain at 2,565 meters, where you walk forest trails to waterfalls and viewpoints, visit the twin royal pagodas at the summit, and stop at Karen and Hmong hill tribe villages. Hotel pickup is included, along with a licensed English-speaking guide, meals, park admission and travel insurance; the trek route changes by season — Pha Dok Siew trail (May to October) leads to a hidden waterfall, while Kiew Mae Pan (November to April) offers panoramic views through cloud forest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to Doi Inthanon summit
• Experience high-altitude evergreen forest
• Visit Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri Pagodas
• Admire flower garden and Alpen roses
• Trek Pha Dok Siew or Kew Mae Pan trail
• See hidden waterfall or Kew Mae Pan viewpoint
• Visit Karen hill tribe village and coffee plantation
• Stop at Hmong hill tribe market
• Walk around Wachiratharn waterfall

The Experience

The van picks you up from your hotel lobby between 7:00 and 7:30am and drives roughly two hours into the mountains. As you climb, the landscape shifts from lowland heat to the cool, misty air of high-altitude evergreen forest. The road ends at Thailand's highest point, where the Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri pagodas stand side by side — mirrored structures built in 1987 and 1992 to honor the 60th birthdays of the Thai King and Queen. A flower garden with alpine roses surrounds them, and the view from the summit frames the whole day ahead.

Which trail you walk depends on when you go. From May through October, the Pha Dok Siew trail takes you on a two-hour trek through jungle along a narrow mountain path that leads to a hidden waterfall deep in the forest, where you can swim. The route passes coffee plantations and rice terraces before reaching a Karen hill tribe village. From November through April, you trek the Kiew Mae Pan trail instead — a two-hour walk through lush cloud forest that opens onto a panoramic viewpoint with some of the clearest views in Thailand. Either way, the guide points out the flora and fauna as you move through the forest.

After trekking, you visit a Karen village to watch local women weave traditional clothing and see how they grow organic coffee; you can taste and buy some. The tour then stops at the Hmong hill tribe market, where vendors sell fresh mountain vegetables, handmade goods and local fruits. On the way down, you stop at Wachiratharn waterfall, a 70-meter drop that thunders into a pool below. Bottled water and vegetarian meals are provided throughout the day. The van returns you to your hotel by late afternoon.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel transfer within downtown Chiang Mai.
• admission to Doi Inthanon National Park.
• a licensed English-speaking guide.
• an air-conditioned vehicle.
• meals with vegetarian options available.
• bottled water.
• travel accident insurance.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by joinusthai

Is this one for you?Choose this shared-van tour if you want a full day exploring Doi Inthanon's trails without deciding which route suits the season—your guide selects the trail based on current conditions.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the two trekking trails on this tour?

Pha Dok Siew (May–October) is a two-hour jungle trek that ends at a hidden waterfall where you can swim, passing coffee farms and rice fields on the way to a Karen village. Kiew Mae Pan (November–April) is a two-hour cloud forest walk that leads to a panoramic viewpoint instead. The operator chooses the trail based on the season and trail conditions.

Do I need to be fit to do this trek?

The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness. The two-hour trek involves walking a narrow mountain trail with elevation gain, and the full day runs 11 hours with multiple stops and walks. The operator does not recommend this tour for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What time does the van pick me up, and where?

The van picks up from your hotel or guesthouse lobby between 7:00 and 7:30am. If your hotel is outside downtown Chiang Mai, the pickup may fall between 7:30 and 8:00am. Exact timing cannot be predicted because the van collects passengers from multiple hotels, so the operator asks you to be ready in the lobby from 7:00am.

What happens at the Karen and Hmong villages?

At the Karen village, you watch local women perform traditional clothing weaving and see their organic coffee plantation and rice terraces; you can sample and buy coffee. At the Hmong market, you browse fresh vegetables, handmade crafts and local fruits and treats sold by mountain vendors.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes round-trip hotel transfer, admission to Doi Inthanon National Park, a licensed English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, meals (with vegetarian options available), bottled water and travel accident insurance.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, the tour runs in rain. May through October is the rainy season, so bring an umbrella or raincoat. On rare occasions, the National Park may restrict trail access due to high water levels, and the guide can adjust the itinerary on-site for safety or operational reasons.