Doi Inthanon Hiking Tour: Karen Village & Waterfalls

Hike Thailand's Highest Mountain & Meet Karen Villagers Over Coffee

A private hiking tour of Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai that combines two separate treks with visits to a Karen hill tribe village and Wachirathan waterfall, the largest in northern Thailand. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, lunch, park entry, and air-conditioned transport. Children from age 3 are welcome; moderate fitness helps with the trekking sections.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park

• Visit summit at 2565 meters
• Hike Ang Kha trail and take photos
• Trek to Karen village
• Enjoy Arabica coffee in village
• Lunch break
• Visit Wachirathan waterfall
• Explore Twin pagodas of King Rama IX and Queen Sirikirt
• Visit Hmong market

The Experience

The day starts at Doi Inthanon's summit, where you walk the Ang Kha trail along the hilltop at 2,565 meters above sea level. The mountain holds over 300 bird species and sits high enough that the temperature drops noticeably from the valley below. Twin pagodas dedicated to King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit stand at the top. After time for photos and exploring the ridge, you descend for a second trek lasting about 2 hours that takes you through jungle, rice paddies and farm terraces down to a Karen village.

At the village, local residents serve hot Arabica coffee they've grown and roasted themselves—a break built into the trek so you can rest and talk with the villagers. The route passes coffee plantations, flower gardens and farmer huts, with the landscape shifting from forest to cultivated land. Lunch happens after this second trek, and the meal is included in the tour price.

The final stop is Wachirathan waterfall, the largest in northern Thailand, before the drive back to Chiang Mai in an air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide speaks English throughout, and the tour covers all park entry fees. A bottle of water comes with you, and travel insurance is included in the booking.

What’s included

• Park entry fees.
• lunch.
• English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle with gas.
• one bottle of water.
• travel insurance.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Private Guide in Chiang Mai

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide leading you through both treks rather than navigating independently, and if you prefer a private vehicle and guide for the day instead of joining a group.

Top questions

How much walking and climbing is involved in this Doi Inthanon tour?

The tour includes two separate treks. The first is a light walk along the Ang Kha trail at the summit; the second is a 2-hour trek downhill through jungle and farmland to the Karen village. Moderate fitness is recommended for the full day.

What is the Karen village part of this tour like?

You trek down to a Karen hill tribe village where residents welcome visitors year-round. The highlight is drinking hot Arabica coffee that the villagers grow and roast locally, served while you rest after the trek.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Lunch is included after the second trek. One bottle of water comes with the tour; alcoholic beverages are not included.

What is Wachirathan waterfall?

Wachirathan is the largest waterfall in northern Thailand and the final stop on the tour before returning to Chiang Mai.

Can children join this tour?

Children are welcome from age 3. The Ang Kha trail is a light walk, though the second trek is more demanding; parents should consider their child's fitness level for the 2-hour downhill section.

What does the tour price cover?

The price includes park entry fees, lunch, an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport from Chiang Mai, one bottle of water, and travel insurance.