Doi Inthanon hike and Twin Pagodas tour from Chiang Mai

Stand at Thailand's highest peak, then hike down through waterfalls and rice fields with a Karen guide.

This full-day tour from Chiang Mai combines hiking the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail with visits to Doi Inthanon National Park's summit, the Twin Pagodas, and a Karen hill tribe village. Hotel pickup starts at 7am; the trek takes about 2 hours on an easy-to-moderate downhill trail through forest, streams and rice terraces, with a local guide explaining native plants and wildlife. Lunch is included; entrance fees can be added at checkout or paid separately on the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park

• Hotel pickup in Chiang Mai
• Drive 40 minutes, break at gas station
• Drive 1.5 hours to Doi Inthanon National Park
• Visit Doi Inthanon Summit
• Visit King and Queen Pagodas
• Browse Hmong community crafts and produce
• Enjoy Thai lunch at local restaurant
• Hike Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail
• Visit Karen Hill Tribe Village and coffee experience
• See Wachirathan Waterfall
• Return to Chiang Mai

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel between 7 and 7:30am, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Doi Inthanon National Park with a 20-minute break at a gas station for coffee or snacks. Once you arrive at the summit—Thailand's highest point at 8,415 feet—you stand surrounded by mountain views before moving to the Twin Pagodas, the Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri structures built to honor Thailand's royal family. The pagodas sit in landscaped gardens with intricate Buddhist architecture; shoulders and knees need to be covered for entry. A local Hmong market nearby sells handmade crafts and fresh produce.

After lunch at a local restaurant with a set Thai menu (vegetarian available), you trek the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail for about 2 hours. The trail descends roughly 500 meters through lush forest, mountain streams and rice terraces, with a Karen hill tribe guide pointing out native plants and wildlife. Hidden waterfalls appear along the way; the terrain is easy to moderate and mostly downhill, which means less strain on knees and joints than climbing. The shaded forest keeps the walk cool even in warm weather.

After the hike, you visit Ban Mae Klang Luang, a traditional Karen village where local farmers grow and roast organic coffee—you taste it fresh there and learn how the community manages sustainable production. The final stop is Wachirathan Waterfall, one of Chiang Mai's most powerful falls, where you can photograph the cascading water and feel the mist before returning to Chiang Mai around 6:30 or 7pm. An English-speaking guide and a local hiking guide accompany the group; drinking water and accident insurance are included.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Chiang Mai.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• English-speaking tour guide and a local Karen guide for the hike.
• entrance to Doi Inthanon National Park and the Twin Pagodas (in the Entrance Fees option).
• Thai lunch with vegetarian choice.
• drinking water.
• accident insurance.
• visits to the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, Wachirathan Waterfall and Ban Mae Klang Luang Karen village with a coffee tasting.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Trips Chiang Mai

Is this one for you?The downhill-only trail and moderate pace suit families, older hikers and anyone new to trekking who wants waterfalls and cultural stops without a strenuous climb. Book at least 3 days ahead if you need an infant seat in the vehicle, and note that same-day arrivals are not recommended since timing can shift.

Traveler reviews

3.80★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the hike like on the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail?

The Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail is a 2-hour trek that descends about 500 meters through forest, streams and rice terraces. The difficulty is easy to moderate, mostly downhill, which makes it gentler on knees and joints than uphill hikes. You'll pass hidden waterfalls and learn about native plants and wildlife from a Karen guide.

Do I need to pay the entrance fees separately, or are they included?

You can choose at checkout: one option includes the Twin Pagoda fee (100 THB) and the National Park fee (300 THB), while the other option lets you pay them separately on the day. Either way, you enter both sites.

What time does the tour pick me up and when do I get back?

Hotel pickup happens between 7 and 7:30am from your Chiang Mai accommodation. The return to Chiang Mai is around 6:30 to 7pm, making it an 11- to 12-hour day including the drive, hike, meals and all stops.

Is lunch included, and can I request vegetarian?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant with a set Thai menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

What should I wear to visit the Twin Pagodas?

Shoulders and knees must be covered for entry to the Twin Pagodas. Wear comfortable hiking clothes and closed-toe shoes for the trail; the forest provides shade and stays cool.

Can I bring young children on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 3. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap in the vehicle. The hike is easy to moderate and downhill, so families and beginners can manage it comfortably.