Doi Inthanon trek from Chiang Mai: Thailand's highest peak

Walk Thailand's highest mountain while the clouds part around you

A full-day guided trek from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 meters, with nature trail trekking, waterfall visits and hill tribe village stops. The route changes by season: Kew Mae Pan trail (November–May, 3km) or Pha Dok Siew trail (June–October, 2.5km) through cloud forest and coffee plantations. Hotel pickup at 7am, lunch, park entry and an English-speaking guide are included; the trek is moderate difficulty with uneven terrain, so proper trekking shoes matter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Doi Inthanon National Park

• Hotel pickup in Chiang Mai
• Drive 1.5 hours to Doi Inthanon
• Visit Wachirathan Waterfall
• Hike Kew Mae Pan or Pha Dok Siew trail
• Visit King and Queen Pagodas
• Walk Angkha nature trail
• Visit Doi Inthanon Summit
• Explore Baan Mae Klang Luang village
• Visit Hmong Market
• Return to Chiang Mai

The Experience

You're picked up from your hotel between 7 and 7:30am and driven 1.5 hours into the highlands. The first stop is Wachirithan Waterfall, one of Northern Thailand's largest, where mist and spray often throw rainbows across the cascade. From there the day splits by season: November through May, you trek the Kew Mae Pan trail (3km, 2 hours) through pristine cloud forest with clear viewpoint vistas; June through October, you follow the Pha Dok Siew route (2.5km, 2 hours) past coffee plantations and rice terraces to a hidden waterfall and a Karen hill tribe village. Both trails are moderate difficulty with some uneven and slippery sections, so the shoes you bring matter.

After the trek, you visit the King and Queen Pagodas, twin structures built high above the clouds to honor Thailand's monarchs. The views from here stretch across the entire park. Then comes the short walk to Doi Inthanon's summit at 2,565 meters—the Roof of Thailand—where you stand at the highest point in the country and take photos at the summit marker. Near the top, the Angkha nature walk lets you move through the unique flora and forests that only grow at this altitude, where nighttime temperatures can drop to -8 degrees Celsius in the cold season.

On the way down, you stop at the Hmong Market, where local hill tribe people sell fresh produce and food. If you're on the June–October route, you also visit Baan Mae Klang Luang, a Karen village where you can taste freshly brewed village coffee and see daily life and farming practices. Lunch (Thai, not too spicy) is included, as are all park entrance fees. The air-conditioned vehicle brings you back to Chiang Mai by late afternoon, and the whole day runs 9 to 10 hours.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup between 7:00–7:30am.
• 1.5-hour scenic drive to the park.
• Wachirithan Waterfall visit.
• seasonal nature trail trek (Kew Mae Pan or Pha Dok Siew, 2–3 kilometers, 2 hours, moderate difficulty).
• Doi Inthanon summit visit at 2,565 meters.
• King and Queen Pagodas.
• Angkha nature walk.
• Hmong Market stop.
• Karen village visit with coffee tasting (June–October route).
• Thai lunch.
• all park entrance fees (400 THB).
• accident insurance.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide.
• return to Chiang Mai by late afternoon.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Click2GoThailand.com

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're hiking in the cool season and want to reach Thailand's highest peak with a guide who knows which trail is open—Kew Mae Pan (November–May) offers different terrain and views than Pha Dok Siew (June–October), and you'll need layers for temperatures that drop below freezing at night.

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Top questions

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

Kew Mae Pan trail runs November through May and covers 3 kilometers through cloud forest with clear viewpoint vistas; Pha Dok Siew trail runs June through October, covers 2.5 kilometers, and passes coffee plantations, rice terraces and a hidden waterfall before reaching a Karen village. Both are 2 hours of moderate trekking.

How cold does it get at the top of Doi Inthanon?

Daytime temperatures at the summit are surprisingly cold, so bring a long-sleeve jumper. Nighttime temperatures can drop as low as -8 degrees Celsius, and in the cold/dry season, frosts are common at the peak.

What should I wear and bring for this trek?

Proper walking or trekking shoes are essential because the trails have uneven and slippery areas. Also bring insect spray, a jacket, sunglasses, and layers for the cold at altitude.

Is lunch included, and what about the park entrance fee?

Yes, Thai lunch (prepared not too spicy) and all park entrance fees totaling 400 THB are included in the price. You don't pay separately for either.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour proceeds in bad weather as long as it is still safe to do the activities. Bring rain gear and be prepared for misty or wet conditions, especially on the cloud forest trails.

Who else will be on this tour?

You'll trek with a small group led by a live English-speaking guide. The exact group size varies by departure date.