Doi Inthanon National Park, located in Chom Thong district approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai Old City (a 2 to 2.5-hour drive), crowns the nation as the "Roof of Thailand." Soaring 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level as the easternmost tip of the Himalayan mountain range, this ecological reserve features crisp sub-alpine temperatures year-round, ancient cloud forests, thundering granite cascades, and the panoramic Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. The national park opens daily from 05:00 to 18:00 (last verified September 2026). Park admission: Foreign Adults 300 THB, Children 150 THB / Thai Citizens: Adults 50 THB, Children 20–30 THB / Passenger Vehicle: 30 THB. For an itinerary covering the whole mountain in a single day, see our complete Doi Inthanon day-trip guide — this article focuses specifically on the park and the Kew Mae Pan nature trail in depth.
History: From Mount Ang Ka to King Inthawichayanon’s Shrine
Historically referred to as Doi Luang ("The Great Mountain") or Doi Ang Ka ("The Crow's Pond Mountain"), this towering peak was revered by indigenous hill communities for millennia. Its historical designation changed through the conservation legacy of King Inthawichayanon, the 7th monarch of Chiang Mai (and father of Princess Dara Rasmi). Recognizing that these cloud-soaked forests formed the primary catchment for the Ping River sustaining northern civilization, the King requested that upon his death, his ashes be interred permanently atop the peak to watch over the watershed. Following his passing in 1897, Princess Dara Rasmi enshrined his royal relics within a summit stupa, permanently renaming the range Doi Inthanon in his honor.
4 Landmark Sites in Doi Inthanon National Park
Recommended route: [Wachirathan Waterfall Km 21] → [Twin Royal Pagodas Km 41.5] → [Kew Mae Pan Trail Km 42] → [Summit & Ang Ka Boardwalk Km 48]
1. Thailand’s Highest Peak & Ang Ka Nature Trail (Km 48)
Marking the terminus of Highway 1009 at 2,565 meters above sea level. Here stands the iconic "Highest Point in Thailand" wooden sign alongside King Inthawichayanon's shrine. Directly adjacent lies the Ang Ka Nature Trail, a 360-meter elevated wooden boardwalk meandering through an ancient sub-alpine bog carpeted in peat moss, rare sphagnum moss, and lichens. (Open daily year-round; free with park admission).
2. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (Km 42)
Widely acclaimed as the most breathtaking ridge hike in Thailand. This 3-kilometer loop (taking 1.5 to 2 hours) is divided into three distinct zones: a mossy primary cloud forest, an exposed sub-alpine grassland ridge overlooking sweeping seas of morning mist across Myanmar's borders, and a rocky cliff face adorned with scarlet thousand-year red rhododendrons (Rhododendron delavayi).
- Regulations: Mandatory local Hmong guide accompaniment costing 200 THB per group (up to 10 people)
- Seasonal Schedule: Open exclusively from November 1 to May 31 (Closed June 1 to October 31 annually for ecological rest)
Fellow outdoor enthusiasts can find more adventure trip ideas around Chiang Mai in our adventure and nature activities guide.
3. Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon & Naphaphonphumisiri (Km 41.5)
The monumental Twin Royal Chedis erected by the Royal Thai Air Force to honor King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit. Perched on a cliff ledge, the pagodas feature brown-gold and lilac mosaic glass, surrounded by manicured high-altitude flower gardens commanding valley vistas. (Separate entrance fee: 100 THB for adults, 50 THB for children).
4. Wachirathan Waterfall (Km 20.8)
A roaring 70-meter cataract tumbling down granite steps. The sheer volume of water generates continuous mist clouds and rainbows in the morning sun, accessible via paved viewing ramps right off the parking area.
Last-Mile Logistics: Practicalities & Accessibility
- Accessibility (Wheelchairs & Strollers): The Ang Ka Nature Trail features a flat, smooth wooden boardwalk that accommodates wheelchairs and prams for the first 200 meters. The Twin Pagodas feature outdoor escalators ascending up to the stupa terraces. In contrast, Kew Mae Pan is an unpaved, steep trail with over 400 dirt steps and cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
- Payment Protocols: Park checkpoint gates operate on a strictly cash-only basis for admission tickets. Bring cash for the Kew Mae Pan Hmong guide fee (200 THB) and Twin Pagoda entries. Park cafes and gas stations accept Thai QR / PromptPay.
- Restrooms: Exceptionally clean public restrooms are situated at the Park Headquarters (Km 31), Twin Pagodas, the Kew Mae Pan trailhead, and the summit car park.
Seasonal Advisory
- Cool Season (Nov – Jan): Peak conditions. Summit dawn temperatures plunge to 3–10°C (37–50°F), frequently creating ground frost known as "Mae Kaning." Kew Mae Pan is open; thermal layers, windbreakers, and beanies are required.
- Monsoon Season (Jun – Oct): Lush vegetation, roaring waterfalls, and fewer crowds. However, Kew Mae Pan is closed, and steep mountain roads require cautious driving under heavy mist.
- Smoky Season (Late Feb – April): Forest haze occasionally accumulates in the lower valleys; high elevations remain relatively clearer, but N95 masks are advised during severe spikes.
Summit Highlights Breakdown Table
- Wachirathan Waterfall — Km 20.8, Elevation 750 m, Included in park ticket, Powerful mist; shield camera gear
- Twin Royal Pagodas — Km 41.5, Elevation 2,140 m, 100 THB Adult / 50 THB Child, Premier sunrise photo vantage point
- Kew Mae Pan Trail — Km 42, Elevation 2,200 m, 200 THB guide fee per group, Open Nov 1 – May 31 only
- Ang Ka Cloud Forest — Km 48, Elevation 2,550 m, Included in park ticket, Accessible 360m wooden boardwalk
- Thailand Highest Peak — Km 48, Elevation 2,565 m, Included in park ticket, Memorial shrine of King Inthawichayanon
Local Insider Tips
- Catch the Sea of Mist at Sunrise: Arrive at Kew Mae Pan before 06:00 to secure the first guide slot and catch the golden morning light hitting the mist below the ridgeline.
- Bring Cash: Park admission and the Kew Mae Pan guide fee (200 THB) are cash-only; park cafes accept Thai QR / PromptPay.
- Dress Warm: Winter dawn temperatures at the summit can drop to 3°C — pack a thick jacket, gloves, and a beanie.
- Plan Around the Season: Kew Mae Pan is only open November 1 – May 31; during the rainy season, walk the Ang Ka boardwalk instead.
Explore the Peaks of Thailand with Terra Lanna
Conquer the Roof of Thailand in consummate comfort. Settle into our curated boutique sanctuaries in the southern valleys of Hang Dong and Chom Thong or book an exclusive private VIP van tour to Doi Inthanon and Kew Mae Pan with a seasoned alpine chauffeur through Terra Lanna.
Learn more: Chapter 2: Local Historical Development