Visiting Options

Day trips can be arranged in Chiang Mai which for around 1350B usually includes the Doi Inthanon pagodas, an often disappointing lunch, two waterfalls, a trip to one of the villages and often a stop-off at a souvenir marketplace. If you have your own transport, you can avoid the crowds and see everything at your own pace (see separate highlight ‘Potential Itinerary’). It’s a two to three-hour drive to the top along some steep winding roads, so this is only recommended for experienced motorbike riders. You will also get very cold unless you wrap up! You can hire Songtaew from Chiang Mai city for around 800B, which will take you to the summit and also stop at other attractions in the area. You could hire a private mini-bus for around 1500B if there is a group of you. Potential Itinerary Ideally, set off from your guesthouse at the crack of dawn, and take Route 108 towards Chomthong. At km 57, 1 km before you reach Amphur Chomthong, take a right on Route 1009 onto the Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Road. This road goes right up to the summit of the mountain at Km 48; altogether it is a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai. If you are able to reach the summit at sunrise, or soon after, we suggest you drive straight here, as this is the best time of day to take in the breath-taking scenery from the top of the mountain without it being shrouded in mist. So our suggested stop-offs can be made on the way up or on the way down - or mix them up to suit you. Starting from the summit, your first stop on the way back down is at km 41.5 where you can visit the two picturesque chedis built on two adjacent 'twin peaks' which are dedicated to the present King and Queen of Thailand. There are some outstanding views from here, and the interior of the two 25-year-old temples are worth a visit. Your next stop is at the Headquarters and visitors centre which is located at Km 30.8. You will find places to eat in the nearby market, and then you can take a short walk to the Namtok Pha Khun Na waterfall. Next, drive back to the bottom of the mountain and on your way out of the park, stop off at Namtok Mae Klang, waterfall about 600 metres beyond the checkpoint and 8 kilometres from the Highway 1009 road junction. This waterfall is very popular and can become very crowded on weekends and public holidays. From here you drive back to your guesthouse at the end of what will have been a long day out.