THAILAND – Chiang Mai – Nature, Waterfalls and Hill Tribes – a Day at Doi Inthanon

Spending a day in Doi Inthanon National Park, famous for its cool climate, lush vegetation, numerous waterfalls, various hill tribe villages and Thailand’s highest point (at 8415 feet) is a fantastic way to see another side of Thailand – the wild side!

Theme

Art & Culture, Classic, Family, Honeymoon

Country - City

Thailand - Chiang Mai

Market segment

Groups, Thematic Leisure

Price Level

$$$$

Level of difficulties

LEVEL 0

Max pax

32

Seasonality

All Year Round

Arrival city

Chiang Mai

Departure city

Chiang Mai

Description

Spending a day in Doi Inthanon National Park, famous for its cool climate, lush vegetation, numerous waterfalls, various hill tribe villages and Thailand’s highest point  (at 8415 feet) is a fantastic way to see another side of Thailand – the wild side!

With a naturally cool environment and manicured gardens, Doi Inthanon is a paradise for nature lovers and perfect for hiking to catch stunning views of distant, misty mountains. Epic waterfalls are an added highlight to the National Park, as well as peaceful temples nestled high up in the mountainous landscape. The vegetation is breathtaking, and one may even spot a few colorful butterflies and songbirds along the way. The park is located only about an hour’s drive from the city, but the environment is like an entirely different world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see some amazing vistas, beautiful waterfalls green nature trails, to taste locally grown coffee and let guests meet some of the Karen hill tribes that live on the mountain slopes.

Can be combined with

Thematic Leisure

  • Chiang Mai – Evening highlights of Chiang Rai by tuk tuk

Selling points

  • To witness the magical King and Queen twin pagodas
  • To behold the striking cascading waters of Wachirathan Waterfall
  • To see spectacular views of lush, green forests
  • To visit the summit of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand

Level Of The Excursion

Medium – This activity offers tangible positive contributions to the local community, culture and/or environment

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Cultural Conservation

Empowerment and education

Involving minorities

Environment Impact

National parks

Economic Impact

Local individual benefits

Community benefits

Additional Information

Positive impacts

The activity takes guests into a National Park, the entrance fees contribute to the management and conservation of the natural resources. They will also participate in community based activities with local indigenous people which supports their community and promotes their traditional culture.

Negative impacts

No negative

Sensitive character

The activity involves ethnic minorities who are vulnerable to exploitation and whose culture is at risk of disappearing. The activity is always organized with a local member of the community to make sure the community benefits from the activity and cultural traditions are respected.

Time And Transportation

From To Km By Duration Road condition
Chiang Mai city National Park entrance 70 Bus 1 hour 15 minutes Good but crowded
National Park entrance Highest point 40 Bus 45 minutes Good

Duration

Full day (08:00 – 18:00).

Min pax

1

Max pax

32

How to sell it

  • Suitable for any type of clients, especially for people interested in nature
  • Activity is operated by Easia Travel, Easia Travel guide is the one leading the clients on spot.
  • Private tour
  • The hike during the activity can be replaced by a visit to the Royal project and flower garden (for people with no basic fitness)
  • Can be very busy during the cold season, especially the period around New Year. If possible, it’s better to avoid this period

Why this activity

  • A beautiful natural surroundings but relatively close to the city
  • A Nice variation of nature, waterfalls, short hikes and hill tribe villages
  • Accessible for the general public, only basic fitness is required for the hikes
  • “Easia signature” with a nice nature hike to a Karen village past waterfalls and rice fields

Good to combine with

  • Overnight in Chiang Mai
  • A visit to the night market or free evening

Do not combine with

  • Any other full or half day excursion in Chiang Mai
  • Any evening activities (clients will need to rush)

Market suggestion

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ITALY

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CEE

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UK

Competitor comparison

All the DMCs, though not exact routing

Pros

  • Easy to organize

Cons

  • Very good views are quite rare
  • In the cold season (November – January) it can be very busy with (Thai) tourists
  • All places (except the hikes) can easily be accessed by minivan, the whole park is quite developed

Information

  • The excursion can only be done by minivan with a recommended maximum of 8 people/minivan, using more than 4 minivans is not recommended for practical reasons
  • Doi Inthanon has a unique climate and the temperature at the top is a lot colder than in the city. Clients should prepare for this with warm clothes, especially in the cold season when temperatures can be below 10C in the daytime.

Alerts

  • Avoid March to May: hot and dry weather
  • Avoid long weekends during the cool season (mainly New Year’s period), due to long traffic jams and big crowds
  • To walk to Mae Klang Luang (highlight of the trip) clients need to be in basic physical condition

Price range

$$$$-$$$

Quotation guideline

ERP – Activity – Easia Signature – Nature, waterfalls and hill tribes – a day at Doi Inthanon

Inclusion

  • Entrance fees (national park & twin pagoda’s, parking fee)
  • Lunch
  • Local Karen guide for hike
  • Water and cold wet-towels

Exclusion

  • Easia Guide
  • Transportation
  • Drinks, souvenirs, donations on the way

Possible Extra

  • Lunch at Royal Project restaurant: Higher quality food but no set menus so food needs to be ordered on the spot (not suitable for GIT). Add 100THB extra per pax.

Important notes

ITINERARY

  • Leave from Chiang Mai city not later than 08:00
  • Approx. 1 hour drive to the foot of the mountain, make a small toilet break and possibility to buy some snacks/drinks before going into the park.
  • Drive to the post of Km.30 to meet local Karen guide to start walking along the nature trail to Mae Klang Luang village. The trail is about 3km long going downwards (200m descent) along a river with waterfalls and ends up in the village walking through rice fields. The hike takes about 1,5 hours, there is a clear path and it is suitable for anybody with basic fitness. On the way the local Karen guide will explain about medicinal plants, cultural traditions etc. (only Thai speaking, Easia guide has to translate)
  • Enjoy some time in Mae Klang Luang village and taste some of the coffee that is grown locally and brewed traditionally.
  • Local lunch at the National Park Headquarters
  • Drive up to the top of Doi Inthanon where clients can take a picture with the sign “Thailand’s highest point”, there is also a small pagoda to honor Inthanon as well as a small information center about the birds and forests.
  • Walk along the Ang Ka trail, it is right near the top and consists of a wooden walkway with some information signs (this trail is quite short and take approximately 15-30min.)
  • Start driving back downwards and visit the Twin Pagoda’s upon return, there are great views here if you are lucky
  • Final visit to Wachiratan waterfall, the park’s most impressive one, before returning to Chiang Mai city.
  • Arrival at city hotel about 18:00
  • There is another Nature trail called Kiw Mae Pan trail, this trail is closed during the monsoon season (June-October). The main highlight is the views over the valley below but this very much depends on the weather conditions. That is why we recommend the Mae Klang Luang trail which is open all year round and has more variation.

Special Guide notes

  • Easia signature activity – operated by our guide
  • Local Karen guide needs to be booked at least 1 day (ideally 2 or 3 days) in advance by the guide. If guide does not have their own contacts please contact one of the following:
    • Gif (098 843 2948)
    • Jakha (087 189 0543)
    • Da (080 123 0462) or contact Chiang Mai office for assistance
  • Lunch at Royal Project restaurant: Higher quality food but no set menus so food needs to be ordered on the spot (not suitable for GIT). Add 100THB extra per pax.
  • Doi Inthanon has a unique climate and the temperature at the top is a lot colder than in the city. Clients should prepare for this with warm clothes, especially in the cold season when temperatures can be below 10C in the daytime.

Contact

Local restaurant: Krua Rimtan (081 746 0129; 081 672 0748)

Special Information

  • The excursion can only be done by minivan with a recommended maximum of 8 people/minivan, using more than 4 minivans is not recommended for practical reasons.
  • Big buses cannot go up the mountain.
  • Parking is available at all stops along the way.

English

Nature, waterfalls and hill tribes – a day at Doi Inthanon

You will spend a day in Doi Inthanon National Park which is famous for its cool climate, lush nature, numerous waterfalls, various hill tribe villages, and last but not least, for being home to Thailand’s highest point (at 8415 feet)!

With a lush, natural environment and manicured gardens, Doi Inthanon is a paradise for nature lovers and perfect for walking, with stunning views of misty mountains. The temperature is almost always pleasant, sometimes even a little cold, which can be a welcome relief from the hotter lowlands. So, be sure to pack clothes that keep you warm!

Epic waterfalls are an added highlight to the National Park, as well as peaceful and scenic temples that are nestled up high in the mountainous landscape. The vegetation is breathtaking, and you may even spot a few colorful butterflies and songbirds along the way. The park is located only about an hour’s drive from the city, but the surroundings are completely different – like a different world entirely! Prepare to see some amazing vistas, beautiful waterfalls green nature trails, taste locally grown coffee, and even meet some of the Karen hill tribes who live on the mountain slopes.

Meals included: lunch
Level: 1
Distance and duration of the hike: 3 kilometers – approx. 1h30min including breaks – Easy hike, mostly descending. Some steep parts but basic stairs/ladders are made
Total Gain elevation:  – 250m descent

French

Nature, cascades et tribus montagnardes – Une journée à Doi Inthanon

Le Parc National de Doi Inthanon est célèbre pour son climat frais, sa nature luxuriante, ses nombreuses cascades, ses divers villages de tribus montagnardes et enfin et surtout, pour le point le plus haut de Thaïlande qui culmine à 2 565 mètres ! Grâce à son milieu naturel humide et à ses jardins impeccables Doi Inthanon est un paradis pour les amoureux de la nature et l’endroit idéal pour se balader et admirer les montagnes brumeuses. La température est presque toujours agréable et parfois même un peu froide ce qui un soulagement bienvenu après les plaines humides. Donc assurez-vous d’emporter des vêtements chauds ! Les cascades interminables sont une particularité du Parc National ainsi que les paisibles temples pittoresques nichés sur les hauteurs du paysage de montagne. La végétation est à couper le souffle et vous croiserez peut-être quelques papillons colorés et des oiseaux chanteurs sur le chemin. Le parc se situe seulement à une heure de route de la ville mais dans ses alentours la nature est reine. Préparez-vous à contempler des vues et des cascades magnifiques, des chemins verdoyants, à goûter le café local et à rencontrer quelques-unes des tribus montagnardes Karen qui vivent à flanc de montagne.

Repas inclus : déjeuner
Niveau : 1
Distance et durée de la randonnée : 3 kilomètres – environ 1h 30min, pauses comprises – Randonnée facile, principalement en descente. Quelques parties raides mais des escaliers/escaliers de base sont faits.
Dénivelé total : – 250m de descente

Spanish

Naturaleza, cascadas y tribus de las colinas – un día en Doi Inthanon

Hoy pasará el día en el parque nacional Doi Inthanon, famoso por su clima fresco, su frondosa naturaleza, sus numerosas cataratas, sus variados pueblos de tribus de las colinas y, en último lugar, pero no menos importante, el punto de más altura en Tailandia (¡2.565 metros!). Con su húmero entorno natural y sus cuidados jardines, Doi Inthanon es un paraíso para los amantes de la naturaleza y es perfecto para pasear y disfrutar de la impresionante imagen de las montañas con niebla. La temperatura casi siempre es agradable, en ocasiones incluso un poco fría, lo que puede ser un alivio bienvenido después de las calurosas llanuras. Así que asegúrese de llevar ropa que le mantenga caliente. Las maravillosas cascadas son un valor añadido de este parque nacional, así como sus tranquilos e idílicos templos, anclados más arriba en el paisaje montañoso. La vegetación es asombrosa, e incluso podrá ver unas cuantas coloridas mariposas y pájaros cantores por el camino. El parque está ubicado cerca de una hora en coche desde la ciudad, pero el entorno es completamente diferente. Prepárese a disfrutar de unas vistas alucinantes, maravillosas cataratas, verdes senderos naturales; pruebe el café cultivado localmente y conozca algunas de las tribus Karen que viven en las laderas de la montaña.

Comidas incluidas: almuerzo
Nivel: 1
Distancia y duración de la caminata 3 kilómetros – aprox. 1h 30min incluyendo los descansos – Caminata fácil, mayormente en descenso. Algunas partes empinadas pero se hacen escaleras básicas
Altura total ganada: – 250m de descenso

Italian

Natura, cascate e tribù delle colline – Un giorno alla scoperta di Doi Inthanon

Oggi passerete la vostra giornata all’interno del Parco Nazionale di Doi Inthanon, parte della catena dell’Himalaya e cima più alta della Tailandia (2.565metri). Grazie al suo ambiente umido edalla sua folta vegetazione, Doi Inthanon rappresenta un paradiso terrestre per gli amanti della natura ed un luogo ideale per ammirare panorami mozzafiato sulle catene montuose immerse in un oceano di nebbia. La temperatura è quasi sempre mite, a volte persino un po’ fresca: un sollievo dopo la canicola delle zone pianeggianti! Non scordatevi pertanto qualche abito più caldo. Scroscianti cascate nascoste qua e là, templi colorati arroccati tra le alture, farfalle multicolori, uccelli canterini ed una florida vegetazione tropicale renderanno unica la vostra esperienza. Il Parco vanta paesaggi del tutto differenti, benché si trovi a solo un’ora di macchina dalla città. Lungo i sentieri panoramici resterete esterrefatti dinnanzi ai superbi scenari, gusterete caffè locale ed incontrerete il popolo dei Karen, tribù insediata da secoli sui versanti scoscesi delle montagne.

Pasti inclusi: pranzo
Livello: 1
Distanza e durata dell’escursione: 3 chilometri – circa 1h 30min comprese le pause – Escursione facile, per lo più in discesa. Alcune parti ripide, ma vengono fatte scale/scalinate di base.
Dislivello totale: – 250 m di discesa

German

Natur, Wasserfälle und Bergstämme – ein Tag im Doi-Inthanon-Nationalpark

Sie werden einen Tag im Doi-Inthanon-Nationalpark verbringen, der berühmt ist für sein kühles Klima, die zahlreichen Wasserfälle, die verschiedenen Bergvolk-Gemeinden und zu guter Letzt befindet sich dort die höchste Erhebung Thailands (2.565 m)! Mit einer feuchten, natürlichen Umgebung und gepflegten Gärten ist der Berg Doi Inthanion ein Paradies für Naturliebhaber und der perfekte Ort, um spazieren zu gehen und die atemberaubende Aussicht auf die nebligen Berge zu genießen.

Die Temperaturen sind fast immer angenehm, manchmal sogar etwas kühl, was aber zum dunstigen Flachland eine willkommene Abwechslung sein kann. Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie Kleidung einpacken, die Sie warm hält! Malerische Wasserfälle sind das Highlight des Nationalparks sowie auch die friedlichen und wunderschönen Tempel, die sich in die bergige Landschaft einfügen.

Die Vegetation ist atemberaubend und Sie haben die Chance, ein paar schöne bunte Schmetterlinge und Singvögel während Ihres Besuchs zu sehen. Der Park befindet sich zwar nur etwa eine Stunde Fahrt von der Stadt entfernt, aber die Umgebung ist eine völlig andere. Seien Sie darauf vorbereitet, einige erstaunliche Aussichten und schöne Wasserfälle auf grünen Naturpfaden zu sehen, lokal angebauten Kaffee zu kosten und einige der Karen-Bergstämme, die an den Berghängen heimisch sind, zu erleben.

Mahlzeiten inbegriffen: Mittagessen
Schwierigkeitsgrad: 1
Entfernung und Dauer der Wanderung: 3 Kilometer – ca. 1 Stunde und 30 Minuten inklusive Pausen – Leichte Wanderung, meist absteigend. Einige steile Abschnitte, aber einfache Treppen/Leitern sind vorhanden
Gesamthöhengewinn: – 250m Abstieg