The Roof of Thailand – Doi Inthanon

The Roof of Thailand – Doi Inthanon

One of the biggest attractions in Northern Thailand is without a doubt Doi Inthanon National Park. And that is quite right. After all, this national park offers a very interesting mix of breathtaking natural beauty and rich diversification wildlife and is therefore, in my opinion, a must for those who want to explore the Chiang Mai area.

However, many visitors only come to take a quick snapshot of the Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain peak in Thailand at 2.565 meters and that is a bit of a shame because there is so much more to discover…

Doi Inthanon National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the country since its protection in 1954, extends over an area of ​​just over 450 km² and includes the districts of Sanpatong, Chomtong, Mae Chaem, Mae Wan and Toi Lor Sub in Chiang Mai Province. At its center is Doi Inthanon, part of the Thanon Thong Chai Range, a ridge somewhat gaudyly described on a plaque near the summit as "a foothill of the Himalayas'. In good weather, the top offers beautiful views, but very often there is not much to notice due to the dense mist. This mist, on the other hand, gives a mystical, almost magical cachet to a walk on the nature trail on the mountain top, which is covered with the strangest mosses.

Originally this mountain was called Doi Long, but to the locals it was known as Doi Ang Ka or the "mountain by the crows' washing place". A name that referred to a lake where many crows apparently used to live. The current name refers to King Inthawichayanon (ca. 1817-1897), the last ruler of the Lanna Empire, which is tributary to Siam. This green-fingered monarch realized the special ecological value of this mountain range and took steps to protect it. It is therefore no coincidence that after his death in 1897 his last remains were interred in a small and very modest chedi in the dense forest at the top of the mountain.

Royal Twin Pagodas

You can find this next to the ugly meteorological observation post with accompanying antennas of the Thai Air Force. The same air force was also responsible between 1990 and 1992 for the construction of the two chedis, the Royal Twin Pagodas which lie on a plateau halfway to the top. The chedis named Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri, surrounded by bright flowerbeds, were erected to mark the 1987th birthday of King Bhumibol and his wife in 1992 and XNUMX respectively, and are a curious, somewhat bizarre mix of kitschy architectural elements that, to my taste, , rather belong to Disneyland or De Efteling than to Northern Thailand.

However, don't be discouraged. The particularly rich flora and fauna alone are an absolute plus that justifies a visit to this site. Due to its altitude, Doi Inthanon is a cool biotope for flowers and mosses that cannot be found anywhere else in the country. Biodiversity with a capital B. In terms of wildlife, 364 species of birds have been recorded making it a bird watcher's paradise and the National Park is home to 75 species of mammals including over 30 species of bats, rare civets, barking deer and flying squirrels. Unfortunately, the fauna was once much more extensive, including a large tiger population, but deforestation, teak industry and agriculture have also taken their toll here.

Speaking of coolness: Doi Inthanon is considered the coldest place in Thailand. In winter, the average temperature is 6 °C and sometimes even drops below freezing. The provisional absolute record was set on December 21, 2017 at 06.30:44 in the morning when a temperature of -5°C was recorded at the measuring station at kilometer marker 2015. I myself once, at the beginning of December XNUMX, in shorts and a T-shirt, covered the last kilometers to the top on foot, where dozens of Thai tourists, dressed in scarves, gloves and hats, hurried and twisted to get a photo. of those crazy, sweating and puffing farang to make…

Nam Tok Wachiratan

In the National Park you can find no less than eight large Nam Tok or waterfalls. Personally, I think the slightly more than 40 m. high Nam Tok Wachiratan, with a few well-chosen viewpoints, is the most beautiful. Especially when the sun's rays create enchanting rainbows. Occasionally you can also see daredevils abseiling down the steep rock face. The waterfall with the largest flow rate is the wide Nam Tok Mae Klang. A short walk from the parking lot takes you to this waterfall, which is especially impressive in the rainy season. You can swim downstream, an activity that my kids always appreciate every time they visit… Near the Nam Tok Mae Klang is also the Borichinda cave, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful caves in Southeast Asia. The climb to this cave takes an average of two hours, but you will not regret it.

Where there are waterfalls, there are of course also rivers. The Doi Inthanon National Park therefore plays an important role in the water management of Northern Thailand. There are numerous rivers and streams, of which the Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem and Mae Khan are the most important. Most of these scenic waterways often flow into the Ping that flows right through Chiang Mai.

Several local village communities are formed by so-called Hill Tribes or hill tribes, ethnic minorities who settled in this remote region from Burma and southern China at the end of the nineteenth century. In Khun Ya Noi you will find a lot of Mon while in and around Ban Mae Ab Nai and in Ban Sop Had, mainly Karen live. They undeniably contribute to the local color, although mass tourism has unfortunately put a damper on the authenticity here and there.

Looking for an interesting day trip from Ciang Rai? Then don't ignore Doi Inthanon National Park…