Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon
Located not far from town along Thong Chai Road, Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 metres above sea level, is Thailand's highest peak. The level of precipitation on the cloud covered peak is double that of the surrounding area. Doi Inthanon is the source of four different rivers; Mae Jam, Mae Ya, Mae Klang, and Mae Pan. These four waterways eventually run together to form the mighty Ping River, an indispensable fresh water resource. Thailand's only authentic highland forest of green perennials, this national park is home to 384 species of rare birds and has become very popular among bird-watchers. It is not uncommon to see a group of tourists setting off into the wilds of Doi Inthanon, armed with binoculars, telescopes, and tripods.

How to get there
Follow Highway 108 on the Chiang Mai-Hod route, turning right at km 57 onto Highway 1009 Jomthong- I nth anon. Continue along this route for approximately 48 kilometres over the steep and winding asphalt road to the park entrance. This final leg is best suited to a high performance vehicle. It is possible to hire four-wheel drive mini-buses (songthaews) at Mae Klang Waterfall.

Where to visit - When to visit For bird-watchers
From the park entrance to about km 14, visitors will find khun pan, ka ling kiat yaew malang poh kha daeng, common poh ra dok, and the rare black hua kwan yai. Blown-tailed sheaw dong and black-headed kha min are found from km 14 to km 23. Kra bueng pah are located where the forest gives way to rock, while white-headed, red-tailed hen can be spotted at Wachiratal Waterfall. From km 2 3 to km 30, large cuckoo hawks and scottwings can be seen, and over migrating season normal kra jid and clao deon suan birds are easily viewed in this area. Between km 30 and km 34, visitors will find parod hua khon, parod hua kamao, and black-headed ee seu birds. In this area, the extremely patient might catch a glimpse of the rare black-faced, white-necked jap malang bird. Over the dry season, wild thong lang blossom and the phraya fai bird can be seen. Further along, the stretch between km 34 and km 40 is home to moom, tang lo, pohradok, and the racing gold -headed kin malang birds. Finally, from km 40 to km 46, nang ant pah si klam, kra buang thong daeng, and brown-tailed siwa birds are abundant.

For visitors
Mae Klang Waterfall, Wachiratal Waterfall, Siribhum Waterfall and Mae Ya Waterfall are the park's main natural attractions. Magical BoriJinda Cave is nearby, with long stalagmite and stalactite formations locals have named "Nom Pah". Here, a stone stream shines when bathed in just the right sunlight. At Doi Luang Inthanon Royal Project, established for Karen (Kalieng) and Meo hilltribe villagers, a field of winter flowers can be found, such as carnations, chrysanthemums, statis, and yipsos. On the peak, a remarkable thousandyear rose blossoms between December and February, making this the most popular time of year to visit.