Doi Inthanon National Park

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"Doi Inthanon National Park" Chiang Mai - Thailand

Geography

    The geographical features of the National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand (2,565 meters above the sea level), followed by Doi Huamodluang (2,330 meters above the sea level). Doi Inthanon is the source of many rivers including Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem, Mae Khan, and being part of Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power.

Climate

    Since the National Park is located at 2,565 meters above the sea level, it has cold weather and high humidity throughout the year, particularly on the top of the National Park. In winter, the temperature at the National Park is below 0„ac. And in summer, despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts, it is still freezing on the top of Doi Inthanon and tourists should be prepared with thick clothes.

Flora and Fauna

    The forest in the park is one of the country’s very significance and valuable heritage. Forests include Moist Evergreen Forest, Pine forest and Mixed Deciduous Forest, worth in economic like teak and mountain pine. Dipterocarp spp. Xylia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus, macrocapus Terminalia sp. and Lagerstroemia sp. to name a few. In addition to these, there are many beautiful flowers including vanda orchid, phycastylis and rhododendron. Sphagnum Moss and osmanda fern are found at higher levels in the park. fifty years ago, the mountain peaks were home of hill tribe people. The biggest village was Ban Khun Klang, whose agriculture method was often destructive to the forest ecosystem. Currently the several Royal Projects, assists the villagers in growing cold-climate fruit such as strawberries, grapes and apples as well as flowers. The number of wild animals in the park is decreasing the encroachment. The animals are hunted and their habitats are destroyed for agriculture. The remaining animals include serpent, gibbons, tigers, deer, wild boars, Siamese hares and Red Jungle fowls.

    Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects addition many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green-tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush and the Yellow-bellied Flower pecker are known to over summer and probably breed.

Tourist Attractions

Brichinda Cave

    This impressive limestone cave has a gigantic entrance camber and tower and a scene huge chamber with a skylight opening to the surface. This cave has a medium-size, which has beautiful stalagmite, is situated in the middle of deciduous forest. It takes about one hour walk from the main road.

 Mae Klang Waterfall

    Mae Klang Waterfall is located in the east of the National Park, approximately 8 kilometers away from Chom Thong - Doi Inthanon Road, then make a left hand turn for 1 kilometer until reaching the Waterfall. This waterfall is very popular among Thai and foreigners who come to swim, picnic and relax. The rapid stream and waterfall spill over the area produce cool and pleasant for visitors.

    Activities :
    Historical Sight Seeing
    Waterfall Traveling
    View    

Mae Pang Waterfall Group

    Mae Pan Waterfall at Km. 6.6 on the Mae Chaem road is the turn-off to Mae Pan Waterfall. The laterite access road descends about two kilometers to the Mae Chaem Ranger Station and campground, and is suitable for any vehicle although the road can be slippery on the uphill after a heavy rain. The area is quiet, of the beaten track, and can be described as the backcountry of Doi Inthanon Park. It offers a rewarding loop hike of 1 to 2 hours through untouched terrain with small waterfalls and tumbling creeks along most of the route. You can walk along the whole loop since it is largely unmarked, but any visitor can walk the 800 meters to Mae Pan Falls and back again, as wall as the 200 meters to Huay Sai Luaeng Falls (just beyond the campground).

    Activities :
    Nature trail study
    Waterfall Traveling
    flowers admiring
    Bird Watching
    Butterfly Watching       

Mae Ya Waterfall

    Mae Ya Waterfall is a large waterfall of 260 meters high, located in the south of the National Park. The Waterfall originated in Mae Ya Gully. Many tourists claimed that the Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand since the Waterfall is like a combination of different waterfalls. The Waterfall can be accessed from the right hand side of Chomthong-Hod Road, then, follow the guide posts.

    Activities :
    Waterfall Traveling
    flowers admiring
    Camping
    Bird Watching
    Butterfly Watching          

Siriphum Waterfall

    The Waterfall was formerly called “Lao Lee Waterfall”, which was named after the headman of a nearby tribesman village. After that Mr.Ror.Vor. Jakthong Thongyai, a former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, named the Waterfall “Siriphum” to enhance the prestige of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. The Waterfall is located near km 31, Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Raod

    Activities :
    Waterfall Traveling
    flowers admiring
    View
    Bird Watching
    Butterfly Watching       

Siritan Waterfall

    This waterfall is 81 km. from Chiang Mai. Take the route 108, Chiang Mai - Hod and turn left at 58 th km. and continue on Chomg Tong - Doi Intanon for 23 km. you will reach Siritan Waterfall. The 100 meters trail in the Montain Rainforest will brighten up your day.

    Activities :
    Waterfall Traveling
    View
    Bird Watching    

Summit of Doi Inthanon

    Summit of Doi Inthanon offers fine views to visitors, especially during November and December. On the summit, there is a stupa containing the body of prince Intharawichayonon, whose chronicle placed on the back of the marble plaque nearby. However photographing any parts of the radar station s forbidden.

    Activities :
    Nature trail study
    Historical Sight Seeing
    flowers admiring
    View
    Bird Watching      

Vachiratharn Waterfall

    Vachiratharn Waterfall (or “Muangyong Waterfall”) is a 70-meter-high waterfall, having originated in Mae Klang Gully and being located near km 22, Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Raod. At the Waterfall, there are many caves; and the most beautiful one is Borijinda Cave, a large cave with stalactite and stalagmite, located in the east of the National Park.

    Activities :
    Waterfall Traveling
    View
    Bird Watching    

Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri

    Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri (km. 41.8) Continuing north on the main summit road, turn left at km. 41.8 over a bridge on a paved road which leads to a magnificent chedi to honour the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol and Queen Sirikit.

    Activities :
    flowers admiring
    View
    Cultural Sight Seeing    

Kaew Mae Pang Nature Trail  (Recommended)

    Kio Mae Pan Trail one of the most beautiful and rewarding walks in the park is a new trail, which begins a short distance up the main summit road from Napamaytanidol. The path leads for a kilometer or more through dense, moist evergreen forest, then emerges and follows the top of a steep slope bordering the canyoned headwaters of the Mae Pan river. Dotted with red rhododendron, the trail proceeds southward for another kilometer with fine, open views to the west, then re-enters the forest and eventually terminates at Napamaytanidol Chedi. Two hours would allow a leisurely walk with camera stops.

    Activities :
    Nature trail study
    View
    Bird Watching     

Tourist Information
 
Doi Inthanon National Park
119 Ban-Luang  Amphur Chom Thong   Chiang Mai   Thailand 50160
Tel. 0 5328 6728 - 9 (Hotel Reserv), 0 5328 6730 (VoIP)
Fax 0 5328 6728   E-mail inthanon_np@hotmail.com