Doi Luang Chiang Dao – Chiang Mai

Doi Luang Chiang Dao - Chiang Mai

This is a limestone mountain in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve area, Chiang Dao District. This cone-shaped mountain is 2,195 metres above sea level, which makes it the third highest mountain in Thailand after Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok. Narrow plains on top of the mountain overlook spectacular views that include a sea of fog on the Chiang Dao District side, Doi Sam Phi Nong, the Chiang Dao mountain range, and the far end of Doi Inthanon. The peak is cool and windy and has an abundance of rare highland flowers, birds, and butterflies. An approval letter from the Director of Wildlife Reserve Division, Royal Forest Department is required in order to visit Doi Chiang Dao. Travel must be arranged at least 2 weeks in advance. Contact tel. 0-2561-2947 for more information.

Getting there : The peak is accessible by foot. At Chiang Dao cave, guides, porters, and chartered transfers to the starting point of the trail are available. There are no tourist facilities on Chiang Dao Mountain. Visitors must bring their own sleeping bags, food, and water.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park

This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon , Thailand’s highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Maenam Ping and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers. Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.

Getting There : Travel 58 kilometers west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 107 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometers along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good but rather steep asphalt road takes visitors up, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8.