Doi Inthanon

Where is it? Doi Inthanon National Park, about two hours southwest of Chiang Mai, is one of northern Thailand’s most famous destinations as it’s home to the country’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. 

Why we love it: This park at Thailand’s highest altitude is a national treasure and on the bucket list of travellers both local and visiting for a reason. It’s chilly up in Doi Inthanon so pack your fleece and waterproofs (we really mean it), pull those hiking boots on and get exploring through the cloud forests, around the waterfalls and up and around the scenic footpaths. The summit of Doi Inthanon even gets frosty in the winter, which in itself is a huge draw for locals keen to see ‘snow’ for the first time in their lives. As is a visit to the iconic twin pagodas King Inthawichayanon Memorial Pagoda and Queen Sirikit Memorial Pagoda, two shiny conical beacons that sit on a ridge with crazy panoramic views of the valleys below. Loop round to Wachirathan Waterfall and Mae Ya Waterfall,  the powerful cascades in the depths of Inthanon’s lush forest. 

Time Out tip: The park’s most famous hike, the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, requires a local guide (usually a Karen hill tribe guide assigned at the trail entrance). The hike takes about three hours and meanders along mossy trails and a vast mountain ridge with incredible views – undoubtedly the best trekking experience in the park.