Doi Inthanon National Park: Thailand's Highest Peak

Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 meters, is the highest mountain in Thailand and the centerpiece of a national park about 90 minutes to two hours southwest of Chiang Mai. It is a cool, misty world compared with the heat of the lowlands, with cloud forest, mossy trees, wild orchids and a surprising range of birdlife. The temperature at the summit can drop to near freezing in winter, so bring a warm layer even if Chiang Mai is hot.

The road to the top passes several highlights. Waterfalls such as Wachirathan and Mae Ya tumble down the mountainside, and the Royal Twin Pagodas, built to honor the king and queen, sit in landscaped gardens high on the slopes with panoramic views. Near the summit, a short boardwalk through moss-draped forest, the Ang Ka Nature Trail, gives a taste of the high-altitude ecosystem, and hill-tribe villages along the way sell coffee, fresh strawberries and handicrafts.

Many day tours combine Doi Inthanon with a visit to a local coffee farm, a Karen or Hmong village and a stop at Mae Klang or Siriphum waterfalls. The Mae Wang valley, on the route, has elephant sanctuaries and bamboo rafting, though visitors should research any wildlife experience carefully and choose operators that do not offer riding or performances.