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Doi Inthanon: a mountain day

A suggested itinerary based in Chiang Mai. Allow 1 day.

A suggested route for your own trip, inspired by the Journal’s locations. It is not a record of Andy’s personal itinerary.

Allow1 dayBaseChiang MaiRoute4 planned stages

Editorially reviewed 16 September 2026 · confirm live access before travelling.

Doi Inthanon National Park — photograph from Andy’s Journal

Your suggested route

The times below are suggested allowances, not live opening hours or transport schedules. Adjust the order for your arrival time, bookings and conditions.

  1. Early morning · Leave Chiang Mai

    Book a driver or suitable tour and agree the route before departure. Pack a light warm layer as well as water. Keep the drive and mountain visit as the whole day rather than combining it with an unrelated elephant or rafting programme.

  2. Morning · Summit area and a short nature walk

    Visit the summit area and choose a currently open short trail, such as the Ang Ka area if available. Allow 60–90 minutes for a slow nature-focused stop. Ask your guide about conditions rather than assuming city weather reflects the mountain.

  3. Late morning and lunch · Pagodas and a meal

    Visit the twin-pagoda area if access and visibility suit, then have lunch at an agreed local stop. Allow a proper meal break. Views may disappear into cloud, so appreciate the gardens and mountain environment without waiting indefinitely for a clear photograph.

  4. Afternoon · Wachirathan Waterfall

    Stop at Wachirathan using the designated access and viewpoints, allowing about 45–60 minutes. Return towards Chiang Mai with time for road delays. If choosing a longer guided trail instead, remove another stop rather than making this an exhausting all-attractions day.

Where to pause for food

Arrange lunch with the driver or tour and check what is included. Carry water and a small snack because meal timing depends on road and trail conditions. A local produce stop is optional, not a substitute for a planned lunch.

Getting around

Organised road transport is the practical choice for this dispersed mountain route. Confirm pickup, return time and admissions separately. Do not judge travel effort by the distance to the park boundary; the day includes further mountain driving.

For a shorter day or different weather

Experienced walkers can replace the short walks with a suitable guided trail, checking seasonal access and guide requirements first. In heavy rain or poor conditions, shorten the outing. Kew Mae Pan and other trails should never be assumed open year-round.

Before you go

Check the park’s current access, trail closures and weather. Confirm exactly which stops the tour includes and whether guides and entry fees are extra. Keep the route flexible around conditions rather than a fixed photograph checklist.

Visitor information and further planning

Use these destination, attraction and operator resources to check current access and arrangements before booking.

Places from the Journal

Explore the original Instagram posts from this destination.

For more travel and everyday moments.

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