One Day in Doi Inthanon Park
My review for the One Day in Doi Inthanon Park is specifically with Chiang Mai Local Tours. I saw a similar tour on Viator.com, however, it was much more expensive. As much as I love Viator and recommend them for my clients, sometimes they don’t always have the best price. You are paying for great service, and a reputable brand. Price was 2500 Thai Baht which currently is $72.15 USD. It included round trip transportation, local guide, and lunch.
This 1-day trekking tour will introduce you to one of Thailand’s most famous attractions and a must-visit place in Chiang Mai that is Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand’s highest mountain of over 2,565 meters above sea level). This national park is famous for its natural beauty and of course the gorgeous landscapes. So, let’s talk about what One Day in Doi Inthanon Park is like:
Morning
7:00a – 7:30a -Pick up from hotel.
9:30a – After Driving approximately 2 hours to the highest peak of Thailand. Enjoy the view at the summit. Trek approximately 2 hours in the beautiful trail, along the way you will find incredible views of the forest. I believe in the phrase “Pics or It Didn’t Happen.” So here is proof for you guys. I made it to the highest spot in Thailand
Afternoon
11:30a – After our trek, we visited the beautiful architecture of Nopamaytanidol Chidi and Phra Mahatat Nopaphon Bhumisiri which was built to honor the 60th Birthday of King Bhumipol and Queen Sirikit. This site was surely something to see. Beautifully landscaped gardens, Monks walking around. It was so cool to see how modern they are, taking selfies with their camera phones.
The monkhood also known as ‘Sangha‘ brings merit and honor to the family of the Monks, so it is a positive thing for these young boys to get to test the waters of the Monk life. There are escalators available for those who do not want to climb endless stairs to make it to the top. There are also bathroom facilities here (though with lack of cleanliness I don’t recommend using them).
1:30p – Break for lunch. When I read “buffet” I figured we were going to be taken to some cheesy, tourist-driven restaurant in Chiang Mai. Boy was I surprised! We went to this very local restaurant where every single person there (except for us) spoke Thai. The food was served “family style” and we were given Fish, Chicken curry/soup and potatoes, rice, and veggies. Plenty to fill everyone up. They also brought out fresh fruit, but flies buzzing around it made me lose my appetite for it.
Papagayaw Karen Hill Tribe Village
After lunch, we stopped at a roadside market where I was pleasantly surprised by how relaxed and non-pushy the vendors were. I picked up some dried mango that was both inexpensive and really tasty. The bathroom situation was definitely more rustic, with limited cleanliness and no toilet paper, which seems pretty standard throughout rural Chiang Mai, but there were basic wash-down facilities available.
From there, we continued through scenic farmland dotted with coffee plantations, flower farms, and rice terraces (which are especially beautiful during the rainy season from July to mid-November). We then arrived at the Papagayaw Karen hill tribe village, where I tried a cup of locally ground coffee and got a glimpse into daily life, including a woman hand-sewing a traditional white dress for her daughter—an intricate process that takes about eight days to complete without modern sewing machines, offering a fascinating look at craftsmanship and cultural tradition.
4:00p – After the hill tribe village tour, we continued deeper into the lush landscape of northern Thailand to visit Vachirathern Waterfall, a powerful 70-meter cascade that lives up to its dramatic reputation. As we approached, the sound of rushing water grew louder until we were standing in front of this massive, thunderous drop surrounded by dense greenery and mist in the air. The spray created a cool, refreshing break from the heat, and the whole setting felt incredibly raw and untouched. It was one of those stops where you can just pause, take it in, and appreciate how wild and beautiful this part of Thailand really is.
Drove back to Chiang Mai and we arrived to our hotel around 6:00p. Enough time to grab a cheap Thai massage. Interested in heading to Doi Inthanon National Park? Already been there? Share experiences! I’m also happy to answer any questions you may have about this tour for those thinking of booking.
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