How to Get From Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon in 2024

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One of the reasons why I’ve made Chiang Mai my part-time home is how easy it is to get out of town to explore the countryside – it’s only a 90-minute drive from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park!

I get a lot of questions from travelers visiting Chiang Mai asking how to travel from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon. 

Usually, I’m an advocate for exploring attractions on your own (after all, that’s part of the adventure!). Still, in the case of Doi Inthanon, it’s usually easiest to go with a tour, particularly if you’re short on time, traveling solo, or inexperienced on a motorbike.

Reaching the highest point in Thailand (which I didn’t realize was a part of the Himalayan Mountain range!) was well worth the trip. As someone who isn’t the most fit hiker, I didn’t find the main trail overly difficult, but it was beautiful.  

So, if you want to visit Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai, choosing an all-inclusive tour (like I did) is a fantastic option – allowing you to focus on soaking in every bit of nature while leaving logistics to experienced hands. I’ll also cover how to get there via motorbike, car, or public transport.

👉 I took this 5-Star Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project day tour from Chiang Mai. See stunning views, visit the highest point in Thailand, and visit a local market. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle and let a tour guide do all the work.

Getting from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park

Short on time? If you’re planning a trip from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park, here’s the quick lowdown. 

Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon Distance: 90km (56 miles)

The easiest and most convenient way to visit Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai is through a tour, which I personally recommend; it takes all the hassle out of navigating, and you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the park. 

However, renting a car or motorbike for a 1.5-hour drive is another option if you’re an adventurer. 

I don’t recommend taking public transport to Doi Inthanon. The only public transport available is Songthaews – they’re affordable but do require a transfer mid-journey, so brace yourself for about 2.5-3 hours of travel time one-way. Once inside the park, distances aren’t easily walkable, another reason why I don’t recommend going to Doi Inthanon by Songthaew. 

I’ll cover all the options in detail below!

Best Day Tours to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai

Take a tour if you have limited time in Chiang Mai or simply want to enjoy Doi Inthanon without sweating over logistics.  I would have loved to visit Doi Inthanon alone, but joining a Doi Inthanon day tour made more sense as a solo traveler on a budget. 

For less than $50 USD, you get pick-up/drop-off at your hotel, an air-conditioned van, English-speaking tour guide, and the 200 baht admission fee is already covered. Plus, they feed you lunch! 

Tours are also an easy way to meet other travelers when you’re solo.

A LOT of tours are advertised in Chiang Mai, so let me make it easy for you: these are the best Doi Inthanon tours available!

1. Doi Inthanon National Park and Waterfall Group Tour

This is the tour I took! 

But don’t take my word for it. Its reputation is backed by a ton of 5-star reviews. 

The tour begins with a reasonable 8-9 am pick-up, followed by a stop at Wachiratharn – fondly known as the Diamond Waterfall – one of Chiang Mai’s biggest waterfalls. 

You’ll reach the summit for that famous view of the Twin Pagodas before heading down to their long staircase. The tour includes stops at Tribe Village (a welcoming Karen community), a Hmong Market, and, most importantly, lunch!

But perhaps my favorite aspect is that this tour allows you to immerse yourself in all the park fully offers without excessive trekking – just enough for a little thrill! 

2. Doi Inthanon National Park Tour With 2-Hour Trek + Swim

Calling all adventure-seekers! If you want to get your trek and swim on, this Doi Inthanon National Park Tour is an absolute must-do. It kicks off a bit earlier than the tour above, around 7-8 am.

You’ll trek to a stunning hidden waterfall where you can take a dip – just a heads up, swimming is only allowed from June to October (they take a different trail in the winter months). 

The tour also includes visiting the Karen Hill tribe, where you’ll have the chance to witness skilled women weaving traditional crafts and indulge in some of the finest coffee Chiang Mai has to offer, grown right within their community. 

Like the other tours, you’ll also visit Wachirathan Falls.

Be prepared for approximately 4-4.5km of hiking ( best for individuals with a moderate fitness level).

3. Private Full Day Doi Inthanon Tour (2-Hour Trek + Lunch)

This private tour is ideal for those who relish the freedom to explore at their own pace without needing to conform to group schedules. If you’re 3 or more people traveling together, arranging a private tour probably makes more sense than joining a group.

It’s a personalized journey into Doi Inthanon’s stunning landscapes, offering opportunities to visit mesmerizing locations such as Wachirathan Falls and Pha Dok Seaw Waterfall.

A highlight of this tour is the Twin Pagodas. You’ll also get to interact with the Ban Mae Klang Luang tribe, whose rich culture and delicious coffee will surely be the highlights of your day. 

The reviews speak for themselves, with several travelers calling this tour “the highlight” of their trip.

4. Private Doi Inthanon at Sunrise + Hiking Tour

If rising before the sun is your thing, then this private Doi Inthanon hiking tour might just be what you’re seeking. 

Unlike the other tours, you’ll travel from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon in time to witness the park in its most tranquil state, bathed in the soft glow of dawn. 

I’ve seen the sunrise at Doi Suthep temple and can’t wait to experience it here, too.

After watching the sunrise, you’ll continue exploring the park, going past cascading waterfalls, through verdant rice paddies, and into a vibrant flower garden. 

No trip would be complete without a taste of local hospitality; you’ll get to sample some delectable local coffee and tuck into a satisfying lunch. 

Sure, it requires an early start – sometimes as early as 4 am – but trust me when we say that the rewards far outweigh the sacrifice of sleep. Plus, since you’re not the one driving, you can sleep on the way!

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

Self-Driving to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai

Getting to Doi Inthanon via car or motorbike gives you the freedom to explore the park at your own pace. You can rent a motorbike for under $10 for the day.

The drive is about 90 kilometers from Old City, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. 

Google Maps will be your best pal on this journey – set your course along Route 108 towards Chomthong for the first 57km, then when the time comes, make a right onto Route 1009, the Chomtong-Doi Inthanon Road, and continue for another 31 km until you reach the park gate. 

Be mindful that driving in Thailand has its quirks – remember to stick to the left side of the road! 

Once you arrive at Doi Inthanon, it’s possible to drive almost all the way up to the twin pagodas. You can park about 50 meters below and decide whether you prefer a brisk climb up the stairs or a leisurely ride on an escalator to reach the top. 

Kew Mae Pan Trail starts just a few hundred meters from here! 

Now if it’s just one or two of you making this trip, taking a tour might be easier on your pocket, but there’s nothing quite like hitting that open road and letting adventure guide you! But heed my advice – unless you’re an experienced rider ready for a windy road, I’d steer clear of taking a motorbike.

Next time I visit Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai, I’ll drive myself via motorbike. I wasn’t an experienced driver the first time I went, so taking the 90km of winding mountain roads would have been pretty dumb. But I just got my motorcycle license and have had much more practice! Don’t tell my mom.

🚗 Book a Chiang Mai rental car today!

Hire a Private Driver / Taxi for the Day

Having the liberty to explore Doi Inthanon at your own pace is bliss; hiring a driver for the day is an excellent way to achieve this. 

If you’re traveling in a group of two or more, it’s a cost-effective option; the driver can conveniently drop you off and pick you up as per your schedule. 

Solo travelers or couples are better off booking a tour that includes both entrance to the park and lunch. 

Don’t worry about finding a reliable driver; your hotel or hostel staff can assist. 

Alternatively, you could hail a taxi and discuss hiring them for the entire day. Be ready to negotiate! A reasonable ballpark figure would be around $100 USD for the day’s service. 

Hiring a red songthaew (a Thai truck used as a shared taxi) for larger groups desiring more space) could be an exciting alternative! They’re not quite as comfy as a private car, but they’re cheaper and more fun. This should cost around 2,500-3,000 baht ($70-85 USD) for a full day (round-trip) and can fit around 10-12 passengers. This taxi company was recommended to me by my hostel: +66 091-858-0459.

Songthaew from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon

As someone who once made their way from El Salvador to Honduras via chicken buses – purely for the joy and authenticity of it – I understand the desire to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon via public transport. 

But honestly, I do not recommend traveling to Doi Inthanon via songthaew (aka “rod daeng” or “shared taxi” or “baht bus”). There’s no direct route, so you’ll spend about 3 hours getting there, only to discover that it’s another 22km (13.6 miles) from the main road, where you get dropped, to the visitor center. That’s why I went with a tour instead.

Still intent on going by Songthaew to Doi Inthanon National Park? Here we go!

It all begins with flagging down a yellow songthaew (also known as “baht buses” or “shared taxis”). These reliable open-air taxis are an integral part of Thai transportation, and if you’ve never taken one before, I have a great guide for first-time Songthaew riders. 

Look for the yellow songthaews going to Chom Thong near Pratu Gate in the southern part of the Old City. Once there, you’ll need to switch Songthaews, this time setting your sights on Doi Inthanon. 

Your Doi Inthanon National Park adventure begins earnestly at kilometer 8 on road 1009 off Highway 108 and extends another 22 km into the park up to the visitor center. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find someone willing to drive you – let me know how it goes!

There is a campsite in Doi Inthanon, so you can spend the night in the park and get up early to watch the sunrise the next morning.

👉 I took this 5-Star Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project day tour from Chiang Mai. See stunning views, visit the highest point in Thailand, and visit a local market. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle and let a tour guide do all the work.

What to See in Doi Inthanon National Park

Now that you’ve figured out how you’re going to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park, here are the things to do when you’re here:

• The Summit / Highest Point in Thailand Sign: The first thing you’ll want to do when arriving at Doi Inthanon is head up to the summit. At an elevation of 2,565 meters, this is the highest point in Thailand and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take a photo with the iconic “Highest Point in Thailand” sign.

• Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail: This short 400m wooden boardwalk is a great way to experience the unique flora and fauna of Doi Inthanon. The trail is easy to navigate and has informative signs, making it a perfect activity for families or those interested in nature.

• Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: This 3km loop is the park’s main trail and boasts one of Thailand’s most beautiful panoramic views. This spot is perfect for catching a sunrise, so plan your visit accordingly. It’s closed from June to October for annual forest recovery.

• Two Chedis (aka “Twin Pagodas): These twin pagodas were built near the summit to commemorate the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. This is a great place to see the sunset. You can park about 50 meters below the pagodas before climbing the long staircase (there’s also an escalator). This is the only attraction within the park that’s not included with your admission – it’s 100 baht per person to enter (or just view from the outside).

• Wachirathan Waterfall: This majestic waterfall is one of the main attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park. It’s easily accessible and features a series of cascading falls. Unsurprisingly, waterfalls are most impressive during the rainy season.

• Sirithan Waterfall: Another impressive waterfall in the park, Sirithan is known for its beautiful rock formations and lush green surroundings. If you want to visit a waterfall that’s closer to town and less crowded, try Huay Tueng Thao.

• Pha Dok Siew Waterfall / Mae Klang Luang Village: Take a scenic 3 km walk downhill with a guide from Doi Inthanon to the stunning Pha Dok Siew Waterfall. Keep walking until you reach the peaceful village inhabited by the S’gaw subgroup of the Karen people. This village offers an authentic Thai agriculture experience, along with the rustic charm of the Somsak Coffee Shop. Have your driver pick you up at the village.

• Brichinda Cave: You may as well check out the stalactites and stalagmites of this small cave while you’re here – it’s included in your admission!

Entrance Information for Doi Inthanon

For farang (foreign) adults, it’ll cost you 300 baht, and if you’ve got little ones between 3-14 years old, their tickets are half off at 150 baht. Entrance into the two chedis is not included in this price, FYI.

Cars will set you back an additional 30 baht, while bikes are slightly cheaper at 20 baht.

Gates open bright and early at 5:30 am and close at dusk, around 6:30 pm daily. 

Can You Visit Doi Inthanon National Park Without a Guide?

It’s a large national park with several different hiking trails. Some shorter trails are easy to do alone, but many other routes require a guide. 

Local guides are waiting for you at the entrance, charging 200 baht.

✅ Planning a trip to Chiang Mai? This detailed 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary has you covered with everything you need!

Best Time to Visit Doi Inthanon National Park

Travelers visit Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai all year round, but some seasons are better than others.

The most popular time to visit Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon is during the dry season, December to April. It’s also the coldest time to visit Northern Thailand, and locals flock to the national park any time frost is expected – the closest many of them will ever get to snow! 

If you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with the spectacular Siamese sakura flowers bloom, which lasts just a few weeks in late January and early February.

December is the busiest time to visit, and weekends are busier than weekdays.

Doi Inthanon gets especially crowded on national holidays like New Year’s and Songkran (usually in April), so you’re better off not visiting during this time.

The wet season, lasting from May to November, brings its own charm with fewer crowds and picturesque waterfalls cascading down the mountainside in their full glory. However, this period is also quite warm. 

The main Kew Mae Pan Trail closes for forest recovery from June to October each year, so plan accordingly. 

It’s important to steer clear of Northern Thailand during the Smoky Season due to poor air quality and restricted views. Despite some improvements this past year, it remains a less desirable time for exploration. 

👉 My pick for the best bike tour of Chiang Mai is this Bike Historic Old City Chiang Mai, with a near-perfect 5-star rating! 

Other Helpful Tips for Visiting Doi Inthanon

• Dress Appropriately: Due to its high altitude, Doi Inthanon can get chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack warm clothing like hats and gloves, even if it’s summer.

• Stay Hydrated: Chiang Mai can get hot during the day, so carry plenty of water.

• Stay the Night: There’s a nice campsite by the park’s headquarters near the middle, near Sirithan Waterfall. You can rent camping gear here, too – tents cost 225 baht, while sleeping bags, mats, and pillows cost 60 baht. Bring your own food since there aren’t any restaurants in the area.

• Avoid Unethical Tourism: The Long Neck Karen Tribe, known for its distinct culture and long brass neck rings, is a popular tourist attraction in Doi Inthanon. However, their presence is also controversial, raising ethical concerns about human exploitation. Before visiting this tribe, do some research and make an informed decision. You should also avoid elephant rides and Tiger Temple, both considered harmful to animals.

• Prevent Mosquito Bites: Bring bug spray with you and apply it regularly to prevent bites.

• Buy Snacks at the Market: Stop at Mueang Mai Market the day before to stock up on fresh fruit for the trail. It’s a local market where tourists hardly visit, and it’s the best place to shop for tropical Thai fruits!

Final Thoughts: Getting to Doi Inthanon From Chiang Mai

Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai – although visiting requires 3 hours or more of round trip driving time, there are several easy options for getting there.

Opting for a guided tour, like I did, is hands down your best bet for a seamless and hassle-free journey. I took the Doi Inthanon National Park and Waterfall Group Tour.

Taking a rental car or motorbike can also work – just remember to stay safe on those winding mountain roads! 

However, as tempting as it may be for some budget travelers out there, skipping the songthaew is my strong advice. The long travel time combined with still needing transportation within the park just doesn’t add up.

And remember, this is just one jewel in Chiang Mai’s treasure trove of national parks. Don’t stop exploring – find your next adventure in our guides on other fantastic national parks around Chiang Mai!