How to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park

Trying to figure out how to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon can be surprisingly confusing.

When we first started planning our trip, we found some information about the park itself Thailand’s highest peak, waterfalls, cloud forests, rice terraces but hardly anything that explained how to actually get there.

Was it an easy day trip? Should we hire a car? Could you ride a scooter? Or would we need a tour?

We had so many questions about how to get to Doi Inthanon that weren’t clearly answered anywhere.

After spending over three weeks in Chiang Mai and five full days exploring Doi Inthanon National Park, we’re familiar with the different options and we learnt a lot along the way. 

From early morning drives to trailhead mishaps and the joys (and pitfalls) of Thai road signage, we now know what works, what doesn’t and which options are worth your time.

So in this guide, we’re sharing everything we wish we’d known at the start. 

Whether you’re planning a one day trip from Chiang Mai or thinking about staying overnight near the park, we’ll cover all the best ways to get there, plus real advice based on our own experience. 

You’ll find practical tips, honest pros and cons and a few personal recommendations for tours, trails and some insider info that will make your planning so much easier. 

We’ll help you plan the perfect day trip to Doi Inthanon without the confusion. 

Let’s get started.

Why visit doi inthanon national park?

Doi Inthanon is one of the most varied and scenic national parks in Thailand and it’s just a couple of hours from Chiang Mai.

You’ll find Thailand’s highest peak, misty cloud forests, tiered waterfalls and the iconic King and Queen Pagodas perched above the valley. 

It’s a dream for nature lovers, hikers and especially photographers.

Gorgeous waterfalls, dramatic landscapes and ever-changing weather make it a brilliant place to shoot.

We spent five days exploring the park and still felt like we were only scratching the surface.

Whether you’re into gentle trails or more adventurous treks, Doi Inthanon offers a perfect escape to nature from the city.

How far is doi inthanon from chiang mai?

• Distance: Around 90 km (55 miles) south-west of Chiang Mai

• Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or van, depending on traffic and stops

• Best route: Take Highway 108 towards Chom Thong, then turn onto Route 1009 which leads directly into the park

Road conditions and tips

• The roads are paved and in good condition, but winding in parts, especially as you get closer to the summit. But it’s nothing dramatic or to cause concern.

• Road signs are mostly in Thai, so it’s worth downloading offline Google Maps before you go (it saved us more than once)

• Allow extra time if you’re visiting during weekends or holidays as it gets busier than you’d expect for somewhere that feels so remote and is very popular with Thai people as well as international tourists.

• We’ve driven the route multiple times and it’s very doable in a day but just make sure your route is downloaded and don’t rely on mobile signal once you hit the mountains.

Best Ways to Get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon

To get to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai you have 3 main options.

Four including public transport but honestly, we don’t recommend it.

So although we will explain how you can use public transport to get to Doi Inthanon, we don’t really count it as a valid option as it’s quite simply a pain in the neck to coordinate and takes way too long.

1. Self-Drive (Car or Scooter)

If you’re confident on the road and like to travel at your own pace, self-driving is one of the most flexible ways to explore Doi Inthanon. 

We hired a car for three weeks while travelling around northern Thailand and found it an easy, comfortable way to reach harder-to-access spots, including remote waterfalls and trailheads inside the park.

Steffan does all the driving when we’re travelling. Partly because he is more confident than I am and partly because he is a really bad passenger. (Not due to my driving, honest!) 

But I’d say he is pretty confident driving internationally and has done it a bunch of times. 

He has said over and over that Thailand is one of the easiest places to drive due to the roads being well paved and people generally driving pretty sensibly.

Pros

• Travel on your own schedule, no fixed pick up and leave times
• Easier to visit sunrise or golden hour photography spots early and late in the day and you also tend to miss the crowds this way
• Access less-visited areas beyond the main tourist sites like the Pha Dok Siew trail

Cons

• The driving is different to what you may be used to especially on narrower roads
• Some roads are narrow and steep in sections
• You may be driving on the opposite side of the road, depending on where you’re from

Car hire and licence info

To drive legally in Thailand, you’ll need a driving licence from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP).

This applies to both cars and motorbikes and police do carry out spot checks.

We were checked twice during the three weeks we hired a car and had to show our IDP.

We booked our car through Booking.com, which compares rates from multiple suppliers and lets you filter by pickup location, insurance and transmission type.

Most cars are automatic and in good condition. Expect to pay around 900–1,200 THB per day, depending on the model and cover level.

What about scooters / motorbikes?

Hiring a bike is THE most common option in Thailand and it’s because it’s so easy and affordable to do. Plus there aren’t many countries in the world that let you hire a motorbike without a motorbike licence.

BUT we don’t recommend this option unless you have a full motorbike licence.

Legally, you need a motorbike licence from your home country to be covered by insurance in the event of an accident, even if local hire shops will rent to you with just a standard driving licence and IDP.

Most travel insurance policies won’t cover you for motorbike accidents unless you’re fully licensed, which can leave you exposed both financially and legally. And the worrying thing is that most people don’t know this.

Thailand also has one of the highest rates of motorbike accidents in the world and the roads in Doi Inthanon can be steep, winding and slippery after rain.

If you’re not experienced and fully licensed, it’s just not worth the risk. Make sure you do your research before choosing this option.

What’s it like hiring a car from chiang mai (Our experience)

We had decided we wanted to go on a Northern Thailand road trip and since we don’t have a motorbike licence we chose to hire a car.

We booked on booking.com, which compares the various suppliers and cars available for pick up from Chiang Mai and we settled on a 1.4l Toyota Yaris Sedan booked with Keddy by Europcar.

We booked for three whole weeks (22 days to be exact) and also opted for the full protection so that in the event of an accident we only had to pay the excess.

👉 Car rental price: THB 16,287.39 / GBP 371 / USD494

👉 Full Protection: THB 5,568.79 GBP 127 / 169 USD

💰 TOTAL COST: 21,856.18 including taxes / GBP 498 / USD 663

🚗Cost per day: GBP 22 / USD 30 including full protection

Pick up was from Chiang Mai airport which seems to be the best option in terms of getting a better deal and a grab taxi from the old town didn’t cost much, so was totally worth it.

When we arrived at the airport, we just walked to the desk for Keddy, paid the £250 deposit on a debit card (a credit card was not required), showed both our UK driving licence and our international driver’s permit and passport and signed some paperwork.

We were then told where to go to collect our car.

Once in the car park a nice guy showed us the car, photographed any damage so that we were not liable and showed us how to use the car and that was it.

The whole process took around 30 minutes.

We had a WhatsApp number in case we needed to extend the reservation or encountered any issues.

The car was great and had no issues, although we would probably book a bigger engine next time since we drove a few hours north into the Thai mountains and some of the hills were a little hairy …. but other than that it was a great car.

We returned it 3 weeks later and had already got our deposit back in our account before we even dropped it off.

It was super easy and we would definitely recommend both booking.com and Keddy if you want to hire a car in Chiang Mai.

2. Join a day tour from chiang mai

We usually encourage people to explore places like Doi Inthanon independently.

Especially if you’re into photography or like to move at your own pace.

But we totally get that not everyone has the time (or the energy) to hire a car and plan a full day out themselves. Sometimes you just want to make it easy. 

If you’re short on time, want a hassle-free experience, or just prefer to have everything arranged for you, joining a Doi Inthanon tour from Chiang Mai can be a great option.

Several friends of ours have done day tours to Doi Inthanon and had really positive experiences. The tours usually include hotel pickup, a local guide, lunch and all entrance fees, so once you’re booked, you can pretty much just sit back and enjoy the views.

A Doi Inthanon National Park tour typically includes transportation, a local guide, entrance fees and lunch, making it one of the most convenient ways to explore the park.

Why book a tour?

• No need to drive or navigate and worry about getting lost or interpreting maps
• All the logistics are taken care of like your entrance tickets, food, guide etc
• Great if you’re limited on time or want less stress
• A guide can offer insight and context you might otherwise miss

Some of the best tours include stops at the King and Queen Pagodas, the Ang Ka Nature Trail and a guided trek on the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail which we’ll talk more about below (it’s easily one of the park’s highlights).

When we book tours we have a few options.

We always check Seek Sophie first of all as they are a super ethical tour organisation that offers more authentic day trips worldwide. If we can’t find exactly what we want them we usually use GetYourGuide or Viator as it’s easy to compare different options, check reviews and cancel if your plans change.

3. Hire a Private Driver or Taxi

If you don’t fancy driving yourself but still want full control over your itinerary, hiring a private driver is a great middle ground. 

We’ve used private drivers many times during our 18 months of travel in Asia and it’s our second favourite option after hiring a car, especially when we want flexibility for photography or early starts.

You’ll have the freedom to visit spots at your own pace, chase the best light for golden hour and skip the more crowded stops if they’re not your thing.

Private tours also work in much the same way.

How to book a private driver

• You can often arrange a day trip with a Grab driver (Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber). Negotiate a price in advance and make sure they’re happy to stay with you for the day. We usually just ask one of the local grab drivers we have already used if they offer private services and pay cash. This way it’s a better price for you and more income for the driver as they don’t have to deal with the Grab fees.

• Many hotels can arrange a trusted local driver for you, this is a good option if you want someone who is connected to where you’re staying in case of any booking issues.

• You can also book through platforms like Seek Sophie, Viator or GetYourGuide, where some listings offer a private car and driver for the day, with optional guides.

Costs and expectations

• Hiring a private driver is usually more expensive than a group tour, but you’re paying for convenience and flexibility
• Expect to pay around 3,500–4500 THB (76 – 105 GBP) for a full-day trip, depending on the route and whether the driver speaks English
• It’s a great option for couples or small groups who want a stress-free but personalised experience

4. Public Transport using a Songthaew (Not Recommended for the Whole Park)

While it’s possible to get to Doi Inthanon using local songthaews (shared red trucks), we really don’t recommend this option if you plan on exploring multiple spots. 

The park is huge and getting between major attractions like the Royal Pagodas, Pha Dok Siew, or the Kew Mae Pan trail is tricky without your own transport.

Here’s how public transport works (but keep in mind, it’s not straightforward):👇

• First, take a songthaew from Chiang Mai’s Pratu Chiang Mai Market to Chom Thong
• From there, you’ll need to transfer to another songthaew heading up Route 1009 into the park
• You’ll likely be dropped off near the visitor centre or park entrance, but not at the main attractions like the Royal Pagodas.
• Then, you’ll have to either hitch a ride with other travellers (not always guaranteed), hire a local driver (if available), or walk several kilometres uphill.

Why it’s not ideal

• The connections are irregular and it can take 3+ hours just to get to the park
• There’s no early start, so you’ll miss out on the best light for photography
• Once you’re inside, public transport doesn’t go further into the park, so you’ll have to rely on luck or local help to get around
• You’re unlikely to see multiple sites efficiently without a car or driver, especially when the distances between spots are long and not walkable

If you’re after a budget-friendly option, public transport can work to get you there, but don’t expect a smooth or hassle-free experience or to be able to see more than one thing at the park without a ton of patience.

You’ll likely spend a lot of time waiting for connections and figuring out rides and you’ll miss out on the flexibility of exploring the park at your own pace.

If you’re really keen on sticking to public transport, it’s best to just visit Mae Ya Waterfall, as it’s accessible from the main road and doesn’t require getting deep into the park.

Doi Inthanon Day Tours We Recommend

If you decide to visit Doi Inthanon as part of a guided tour, there are a few standout options that get consistently good feedback.

While we usually prefer exploring independently (especially for photography), we’ve looked into the best-reviewed day tours to help you choose the right one,  whether you’re after gentle sightseeing or something more active.

Below you’ll find three highly rated options for tours to Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai. 👇

Our favourite pick would be Tour one as it’s such a unique experience!

Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

Doi Inthanon National Park offers great value considering how much there is to see. From waterfalls and pagodas to hiking trails and Thailand’s highest peak.

You’ll buy your entrance ticket on arrival at the main park checkpoint and there’s no need to book in advance.

Doi Inthanon National Park Entrance Fees

• 300 THB per person for foreign visitors (roughly £7 / $9 USD)

• 50 THB for Thai nationals

• 30 THB per vehicle (if you’re self-driving)

Your ticket is valid for five consecutive days, so if you decide to stay overnight and return the next day, just hang on to your original ticket.

Additional Fees

• Royal Pagodas: 100 THB per person – this area is privately maintained and not included in the main ticket

• Trail Guides: Pha Dok Siew and Kew Mae Pan both require a guide (200 THB per group) The fee supports local Karen hill tribe communities.

Opening Hours

• The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• Last entry is usually around 4:30 PM, depending on the season

What to See in Doi Inthanon National Park

There’s a lot to explore in Doi Inthanon from powerful waterfalls and adventurous forest trails to mountaintop pagodas and hill tribe villages. We spent five days in the park and still didn’t manage to see everything, but these were the standout highlights.

Waterfalls

Doi Inthanon is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern Thailand, especially during or just after rainy season.

• Mae Ya Waterfall – Our favourite Doi Inthanon waterfall! A stunning, multi-tiered cascade in a peaceful forest setting. Best visited early. Set outside the main park means its less crowded than the others. An absolute gem for waterfall photography.

• Wachirathan Waterfall – Powerful and dramatic, right by the roadside. Very easy to access. You can see it from the car park.

• Mae Klang Waterfall – A great stop on the way into the park, often less busy than the others. Best in the afternoon.

• Sirithan Waterfall – Small but scenic, with a short trail leading to a viewpoint.

Nature Trails and Hikes

Whether you’re after a quick forest stroll or a longer scenic trek, there will be one that takes your fancy!

• Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail – Our favourite Doi Inthanon hike. Lush jungle paths, bamboo bridges, waterfalls and rice terraces, led by a local Karen guide and ending in a local Karen village.

• Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail – Famous for its panoramic mountain views and boardwalks. Only open from November to May. Led by a local Hmong tribe guide and the most popular (and busiest) hike in the park

• Ang Ka Nature Trail – A short, self-guided boardwalk through misty cloud forest, near the summit.

Iconic Landmarks

These are the postcard spots and whilst they won’t fill your day, they’re worth a pit stop.

• The Royal Twin Pagodas – If you’ve seen a photo from Doi Inthanon, you’ve seen these Pagodas! Beautifully landscaped gardens and sweeping views. Go early or late to avoid crowds and harsh light.

• The Highest Point in Thailand – A quick stop at the summit marker (2,565m) with surrounding mossy forest.

Cultural Experiences

A more local side of Doi Inthanon, perfect for slowing down and supporting the communities who live in and around the park.

• Baan Mae Klang Luang Village – A Karen hill tribe village where you can stay overnight in a local homestay, try delicious coffee, and meet some of the friendliest people you’ll ever come across. If you do the Pha Dok Siew hike, this is where you’ll finish. But don’t worry if hiking’s not your thing, you can also visit by car or join a guided tour

• Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon – Educational gardens and experimental farming projects with a small café.

• Baan Khun Klang Village – Great for a coffee stop with a view and the easiest place for a lunch stop. There are several scenic cafés dotted around here.

When is the Best Time to Visit Doi Inthanon?

The best time to visit Doi Inthanon National Park is from November to February, when the weather is cool, dry and the skies are beautifully clear. If you’re into hiking, sunrise photography, or just want to enjoy the park in its best light, this is the window to aim for.

We visited in November and honestly couldn’t have timed it better. 

The trails were dry, the air was fresh and crisp and the soft morning light made the views feel even more magical. If you’re hoping to see that sea of clouds at sunrise from the Kew Mae Pan trail, this is the season when you’re most likely to catch it.

Here’s a quick seasonal breakdown:

☀️ November–February: The ideal season (dry season)

• Dry, cool weather with clear visibility
• All the trails are open
• Best time for sunrises, hiking and photography (this is when you’ll catch the sea of clouds from the Kew Mae Pan trail)
• Comfortable cooler temperature compared to Chiang Mai, a welcome relief

☔ June–October: Rainy season

• Heavy rain likely, especially in the afternoons
• Kew Mae Pan nature trail is closed for conservation
• Pha Dok Siew may stay open but can be muddy and slippery (check locally if it’s open or not)
• Waterfalls are at their most powerful, which is great for dramatic shots if you’re prepared for wet conditions (but don’t focus on this too much as due to the high altitude the falls don’t really dry up like other parts of the world).

⚠️ March–April: Burning season

• Poor air quality due to agricultural burning
• Hazy views and higher temps
• Not recommended for hiking or photography

If you have the flexibility, we’d strongly recommend planning your Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon trip during the dry season or the end of the rainy season as it makes a huge difference to the experience.

Staying Overnight Near Doi Inthanon

It’s absolutely possible to visit Doi Inthanon as a day trip from Chiang Mai and many travellers do just that. But if you’ve got a bit of flexibility, we’d highly recommend spending a night closer to the park.

Staying nearby means you can start earlier, catch better light for photography and explore at a slower, more relaxed pace without spending hours on the road.

Stay in Chom Thong (Our recommended choice)

We stayed in Chom Thong, about 30 minutes from the park entrance and it was ideal. We could reach the waterfalls early, avoid most of the crowds and still have time for a slow breakfast before heading out. We could also pop back to the hotel during the day if we just wanted a break in between seeing the sights. 

Our base was Sailom Resort and we honestly loved it. 

For just 600 THB per night (around £13), we had a bright, spacious room with a hot shower, fridge, desk and heaps of thoughtful extras including fresh fruit, tea, coffee and lychees each day.

The staff were super friendly and there were plenty of local eateries within walking distance as well as free parkin on site. It’s basic but comfortable and a great choice if you’re on a mid-range or budget trip.

Stay Inside the Park (Homestays & Campsites)

If you’re keen to stay in the park itself, there are a few Karen-run homestays near Mae Klang Luang as well as some camping areas near the summit and visitor centre.

These are great for early sunrise missions or travellers looking for a more local, low-impact experience. 

Some can be booked online, but many need to be arranged in person or through your accommodation provider in Chiang Mai. 

Availability is limited during peak season, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’re visiting in high season (Nov–Feb).

Stay in Chiang Mai (if you’re short on time)

If you’re pressed for time, staying in Chiang Mai and doing Doi Inthanon as a one-day trip is still totally doable especially if you’ve got private transport or a tour booked.

Just be prepared for an early start and a fairly full-on day, particularly if you want to hike or catch sunrise.

Tips for Visiting Doi Inthanon National Park

Before you head off on your trip from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon, here are a few final things to keep in mind:

• Bring cash – There are no ATMs inside the park and card payments aren’t widely accepted. Bring enough baht to cover entrance fees, meals, guides and any extras. The nearest ATM is in Chom Thong but it’s not always reliable.

• Bring a jacket – It gets surprisingly chilly at the summit, especially early in the morning. Even if it’s hot in Chiang Mai, you’’ want to pack layers for the park, particularly for sunrise trips.

• Respect hill tribe communities – Trails like Pha Dok Siew pass through Karen villages. Dress modestly, ask before taking photos and support local businesses where you can. A little respect goes a long way.

• Ethical animal tourism – While Doi Inthanon itself isn’t known for animal attractions, you might see elephant rides advertised nearby. Unless the sanctuary you plan on visiting is a true hands-off sanctuary, (Read more here) then please avoid visiting. We recommend Chang Chill in Chiang Mai for an amazing day with elephants. Another big one to avoid is the Tiger Kingdom or any other Tiger “sanctuary”, which is also deeply unethical. (Find out why here.)

• Travel insurance – If you’re hiring a car, riding a scooter or doing guided hikes, make sure your travel insurance covers these activities. We use SafetyWing for adventure travel and have been happy with it.

Photography Tips for Doi Inthanon

Best time to shoot each location

• Mae Ya Waterfall – Early morning (7:30–9:00am) for soft side light and no crowds

• Wachirathan Waterfall – Best in the morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh light and crowds

• Mae Klang Waterfall – Around 3–4pm is ideal for golden light hitting the falls

• Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail – Late afternoon for quieter trails and lovely golden light

• Kew Mae Pan Ridge – Go at sunrise for your best chance at seeing the sea of clouds

• Royal Pagodas – Early morning in dry season for clear views and flattering light

• Mae Klang Luang Village – Late afternoon golden hour across the rice terraces

Recommended Photography gear

• Wide-angle lens (16–35mm) – Great for landscapes, pagodas and waterfalls

• Mid-range zoom (24–70mm) – A solid all-rounder for trails, portraits and tighter views

• ND filter – Perfect for getting silky long-exposure waterfall shots

• Lightweight tripod – A carbon fibre travel tripod will keep your kit light and steady

• Microfibre cloth – Essential for misty mornings and waterfall spray

• One camera body + one versatile lens – Keep it light if you’re hiking

Final Thoughts – Is Doi Inthanon Worth the Trip?

Absolutely.

Whether you’re visiting for the waterfalls, you fancy a trek, or you just want to photograph Thailand’s highest peak at sunrise, Doi Inthanon is one of the most rewarding day trips from Chiang Mai and a totally different side of northern Thailand.

We spent five days exploring the park and would happily go back again. It has this rare combination of dramatic natural beauty, peaceful trails and cultural depth all within a couple of hours from the city.

If you’re into photography, it’s a dream. There are so many epic photography spots.

If you love hiking, there are trails for every ability. 

And if you’re just looking to escape the heat and noise of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon offers space to breathe, explore and see a different side of Thailand.

To make the most of your trip, we recommend:

✅ Hiring a car for maximum flexibility (especially if you want to chase golden hour)

✅ Joining a tour if you’re short on time or want a stress-free option

✅ Staying overnight near the park if you have time – it’ll make your experience so much richer

Whichever way you choose to visit, we hope this guide helps you plan a smoother, better trip and gives you a few ideas for where to go and what to shoot.

Whether you go independently or join one of the top-rated Doi Inthanon tours, this national park is one of the best things you can do from Chiang Mai city.

FAQs About Visiting Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai

Where to go next after chiang mai?

If you’ve ticked off your favourite things to do in Doi Inthanon and you have some more time to explore Northern Thailand, here are a few more off-the-beaten-path stops to explore.

• Doi Mae Salong – Tea plantations, rolling hills and a unique blend of Thai-Chinese culture

• Phu Chi Fa – One of the most iconic sunrise spots in Northern Thailand, mist, ridgelines and that floaty cloud magic we all love

• Floating Pagodas in Lampang (Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat) – Tucked up on a mountaintop, these are an absolute must if you love a remote, dramatic viewpoint. Bit of a climb, but 100% worth it.