Doi Inthanon: Walking the Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail at Thailand's Highest Peak
About two hours by car from HATAGO
Seven years since moving to Chiang Mai. I have been to Doi Inthanon — Thailand's highest peak at 2,565m — many times, but this was my first time walking the Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail inside the national park.
I guided Mr. and Mrs. Yamaguchi and Mr. Kitamura, guests staying at HATAGO.
Cool all year round at 2,565m
Doi Inthanon sits at the far end of the mountain range extending from the Himalayas. Near the summit it stays cool all year, with an average temperature of around 12°C — hard to believe when you have just come from the heat of Chiang Mai city.
The trail runs for about 3km through tropical rainforest.
Waterfalls, because it is the rainy season
Several waterfalls crash down along the route. With the water levels raised by the rainy season, we walked through the spray and got thoroughly soaked.
The sheer presence of the deep green forest is simply moving. This is a place you should absolutely visit.
We also met a green snake and butterflies you would never see in Japan. A full day held by nature.
Dry season or rainy season?
For ease of walking, the dry season is the best time.
But if you want to experience the waterfalls at their most powerful, come in the rainy season — the volume of water is completely different. We were lucky with the weather on this day, but the ground gets slippery in the rain, so wear proper shoes and clothes you do not mind getting wet.
Location
- Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail (inside Doi Inthanon National Park)
- Google Maps
- About 2 hours by car from HATAGO
