1 Chatuchak Weekend Market
2 Doi Inthanon
3 Grand Palace
4 Khao Sok National Park
5 Mekong River
6 Phang-nga Bay
7 Prasat Phanom Rung
8 Similan Islands
9 Sukhothai Historical Park
10 Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Thailand's highest peak hosts a unique ecosystem of sub-Himalayan flora and fauna.
Encompassed in a 428sq km national park, the 2,595m-high Doi Inthanon was named after Phra Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, who died at the turn of the 19th century. His remains lie interred in a small white chedi (pagoda) near the summit. Long celebrated by the people of the north for its natural beauty and cool climate, the mountain has much to offer, including unspoilt hill-tribe villages, four striking waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery.
Once the habitat of bears and tigers, the park has seen the severe depletion of its wildlife by overhunting and increased human settlement. Nevertheless, it is still possible to see rare mammals such as flying squirrels, red-toothed shrews, Chinese pangolins and Père David's vole, as well as a plethora of birds, butterflies and moths. Rainfall on the slopes is high, with frequent showers even during the dry season. This encourages myriad varieties of ferns, mosses and orchids to flourish, often completely covering the trunks of even the tallest trees. Nearer the summit stand two tall pagodas built to honour the Thai king and queen. These remarkable structures, set amid carefully tended gardens of temperate flowers and vegetables, are among the most architecturally innovative buildings of their kind in Thailand. Particularly noteworthy are the modernistic interpretations of traditional Buddhist themes portrayed in copper-coloured tiles on the face of the king's stupa. In borders nearby, fuchsias, petunias, hydrangeas, helicrishams and salvias blend un-expectedly with decorative cabbages, adding to the location's charm.Address: 113km southwest of Chiang Mai
Hours: Daily
Restaurant: Café next to royal chedis (pagodas)
Bus: Buses from Chiang Mai to Chom Thong, then songthaews to summit
Accessible: None
Admission: Cheap
Info: Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, Chiang Mai PHONE: (053) 248604
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