Doi Inthanon Royal Project (google map link)

Close to the park headquarters, within Khun Klang village. The project was developed in 1979 to help train hill tribe communities in modern agricultural practices (and steer them away from cultivating opium). The resulting harvest of crops, plants and flowers could then be sold through the project.  The onsite flower breeding research lab and plantations are open to visitors.

 

The Twin Pagodas (google map link)

The twin pagodas (Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri), are situated 100 meters from one another, and were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.

The pagodas enshrine the Lord Buddha’s relics and include fine tiled murals and imagery of the Buddha. The views on a clear day are magnificent, but often obscured by cloud cover.

Doi Inthanon Peak (google map link)

The peak of the park is very straight forward to reach and has plenty of signage and photo ops on the way and at the destination. The area is cool all year round so take something warm. You can also purchase warm drinks and food at the peak.

The peak is the site of King Inthawichayanon’s (the seventh and last king of Chiang Mai) stupa. King Inthawichayanon is said to have had a deep concern about preserving the forestry for future generations. He had a deep affinity with Doi Inthanon so requested that part of his ashes be placed there.

 

Hill Tribes of Doi Inthanon (various locations. See map)

For centuries Doi Inthanon has been home to various hill tribes who continue to maintain their ancient way of life in the area. Much of what they cultivate can be purchased in the Royal Project shop in Khun Klang village.

At the base of the peak resides Hmong tribes, where the community continues to tend their fields in the same way they have done for hundreds of years. Their methods remain the same, however they now cultivate commercial crops such as vegetables and flowers, rather than the opium poppies they once tended. In the Hmong Village of Khun Ya Noi, you can visit the local market and admire the colourfully embroidered clothing of the tribes-people.

There are also several Karen (long neck) Shan and Meo villages within the park where you can purchase traditional textiles and observe their traditional ways of life. Some villages also offer bamboo rafting and elephant riding (although personally I am not a supporter of elephant riding). 

Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail (google map link)
This trail is a 360 meter long trail which was surveyed and designed by a Canadian volunteer biologist. This trail is covered with indigenous plants that need a high level of nutrition, such as lichens and wild orchids. Rare species of birds can also be seen along the trail. The biologist, Mr. Michael MacMillan Walls, a devoted biologist unfortunately died from a heart attack whilst on the mountain. 

Flora and Fauna
Due to the high elevation and abundance of water in the park the area is with lush forestry and a rich biodiversity that is unique in Thailand. The base of the mountain which is dedicated to agriculture is interspersed with deciduous trees, which lose their leaves at the onset of dry season. The landscape then changes at higher elevations, where the deciduous forests give way to large tropical evergreen trees.
Flora such as Vanda Orchids, Rhododendron and Phycastylis can be found growing wild throughout the park and fauna such as Chinese Flying Squirrels, Barking Deer and (even) Asiatic Black Bears live alongside a large variety of primates including Leaf Monkeys Gibbons, Macaques, and well over 30 species of bats. Doi Inthanon is also the best location in Thailand for bird watching, with over 300 different species residing or migrating to the area (see post below).

Birdwatching
Over 300 species of birdlife reside in the park, which includes indigenous and migrant birds. This includes Black-headed Woodpecker, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, White-rumped Falcon, White, Grey and Yellow Wagtails, Eurasian Woodcocks, Chestnut Thrushes, Little Buntings, Crested Buntings, Scarlet Finches and many more! There is a dedicated Information Centre located at 31km (known as Uncle Daeng’s Shop). Here you can gain information about the habitat and food of the birds and animals living within the park. There is also a Bird Watching Diary and sketches, trail guides, pictures and slides by various bird watching experts. The park’s protected status makes it a sanctuary for a wide range of animal species, making it an idea spot for bird watching, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in Thailand.  The best time for bird watching is during the winter season (November through to February).

Doi Inthanon Observatory (google map link)

Located at the 44km mark, the observatory is the main facility of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand.

You can find more info on the National Astronomical Research Institution of Thailand’s website

ENJOY DOI INTHANON! 🙂

 

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