Head up 2565 Meters above Sea Level and Bask in Doi Inthanon, a True Waterfall Haven

As if Chiang Mai isn’t pretty enough. If you yearn for even more pristine nature and cool fresh mountain air, then you shouldn’t miss a trip to Doi Inthanon.

As if Chiang Mai isn’t pretty enough. If you yearn for even more pristine nature and cool fresh mountain air, then you shouldn’t miss a trip to Doi Inthanon. This is Thailand’s highest peak, towering over the surrounding area at 2,565 meters above sea level. Waterfalls are a plenty up here, so bring the necessary gear.

What’s up there in the skies? Green nature! If you love trekking, then you cannot pass up on a light adventure here! Everything ranging from majestic waterfalls, beautiful wild orchids and flowers as well as colorful animals call Doi Inthanon home. Birdwatchers are in for a treat as well.  And what if you are not an experienced outdoors person? No sweat (no pun intended). The day calls for a light trek that anybody can do.

Gotta grab food before heading up right? No problem. Head to San Patong market. Not only will you pick up ingredients for your lunch, you’ll also get to see, hear, smell, feel and even taste your typical colorful fresh Thai market. The various stalls, products and vendors make for a wonderful photo opportunity.

It’s now time to go up, up and away! Did you notice the change? Houses and roads have been replaced by trees and ponds. Vast fields and ponds are no longer a part of the scenery, say hello to hills and mountains instead. We’ll keep going up until the very top! And nestled amongst the natural environs are the Twin Chedis, built to honor the 60th birthday of the King and Queen in 1987 and 1992 respectively.

Alright, after walking around in the heavens, head back down a bit and visit a Karen hilltribe village. Most of the villagers work at the coffee plantation project, the quality of which you will be able to sample and judge yourself. Be warned, the coffee is pretty good.

Let’s kick off the adventure leg of this trip. Start from the village and march through the impressive green jungles. Keep going until you see a waterfall. Wait, wait, keep going. There’s another and better one coming up soon. Cross the stream until you see waterfall number two. That is your resting spot. And yes, feel free to swim in the refreshing pools.

Continue on with your trek and pass yet another waterfall. Whisk out your camera and capture its majestic presence. We are almost done. See? It wasn’t that challenging at all. Say your last good-byes to this nature wonderland before heading back to Chiang Mai. Wait, but not before stopping at the grandest waterfall of them all, Watchirathan.

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Arts & Culture

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