2,565 m
Elevation
1,420 m
Prominence
Coordinates
Not applicable — accessible by road
First Ascent
About Doi Inthanon
The highest mountain in Thailand is Doi Inthanon at 2,565 m, the 'Roof of Thailand' in the Thanon Thong Chai range about 100 km from Chiang Mai. It is the most accessible country highpoint in Southeast Asia — a paved road runs all the way to the summit car park, and the highest point is a short walk on a boardwalk through mossy cloud forest. The mountain is named after King Inthawichayanon of Chiang Mai, an early forest conservationist whose remains are enshrined near the top.
The 'Roof of Thailand', named after King Inthawichayanon of Chiang Mai who advocated forest conservation. A paved road goes to the summit, where two striking chedis honor the king and queen.
Also known as: Doi Inthanon, Roof of Thailand, ดอยอินทนนท์.
Climbing Doi Inthanon: route, season and difficulty
- How long it takes
- 4–8 hours round trip from the standard trailhead
- Do you need a guide?
- No guide needed. A marked trail, decent fitness and a map or GPS track are enough for most fit hikers.
- Best season
- Usually the local dry season — anytime outside the monsoon or rainy months.
- Terrain & gear
- Marked walking trails with a sustained but non-technical climb. Hiking boots, waterproofs, water, food and navigation. Nothing technical.
Visiting Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai
- ▸Roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by road from Chiang Mai — day tours, rented scooters and private drivers all work.
- ▸National park entrance fees are charged at the gate, with a separate ticket for the chedis.
- ▸Go early: the summit sits in cloud by late morning for much of the year.
- ▸Best season is November to February for cool, clear air; the rainy season from June to October brings mist and leeches on the trails.
- ▸The summit boardwalk is short and flat, so this highpoint suits families and non-hikers.
📝 Martin's Personal Note
Super easy hike — renting and driving a motorbike on the left side of the road from Chiang Mai was the real challenge here. A guide was mandatory but cheap, and it's just a 15–20 minute hike from the parking. 😄
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain in Thailand?
The highest mountain in Thailand is Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 meters above sea level.
How long does it take to climb Doi Inthanon?
Allow 4–8 hours round trip from the standard trailhead. Times vary with fitness, conditions and which trailhead you start from.
Can you climb Doi Inthanon without a guide?
No guide needed. A marked trail, decent fitness and a map or GPS track are enough for most fit hikers.
When is the best time to climb Doi Inthanon?
The usual season is the local dry season — anytime outside the monsoon or rainy months. Outside that window expect snow, storms or closed access.
What gear do you need for Doi Inthanon?
Hiking boots, waterproofs, water, food and navigation. Nothing technical.
How high is Doi Inthanon?
Doi Inthanon stands at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet).
Where is Doi Inthanon located?
Doi Inthanon is located in Thailand, within the Thanon Thong Chai Range.
Has Martin climbed Doi Inthanon?
Yes — Martin summited Doi Inthanon in 2023 as part of his country highpointing project.
What is the highest mountain in Thailand?
Doi Inthanon, 2,565 m (8,415 ft), in Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province.
Can you drive to the summit of Doi Inthanon?
Yes. A sealed road climbs to a car park a few steps from the highest point, so the summit is reachable by car, motorbike, songthaew or day tour from Chiang Mai.
How cold does Doi Inthanon get?
Summit temperatures fall to around 0-5 °C on winter mornings and frost is common in December and January — bring a jacket even though the lowlands are hot.
What else is worth seeing on the mountain?
The twin royal chedis Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri with their terraced gardens, the Ang Ka nature trail at the summit, Wachirathan and Mae Ya waterfalls, and the Kew Mae Pan ridge trail (open November to May, local guide required).
Nearby highpoints of similar height
Highpointing lists to explore
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