Doi Inthanon, Mountain summit in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak, rising to 2,565 meters above sea level with thick forests covering its slopes. Multiple waterfalls and hiking trails of varying difficulty crisscross the mountainside, offering routes for different levels of ability.
The mountain was named after Inthawichayanon, the last sovereign of Chiang Mai, who defended the northern Thai forests during his reign. His legacy as protector of the region shaped how the peak came to honor conservation efforts.
Two Buddhist chedis near the summit were built to honor the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. These structures serve as focal points where visitors experience the deep connection between the monarchy and local spiritual life.
Several well-marked trails lead through the park, including the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail at about 2.5 kilometers and the 360-meter Ang Ka Luang boardwalk. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and wear sturdy footwear, as paths can become slippery in rain.
The park supports around 500 bird species, not 360, across habitats that climb from 800 to 2,565 metres. The Inthanon Royal Project Research Station began as a King Bhumibol Adulyadej initiative to end opium cultivation; it now holds a rhododendron garden and greenhouses for ferns, flowers and vegetables.
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