Doi Anthanon National Park is a natural site located in northern Thailand, within the province of the famous city Chiang Mai. It was established in 1972 and was previously nicknamed "the roof of Thailand" by the locals. This is because it is located on the highest mountain in the country, rising to a height of 2,565 meters. Accordingly, this is an area with Weather The coldest in Thailand. However, despite the impressive height, don't expect snow because it never falls there. The park covers a huge area - almost 500 square kilometers and is home to no less than 360 different species of birds and plants and one traditional tribe, as well as magnificent waterfalls, pastoral walking paths and royal gardens.
When should you visit the park?
Opinions differ as to whether It is recommended to visit Doi Anthonon Park In the winter or summer season, each of which brings with it other advantages to the trip. The period in which Is not It is recommended to visit between the months of April and November, when heavy rains fall on the area and make a trip there almost impossible. It is worth noting that in the months of January-February the peak blooming of the colorful sakura flower occurs, which attracts many tourists to the park who come to witness the spectacular sight.
How do you get to the park?
The park is 60 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai and therefore many travelers choose to make a day trip there when visiting the city. If you choose to take an organized tour from Chiang Mai, there will be a bus or minivan that will take you directly from your hotel to the park. If you choose to come independently, from Chiang Mai there are many options for getting to the park, including Rented vehicle (there is an option to hire a driver as well) or a rented motorcycle (note that the road is a bit crooked). The drive from Chiang Mai to the park takes about an hour, depending on the traffic on the roads, which can sometimes be heavy.
Accommodation options in the area
If you chose to spend more than one day in the park and want to stay overnight, you have two main options: staying at a campsite or at a bungalow site. For the benefit of camping, the park offers rental services of tents, sleeping bags and any other equipment you will need for accommodation in the field. To stay in the site's bungalows, you will have to make a reservation ahead of time and you can choose the size and the conditions in which you want to stay (the price will change accordingly). Note that on weekends the park is especially full of guests.
For those who choose a day trip only (also a great option), here are some recommendations for accommodation in nearby Chiang Mai:
- Sothep
- Chang Klan
- Chang Klan
- Chang Clan
- city center
For all the recommended hotels in Chiang Mai, click here >>
Attractions nearby
waterfalls
In Doi Anthonon Park there are waterfalls everywhere and a lot of them. The waterfalls of the park are considered a central and particularly beautiful attraction, which attracts many visitors from all over the world. Around the falls there is an impressive greenish wild vegetation and next to the cool water and the fresh air that prevails in the place, the experience is a pleasure for the soul. The waterfalls can also be reached as part of walking paths or treks that can be done in the park. Some of the well-known and loved waterfalls in the park are- Mae Ya, Wachirathan, Mae Klang and-Siritharn. In some of them swimming is prohibited and in some it is recommended.
tracks
At the park's visitor center you can get a map and an explanation of the different treks that can be done. A particularly recommended trail is theKew Mae Pan Nature Trail. It is a very easy trek that stretches for 3 kilometers, with many pastoral stops along the way. During the walk you can learn and read the information signs about the animals that are in the environment and the ecosystem of the park. The same trek is only available accompanied by a qualified guide (which will only cost about 200 baht). Please note that from June to October the path is closed for renovation work each year.
Another path, especially for the lazy, is theAngkha Nature Trail which only takes about 15 minutes of walking. In this "mini-trek" you can walk in a dense forest and watch wild animals if you are lucky.
The pagodas and royal gardens
Up the mountain of the park you can see two royal pagodas. They were each built in honor of the 60th birthdays of the King and Queen of Thailand. These are small but impressive buildings, decorated with mosaic stones and surrounded by colorful vegetable gardens. Together with unique architecture and a spectacular panoramic view, climbing them becomes a real attraction.
The highest point in Thailand
The most unique attraction of the park. To get to that longed-for spot and take a picture with the famous sign, you'll have to get on the main road and make your way through a thick forest. On the way you can observe informative signs about the surrounding nature and a small monument built in honor of the last king of Chiang Mai. For the adventurous among us, it is recommended to arrive at sunrise, when the most impressive view can be seen.
A visit to the Hill Tribe
The tours that depart from Chiang Mai almost always include a visit to a friendly Thai tribe that lives within the park grounds. The members of the tribe receive the guests with a warm welcome, they will make you quality coffee that they produce on the spot and you can even buy it afterwards. On the tour you can take pictures with the special costumes of the tribesmen as well as with the tribesmen themselves and of course buy souvenirs and cool gifts for relatives.
Additional important information
An entrance ticket to the park costs 300 baht for an adult and 150 baht for a child. The purchase is made on the spot.
Opening times: every day, 6:00-18:00. During the hours of darkness the park is less attractive, so to get the most out of the park it is recommended to arrive early.
Park location:
