Day 252: Doi Inthanon National Park
We decided to rent a car and self-drive our way around Northern Thailand, giving us way more freedom than day-trip options from Chiang Mai and tour buses, and the opportunity to see more of the countryside. We headed to the airport and picked up a car first thing in the morning and drove west toward Doi Inthanon, “The Roof of Thailand”.
While Doi Inthanon was puny in comparison to the mountains of Tibet and Nepal (even though it’s Thailand’s highest peak, it’s only 2,565m – Lhasa was 3,500), we did experience a big change in climate. While Chiang Mai was sunny and a bit steamy by mid-day, the top of Doi In was covered in a cold, foggy cloud (which kinda sucked as there was no view). We walked around the top as much as the poor weather would allow, then headed down below the clouds where it got significantly warmer for a few more short hikes, before driving off to our quirky accommodations for the night.
Igor walks around & inspects our rental car taking pictures of every scratch and ding before hopping in the front seat
Rolling up to Doi Inthanon National Park
Sirithan Waterfall – one of the misty mountain’s many waterfalls
The twin chedis atop Doi Inthanon – Naphamethanidon & Naphapholphumisiri were dedicated to the the King & Queen (respectively) on their 60th birthdays
Each of the chedis have Buddha statues inside – white “good luck” strings are tied around the wrists of the Buddhas
Riding the escalators up to the chedi…getting major China flashbacks…
Brrr! It’s 14⁰C and Lindsay’s wearing sandals – it’s cold!
Too bad we left our couple of boots in Bangkok – there’s a 3KM nature trail through the cloud forest but we have to pass since we are not dressed appropriately
The Ang Ka boardwalk trail is more our speed for today – it’s a little 10min loop that is better protected from the wind, so not as chilly
Not sure if it’s the moss, the mist or the monk, but the cloud forest of Doi Inthanon feels a bit magical
Making an obligatory stop at the “highest point in Thailand” – since the mountain is almost constantly covered in clouds, the park set-up an indoor sun lamp with a faux view so visitors can still leave with a sunny picture – LOL!
Taking pictures at Huai Sai Lueang Waterfall
As we head back down the mountain, we pass a large farmer’s market and pull over to check out the tasty (and colorful!) selection
Fresh strawberries, a variety of pumpkins, and even Thai wine! (from mulberries tho, not grapes)
We skipped lunch, so we’re a little peckish (and still a little cold, too) – we never would thought a baked yam was snack food, but it totally hit the spot!
Igor buys a bags of clementines and just INHALES them
Lindsay braves a cold shower for a photo op at the next waterfall
We spot some baby ferns and a wicked looking beetle at the Siribhume Waterfall & Royal Garden
Our digs for the night: a USD $30 “Swiss Chalet”
The décor at the Touch Star Resort charmingly tacky
It’s our lucky night – a large group was having a celebration at the hotel restaurant and hired a musician, so we had some live music to go with our (huge!) meal