We started bright and early for our trip to Doi Inthanon. Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand reaching an elevation of 2565 meters at its tallest point. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from central Chiang Mai.
Our first stop was for a decent cup of Java and our driver Khun Wet dropped us off at Tatonyon Cofee and Cafe.
Coffeed up and off to our first location - Wachirathan Waterfall
Onwards and upwards we went to reach the peak of Doi Inthanon, however, our Song Taew broke down approximately 300 meters from the top. Luckily we were not far from the top and finished the rest of the route on foot.
Doi Inthanon - Tallest mountain in Thailand - 2565 meters. To be honest there isn't too much up here apart from a nice little walking trail, a weather station, and a neutron monitoring station. Also for Thailand standards, it was pretty cold at 18C and very overcast limiting any nice potential view.
Twin Royal Stupas (Phra Maha Dhatu Nabha Metaneedol and Nabhapol Bhumisiri). During our visit, the entrance fee was waived due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The next stop was to a small local market about 15 minutes down the mountain from the pagodas - Doi Pui Mong Hill Tribe Village. Here you will find some various types of products such as local dried fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, flavored almond nuts, fresh avocados, and even wine!
Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail - my favorite part of the day and our last excursion was this 3km trek through the national park. All visitors must hire a local guide and the price is 220 THB per group. Our guide was Khun Aof with his 3-year-old son, Q. The trek took about 2 hours but was absolutely amazing and well worth it.
As with any trip to Chiang Mai a visit to the Wualai Saturday Walking Street Market is a must. We grabbed a Sing Taew outside our hotel for 40 THB each. IT took about ten minutes to get there. It certainly wold not be the typical market you might find in other provinces with its eclectic collection of arty stalls but it's different and that's what gives it the edge in my opinion. As we traveled during the COVID-19 period temperature checks were taken by the police on entry to the night market. Just to clarify a reading of 37.5 or less is required to gain entry. The market is open late afternoon to about 22.30. The market itself runs down a very long street for about a km or so. There are lots of food stalls offering local fare at a very reasonable price. Overall a highly recommended night activity.
