Thailand’s unique Doi Inthanon National Park

Posted by paul on August 6th, 2008 filed in Uncategorized

Situated in the northern province of Chiang Mai, the Doi Inthanon National Park boasts Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, along with several less higher peaks. The largest part of the mountain is created out of granite, which forms the divide between the river, Nam Mae Chaem to the west and the river, Nam Mae Ping to the east. Less-higher elevations in the park’s most easterly pant are limestone rock formations, which feature several interesting caves.

Originally named Doi Angka, since 1899 the mountain is named after a shortened name’s version of the last sovereign king of Chiang Mai, Inthawichayanon. During his rule, he had expressed concerns for the northern hill country’s forests as well as for the entire territory of central Siam’s watershed. This king’s early convictions provided the rain forests hydrology’s fundament. Before Chiang Mai’s last king died, he gave the order for placing his remains at this mountain’s summit. Throughout the year large crowds of people visit the stupa on the top, which contains the king’s ashes.

Doi Inthanon National Park covers a territory of 48,240 ha. The park’s lowlands, elevated below 800 metres are incredibly dry and warm in the rain-free season, but Doi Inthanon’s 2565 metres high peak experiences weather conditions, which are more like a Canadian climate. Sometimes the temperature drops as low as -8 degrees Celsius, and frosts aren’t uncommon during the dry, cool season. Online guide to Doi Inthanon

The month of January is the coldest with an average temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius. At any time of the year, Doi Inthanon offers a cool getaway from the hot temperatures of the lowlands. The amount of rainfall exceeds 2500 mm at altitudes higher than 1000 metres, which is significantly more compared with nearby Chiang Mai.

Even between November and April in the dry season, there occurs occasional rainfall or for a part of the day, clouds may surround the peak; the continuing mist here is a pivotal factor with regards to the moist forest’s maintenance.

Doi Inthanon National Park boasts unbeatable natural beauty!

Another unique asset of the national park is formed by the various forests located at higher elevations. These forest formations house several dominant species which are usually found in cooler environments rather than in tropical. Thailand’s sole red rhododendron grows on the summit area and is blooming from December until the end of February. Additionally, on Doi Inthanon there are numerous of two white-blossomed types growing, which can be found at only a few other locations.