Journey to Doi Inthanon: Thailand’s Pinnacle and Royal Pagodas Adventure

Round The World Trip 2017, Thailand – Gateway to East Asia

Journey to Doi Inthanon: Thailand’s Pinnacle and Royal Pagodas Adventure

June 4, 2017

On May 17th, I embarked on an exciting day trip to the pinnacle of Thailand, the highest peak. The journey promised not only a breathtaking summit but also fascinating stops along the way. The friendly hotel staff in Chiang Mai, always ready to assist, helped me secure a spot on this tour for 1140 baht (£25 or approximately COP 96,000). As the day commenced, I eagerly joined a group of seven fellow adventurers, anticipating the delightful experiences that awaited us.

Amphoe Chom Thong District

Our initial destination, located approximately 50 kilometres south of Chiang Mai, required just over an hour of travel. In the Amphoe Chom Thong District, we halted at a quaint village. Here, a cultural experience awaited as I observed the talented Karen tribe ladies engaged in the intricate art of weaving. Their skilled hands crafted beautiful garments, including scarves and dresses, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Originating in the 17th century, the Karen tribe migrated to Thailand and has predominantly settled in the western part of the country. Our guide informed us about the two subgroups within the tribe: the Skaw and the Pwo. Despite the briefness of our visit, the rain and humidity didn’t dampen the opportunity to witness their unique way of life. As we moved on to our next stop, I also caught glimpses of the lush rice fields that characterise this region.

Sirithan Waterfalls

Our subsequent destination was the enchanting Sirithan Waterfalls, adorned in earthy hues and boasting a height of approximately 40 meters. The distant echoes of the cascading water created a symphony of nature. Located near Inthanon National Park, this waterfall contributes its waters to the Mae Klang River. Although our visit was brief, the view was undeniably captivating. Our knowledgeable tour guide shared the fascinating history behind the nomenclature of Doi Inthanon, revealing its association with King Inthawichayanon, the final monarch of Chiang Mai. The king’s commitment to preserving the northern Thai forests left an indelible mark on the region.

Majestic Doi Inthanon Summit

Around midday, we arrived at the majestic Doi Inthanon Summit, often referred to as “the roof of Thailand.” Located within the Himalayan mountain range, this area boasts high humidity and an average temperature of 12 °C. Soaring to an impressive altitude of 2565 meters (8415 ft), it stands as the highest peak in Thailand, although 79 meters lower than my hometown, Bogotá.

The day was enveloped in thick fog, and my raincoat became a constant companion throughout the journey. However, undeterred by the weather, I relished the trail walk leading to the main attractions: the two chedis dedicated to the anniversaries of the King and Queen. The expansive area also houses an exhibition hall, a tribute to Princess Maha Chakri, and a magnificent 2-meter (80-inch) golden Buddha image.

The two Pagodas

Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon, which translates to “magnificent stupa containing Buddha relics,” is the pagoda dedicated to the king, soaring to a height of 60 meters. Constructed in 1987 by the Royal Thai Air Force, this pagoda stands as a commemoration of the 60th birthday of His Majesty King Rama 9, Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Phra Mahathat Naphapholphusiri, meaning “the power of the sky and the virtue of the land,” is the pagoda dedicated to the Queen. It stands at a height of 55 meters, symbolising that the Queen is five years younger than the king. This pagoda was built in 1992, to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 60^th birthday.

The exploration of these two pagodas and their adjacent gardens marked the pinnacle of this excursion. The narrative underlying these structures struck me as profound, deep, and even romantic, symbolising the royal couple. Perched atop the mountain, we easily ascended using separate stairs (though a lift was also available).

Inside the pagodas, various shrines unfolded with Buddha images and stories, spanning from the Buddha’s birth to his enlightenment. Venturing outside, particularly around the Queen Pagoda, I strolled through meticulously maintained gardens. Despite the persistent rain and clouds, the magnificent views were still a delight. We savoured nearly two hours, freely wandering amidst this enchanting setting: a truly delightful experience.

Before heading back, we indulged in a diverse lunch that naturally featured rice! Noodles along with an assortment of vegetables and fruits were part of our meal. Lastly, we explored the Wachirathan Waterfall, the second significant waterfall on the route up to Doi Inthanon National Park.

These mighty waters cascade over a height of 60 meters. As I traversed the easy walkway to witness the waterfall and took brief footage to share with my family, I ended up completely soaked! The path was rather slippery, so I had to tread cautiously to prevent any mishaps, as is often the case with me.