Doi Inthanon
Doyintanon is a national park in Thailand, founded in 1954. Its area is 1005 km2. It is the most famous park in Thailand and is located 100 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Doyintanon is the highest point in Thailand, this mountain is made of granite and batholith. Its height above sea level is 2,559 m according to some data, and 2,565 m according to others.
The remains of the ruler of the kingdom of Lanna, after whom it is named, are buried in the mountain. In honor of the king, as well as his wife, two temples were erected on the slope of the mountain. Due to the fact that the park is located at an altitude, the climate is not very warm during the entire period. Rains and mists are frequent visitors to Mount Doyintanon, and in January you can even see snow on the top. To admire the sights of this park, you need to climb to the top of the mountain. The first one on this path is the 20-meter Maeklang waterfall, which is located at the foot of the mountain, near the village of Chomtong. The Brichinda Cave is also located here. The 70-meter-high Vachirattan waterfall, which is located on a flat mountain peak, can delight visitors with a beautiful rainbow. The park's information center is also located here, as well as another equally beautiful Siripum waterfall, which cascades. There is also a 260-meter waterfall in the park called Meya, whose streams of water, when falling, create a smoke curtain of unusual beauty.
There is a legend that every Thai resident should visit the top of the mountain at least once in his life. Tourists are offered to conquer the peak by renting a car, bike or motorbike, which can easily cope with the mountain bumps.
The forests of Doyintanon National Park are Thailand's most important heritage. They are represented by evergreens, as well as pine and mixed forests. The further up, the denser the forests are, covered with mosses. In addition, in some areas they are diluted with beautiful orchids, rhododendrons, as well as covered with vines and many other plants. The mountainous climate has a positive effect on birds, which are home to approximately 362 species. There are also animals in the park, but many species are vulnerable to extinction, such as gibbons, tigers, deer, wild pigs, etc. It is best to visit the peak in the period from November to December, until the mountain is covered with thick fog. Those who prefer to explore the underwater world should pay attention to Similan or Mu-Ko-Ang-Thong.
There is an information center at the entrance of Doyintanon Park, where you can buy a map, an advertising leaflet, and souvenirs. On the way to the top, you can taste the local tribes, who will offer to buy locally made clothes, as well as various gifts to relatives. There is also a strategic locator facility here, which is forbidden to photograph. The park is always crowded, many tourists visit this reserve every year, and Thais themselves like to come here with their families to have a good weekend.
