Public Songthaew to Doi Inthanon

Public Songthaew to Doi Inthanon by mr.hotsia

Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai Province is the highest peak in Thailand. It is a destination for travelers who want to feel the cold wind, see the sea of mist, and enjoy the most pristine nature. But if you are like me, mr.hotsia, who doesn’t want to waste time driving yourself or feel that the steep and winding roads are too challenging for a private car, choosing to usethe public songthaew up Doi Inthanonis a worry-free option worth trying.

The first time I took a songthaew up the peak, I felt like I truly experienced the local atmosphere. These songthaews shuttle tourists from Chom Thong District, which is not far from Chiang Mai. It takes no more than an hour and a half to reach the highest point of Doi Inthanon National Park. The vehicle stops at popular viewpoints such as Mae Klang Waterfall, Wachirathan Waterfall, and the park office. If you want to hike to the summit, you can also continue by songthaew.

Riding the songthaew allowed me to see the local way of life along the way, the mountain views changing with altitude, and the gradually cooler air until reaching the spot known as "Mae Kaning" or "Mei Khab" in Northern dialect — a phenomenon of frost forming on grass and leaves at the end of the year, clearly visible here. If you want to witness this, mr.hotsia recommends visiting during the winter season. You’re guaranteed to bring back beautiful photos.

For those who drive themselves, be careful to use low gear when going up and down the mountain, especially with manual transmission vehicles. Avoid frequent braking as it may cause brake failure. Automatic cars can use L2 mode comfortably, but on very steep roads, low gear is still recommended for maximum safety.

Connecting travel with nearby towns and places

If you plan to stay several days in Chiang Mai and enjoy natural routes, I, mr.hotsia, suggest stopping by Mae Chaem District, which is not far from Doi Inthanon. Mae Chaem has a nice coffee shop calledJang Muang Cafewhere I have stopped many times. Besides recharging, it’s a great place to plan your next trip. This cafe also serves delicious Khao Soi.

If you like to continue traveling to Omkoi District, I have written aboutVisiting Saen Thong Temple, OmkoiThis temple houses Phra Chao Saen Thong, highly revered by locals. It’s another spot reflecting local history and culture worth exploring.

Experience riding the songthaew up Doi Inthanon

I remember the first time I took the songthaew up Doi Inthanon. It wasn’t very cold, but I saw light mist drifting among the treetops along the way. The driver was kind, sharing the history of Doi Inthanon and recommending must-see viewpoints. I discreetly asked about the fare and found it very reasonable compared to the convenience and safety offered.

On the songthaew, sometimes you have to hold the handrail tightly because the road is very sharp and steep. This atmosphere reminds me of the reality of traveling in Chiang Mai’s highlands—not always smooth but full of charm that makes your heart race every time you look out the window.

Travel tips and contact information

For travelers interested in using the songthaew service to Doi Inthanon, I, mr.hotsia, recommend going to Chom Thong District first, which is the starting point of this route. You can inquire or book seats in advance atDoi Inthanon National Park, Tel. 053 286728Booking ahead helps you plan your day more smoothly, especially during the busy winter season.

For those who want a full Doi Inthanon experience, besides reaching the summit, don’t forget to visit beautiful waterfalls like Mae Klang and Wachirathan, and take a short forest walk to enjoy the lush greenery. You can also drive down towards Mae Chaem and continue to Mae Sariang, following the route I recommended inExploring Ob Luang: Walking on the Ob Luang Bridgewhich is a great idea for adventure lovers.

Closing remarks from mr.hotsia

I, mr.hotsia, believe that traveling by songthaew up Doi Inthanon not only lets you enjoy beautiful views but also opens the opportunity to experience local lifestyles, exchange stories, and see new perspectives of this region that many might miss if driving alone.

If you have a chance to visit Chiang Mai, don’t forget to give yourself the chance to ride the songthaew up Doi Inthanon. You’ll discover where the charm of travel truly lies. mr.hotsia will be back with more fun stories and beautiful photos from the peak.