Complete guide to bus travel from Doi Inthanon to Chiang Mai — schedules, prices, operators and booking tips.
The Doi Inthanon to Chiang Mai bus is the return journey on one of Thailand's most popular routes. Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 metres, is a world of misty waterfalls, hilltribe villages and spectacular Royal Twin Chedis — a complete contrast to the warmth of Chiang Mai just an hour away.
Doi Inthanon National Park is northern Thailand's most dramatic landscape — a high-altitude world of cloud forest, waterfalls, and rare birds that feels nothing like the tropical Thailand most visitors know. At 2,565 metres, the summit is high enough to experience frost in winter.
The park's highlights include the Mae Klang and Wachirathan Waterfalls (the most accessible and impressive falls in the park), the Royal Twin Chedis (Napamethanidol and Naphapholphumisiri), built to honour King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit with extraordinary mountain views, and hilltribe villages where Karen people maintain traditional ways of life.
Doi Inthanon is Thailand's finest birdwatching destination — over 383 species have been recorded, including many highland specialties only found in this part of the country. The summit meadow is particularly rich in high-altitude birds.
Most visitors take a day tour from Doi Inthanon, which typically covers the main waterfalls, the Royal Chedis, a hilltribe village and the summit. Independent travellers can take a songthaew to the park entrance and hire a local guide or driver within the park.
The following operators run regular services on the Doi Inthanon–Chiang Mai route:
Compare prices across all operators before booking — fares can vary significantly by class and season.
Departures: Morning departures from 07:00
From: Doi Inthanon National Park entrance
To: Chiang Mai Arcade Terminal or day tour pickup
Schedules may vary by operator and season. Confirm departure times when booking, particularly during Thai public holidays.
✅ Bring a warm jacket — at 2,565 metres, the summit can be cold even in summer.
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Book 1–2 days ahead on weekdays. During Songkran (April), New Year and long weekends, book at least one week in advance — buses sell out fast on popular routes.