Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak measuring 2565m above sea level. The mountain was formerly named Doi Angka, and now bears the shortened version of the name of Chiang Mai's last king, King Inthawichayanon. The national park covers an area of 48240 hectares and offers un-Thai like temperatures during the cool season, with lows that plummet to -8 degrees Celsius.
Our crew of tourists were taken to waterfalls in the park. This waterfall was Watchirathan Waterfall. The furious flow of water go some of us wet despite being a few good meters away from the fall. But fresh water was quite refreshing after being stuck in a car for an hour or so. This waterfall has an accumulated height of 80m.
My vision of going up mountains was unlike what I've experienced going up Doi Inthanon. The tour took us to the park's various attractions up and down a paved road. Thailand has clearly made it easier for tourists of any age and physical condition enjoy its wonders without much hassle. Back home, you'd have to climb up inclines that would induce cramps and go through untamed forests.
The other waterfall that was on the list was Sirithan Waterfall. The waterfall is about 40m high and originates from the Mae Klang River.
It was really cold and rainy during our visit
Just before reaching the summit of the mountain, I saw two monuments. The monuments were barely visible as I made my way up the stairs. The two monuments (Phra Mahathat Naphamenthanidon and Nophamethanidon) were constructed by the Royal Thai Air Force to mark the 60th birthdays of the King and Queen in 1989 and 1992.
There were elaborate carvings on the walls of the monuments.
As in various parts of Thailand, the picture of the King and Queen is omnipresent.
Woohoo! Made it to the roof of Thailand without breaking a sweat! Don't be deceived, it was really cold when we went up to the marker. I immediately put my jacket on as soon as the picture was taken.
I liked the ambiance atop the mountain. It was cool, frosty, and mossy all over the place. You could see droves of tourists moving in and out of the mountain. You really can't tell that you are already at the highest peak in Thailand, because the tourists had their babies, small children, and grandparents in tow. The paved road up the mountain made this an accessible tourist attraction.
The last stop was the small village made up of local ethnic groups. The villagers sold hand made and woven souvenirs. These small villages are often included in tour packages. It's nice to know that these small and local villages are getting the attention of tourists and the government. Rather than be beggars in big cities, at least they don't have to leave the comforts of home and family to make ends meet.
*The saleslady gave the tour to me for only 900 Baht, even if the actual price was 1000 Baht (and what they put on the receipt), yehey for discounts!