Doi Inthanon, the Highest Mountain in Thailand

On Sunday, October 28, we were picked up at Vdara by our driver friend Phong at 8:30 am for a trip to Doi Inthanon, at 8,415 feet, the highest mountain in Thailand.  The trip was about 2 hours; the second half was through the Doi Inthanon National Park and very beautiful.  Phong drove us to the top of the mountain and we walked around the summit.  The name Doi Inthanon was given in honor of King Inthawichayanon, one of the last kings of Chiang Mai, who reigned at the end of the 19th century and was concerned about the forests in the north and tried to preserve them. He ordered that after his death his remains be placed at Doi Luang, which was then renamed to a (thankfully) shorter version of the king's name.  There is a memorial to the king at the summit.

The Doi Inthanon National Park
supports over 360 bird species.

The mountain provides some spectacular views.

Near the summit of Doi Inthanon stand two Chedis facing each other, one called Naphamethinidon, meaning 'by the strength of the land and air,' and the other, Naphaphonphumisiri, meaning 'being the strength of the air and the grace of the land.' These temples were built to honour the 60th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1987, and the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen Sirikit in 1992, respectively.

This is the Chedi honoring the King:

 

 

Exterior panels: 

 

An interior frieze of the Buddha's place of first teaching:

The Chedi honoring the Queen:

 

 

Exterior panels:

 

 

An interior frieze of the Queen:

 

And of elephants:

 

Other sights at the two Chedis:

 

 

A stop at a market on the way down the mountain:

 

 

Then the waterfalls:

 

Sirithan Waterfall

 

 

 

 





 



Vachiratharn Waterfall

 

Bottom of the Mae Klang Waterfall

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of a wonderful day, Phong got us safely back to Vdara.