Doi Inthanon Topography and Climate
Doi Inthanon National Park consists primarily of high rugged mountains including Doi Inthanon itself, as well as Doi Huamodluang. The area is a major watershed and is the source of several rivers such as the Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem and Mae Khan Rivers. It is also part of the source of the Ping River, which runs directly through Chiang Mai.
When you combine mountain peaks with rivers, what do you get? Waterfalls. Doi Inthanon National Park is the location of some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Thailand. The most stunning of these waterfalls is probably Mae Yai, which cascades down from a height of 100 meters (330 feet). Mae Klang Waterfall is easily accessible to visitors, being located right near the park entrance. On the weekends expect to see plenty of Thai families enjoying a picnic near this scenic point.
Wachiratan Waterfall is located halfway up the road to the top of the peak and provides some great swimming holes at the bottom of its 40 meter (131 foot) drop. A dip in one of these pools is not for the faint of heart, however, as the water temperature is downright icy. Close to the summit you will find the slender white wisp of Siriphum Waterfall, which is usually less crowded than its cousins. The water level of Siriphum varies a great deal from season to season, however.
The elevation of Doi Inthanon means that it enjoys a perpetually cooler temperature than the surrounding plains. During the middle of the cool season temperatures easily drop below freezing and even during the sweltering heat of the hot season the air at the summit remains bracingly chilly.