The highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon rises to a height of 2565 meters (8, 415 feet) above sea level. This altitude means that temperatures on Doi Inthanon are refreshingly brisk year round and regularly dip below freezing during the cool season (October to February). The national park which contains Doi Inthanon and bears its name covers 482 square km (186 square miles) and contains Sanpatong District, Chomthong District, Mae Chaem District, Mae Wang District, and the Toi Lor Sub district of Chiang Mai Province.
Doi Inthanon National Park is a true jewel of natural beauty, consisting of rugged mountainous terrain blanketed by lush tropical forests and dotted with mighty rivers and majestic waterfalls. The park's protected status makes it a sanctuary for a wide range of animal species and it is perhaps the best place in Thailand for bird watching. Approximately 362 different species of bird make their home in Doi Inthanon National Park, many of which are not found anywhere else in Thailand.
The diversity of Doi Inthanon does not only extend to plant and animal species, however. The park has long been home to settlements of Northern Hilltribes as well. Recent efforts have been made to allow theses unique villages to maintain their traditional cultures while co-existing with modern developments such as tourism and the Bhumibol Dam, which harnesses the power of the Ping River to provide electricity to thousands of Thai people.
Doi Inthanon is a popular destination for visitors to the region, not only for its natural beauty, but for its historical significance as well. Chedis (monuments) dedicated to Their Royal Majesties, The King and Queen, can be found atop the peak of the mountain is The Great Holy Relics Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri.Located in Doi Inthanon National Park the Royal Twin Pagoda.
The Thai Army built these pagodas, as present to the King and Queen in commemoration of their birthdays; The King's 60th in 1987 and the Queen's 60th in 1992. And the full name of these pagodas were Phra Maha Dhatu Nabha Metaneed & Phra Maha Dhatu Nabhapol Bhumisiri.
Located on top of the mountain, visitors could either reach the top via the escalator or the stairs. And one would have to go up to the top to visit one, and then come down and go up again to visit the other, for the pagodas were not located on the same peak.
Inside the pagoda, there were shrines with Buddha images where visitors pay respect to. Inside one of them along the wall, were the story of Lord Buddha's birth till enlightenment, highlighting the 4 milestones in his life and gave rise to the 4 holy places of Buddhism.
The park has been adapted somewhat to accommodate the tourist trade and there are some eating and drinking areas, as well as accommodation. The rugged terrain is now crisscrossed with pathways and roads to make it more accessible to visitors. The development has been tightly controlled, however, and every effort has been made to preserve the natural beauty of the environment.