How to get by car to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand?
Thailand, asia
9.1 km
2,565 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for an unforgettable climb to Doi Inthanon, "The Roof of Thailand!" You'll find this majestic peak, the highest in Thailand, nestled in the Mae Chaem District of Chiang Mai Province. Named in honor of King Inthawichayanon, a champion of northern Thailand's forests, this mountain is more than just a pretty view.
The adventure starts at the Doi Inthanon National Park Check Point 2, and from there it’s a smooth 9.1 km (5.65 miles) ride on Route 1009 all the way to the top. Don't let the perfectly paved road fool you—you're climbing 868 meters at an average gradient of 9.53%!
Perched near the Myanmar border, within the lush Doi Inthanon National Park, the summit is a must-see. As you ascend, feel the temperature drop – it’s a welcome change! At the top, you can grab souvenirs, snacks, and refreshments. Keep in mind, though, the summit can get pretty cloudy during the wet season, so visibility might be limited. Expect high humidity and year-round cool weather.
The road’s typically open all year, but watch out for surface frost near the summit between November and January. The mountain's unique climate supports diverse forests, from the humid, cold-loving plants at lower altitudes to unique species like Sphagnum Moss and the Delavey Rhododendron higher up. Who knew you could find near-freezing conditions and maybe even ice in Thailand? Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
How to get by car to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand? is located in Thailand (asia). Coordinates: 14.2245, 101.7276
Road Details
- Country
- Thailand
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 9.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,565 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 14.2245, 101.7276
Related Roads in asia
hardDriving the illegal road to Namgung La
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Namgung La, also called Lengmugong La, way up in the Lhuntse District of Bhutan. At a whopping 4,830m (15,846ft), this is one of the highest roads in the country, and trust me, it's an experience. Forget the pavement – this is an unpaved, rugged adventure that demands a 4x4. Word on the street is this road was built illegally, adding a bit of mystery to the journey. Get ready for some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 10% as you climb. The road stretches for 5.7 km (3.54 miles) from the Chinese border to the breathtaking Leng Mugogcuo lake. This isn't just a drive; it's a climb to the top of the world with views that will stay with you long after you've descended. Get ready for some unbelievable landscapes!
extremeYongphu La: Driving the steep mountain pass of eastern Bhutan
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Deep in eastern Bhutan's Trashigang District, you'll find Yongphu La, a mountain pass that hits a sky-high 2,610m (8,562ft). It's a pivotal point on the Trashigang-Samdrup Jongkhar Highway, cutting through the wild eastern Himalayas, serving up views and challenges in equal measure. Picture this: coordinates 27°14'30.3"N 91°31'42.4"E leading you onto a track seemingly glued to the side of the mountain. This 30.5 km stretch, running north-south, connects Kanglung and Khaling with what feels like a never-ending series of hairpin turns. Get ready to test those brakes! The road isn't exactly smooth sailing. Expect unpaved sections and some serious steep inclines. Oh, and did I mention it gets narrow? Like, "one car at a time" narrow. Get ready to reverse – possibly near some pretty dramatic drops without barriers. "Hundreds of curves" doesn't even begin to describe it. High winds are your constant companion, and even in summer, that high-altitude cold bites hard. A well-prepped car and a driver who's cool with slippery conditions are a must. Speaking of prep, keep an eye on the weather. Yongphu La frequently shuts down in winter due to heavy snowfall. And monsoon season? Landslides can easily block this narrow highway for hours, even days. Warm clothes, gloves, and a working heater are non-negotiable! But let's talk about the payoff. Epic views of Bhutanese peaks and deep valleys await. This route demands respect, but rewards you with raw beauty. Pack accordingly: mechanical help is a long way off in Trashigang. Yongphu La is an intense, unforgettable Bhutanese experience.
moderateOver-Water Highway runs along the middle of a river valley in China
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central China, in the Hubei province's Guzhao district. Suddenly, you find yourself on the Over-Water Highway, a motorway that's *literally* built over the water! It’s known officially as the Gu Zhao overwater highway, and let me tell you, it's one of the most scenic drives on the planet. This incredible road stretches for about 10.86 kilometers (6.74 miles), connecting Xingshang County and Zhaojun Bridge, not far from the G42 (the major Shanghai to Chengdu route). What's wild is that to protect the surrounding forests, roughly 4.4 kilometers (2.73 miles) of the highway floats above a river snaking through absolutely stunning mountains. We're talking about the Xiangxihe and Gufuhe Bridges, making up that incredible over-water section. Built right in the heart of a river valley, this engineering marvel started construction in 2013 and opened to traffic in 2015. You're basically driving on an elevated bridge that cuts right through the middle of the river. With a price tag of around 70 million dollars, you know it's something special!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the Mengkete Ancient Road
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Xinjiang Province, China. You're carving your way along the Mengkete Ancient Road, a route with a thousand years of history etched into its very surface. Forget your sedan, you absolutely NEED a 4x4 for this adventure! We're talking about a 70km (43-mile) stretch of mostly unpaved road snaking through the eastern edge of the Borokonu Mountains. You'll find it within the Tangbula National Forest Park, following the Kuitun River upstream. The views? Next level. Think dense forests giving way to wide-open grasslands, glimpses of glistening glaciers, and maybe even a sneaky peek at some hot springs. Seriously, the scenery is out of this world. Your destination is Menketing Daban, a mountain pass topping out at 3,528m (11,574ft). The name? In Mongolian, it translates to "the snow peak that never melts," and trust me, it lives up to the name. Expect snow, and lots of it - so much that the road is usually closed from October to June. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife too; snow leopards have been spotted roaming this area! The adventure begins east of Zhongfengfanzhichang, where the ancient road branches from the smooth S315.