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
extremeKagye La is recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kagye La! This wild ride tops out at a staggering 15,793 feet in the Karuo District of Qamdo, Tibet. Picture this: you're cruising (emphasis on "cruising" – slowly!) across nearly 61 miles of pure, unadulterated, *unpaved* road. Now, while technically any car can make it, a 4x4 is your best friend here. The climb isn’t too brutal, topping out around a 5% gradient, but remember where you are: high in the mountains with seriously thin air. Altitude sickness is real, folks, and the weather can turn on a dime. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll be winding your way from the G214 road in Dawacun on a west-to-east journey, experiencing a landscape unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Just remember to breathe (if you can!) and soak it all in!
extremeTienpo La: Driving the abandoned S303 mountain pass in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Deep in the heart of Tibet, in Lhorong County, lies Tienpo La—a mountain pass reaching a dizzying 4,324m (14,186ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a forgotten stretch of the old S303 Provincial Road, now mostly bypassed in favor of smoother routes. Find it northeast of Malizhen (coordinates 30.88972, 96.28916), clinging to the edge of the Nujiang River valley. Think of it as a monument to Himalayan road-building madness. Today, this isn't a highway, but a ghost road for serious off-road adventurers. Forget pavement. This track is pure, unadulterated challenge. We're talking loose shale, deep ruts, and mud pits that laugh in the face of rain. Anything less than a high-clearance 4x4 is asking for trouble. Want the ultimate off-the-beaten-path Tibetan experience? This is it. Remember, you'll need permits and a guide (mandatory in Tibet), and even then, many guides might balk at this section of the old S303 unless you specifically request it and they deem it safe. Picture this: 23.5 km (14.6 miles) of unadulterated engineering insanity, connecting Xiayicun to Baili. A relentless climb featuring 28 hairpin turns that'll have you questioning your sanity. Some sections hit a staggering 30% gradient, pushing your low-range gears and engine cooling to their absolute limits. Snow is a real possibility, making things incredibly treacherous. Forget guardrails – the drops into the Nujiang valley are sheer and unforgiving. Info on current conditions is scarce, so scouting ahead is crucial. This is a truly "forgotten" road, where a breakdown could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
extremeIs the road over Dariga Pass paved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Dariga Pass, also called Dalijia Yakou by the locals, is calling your name in the Haidong Prefecture of China! Tucked away in Qinghai Province, this legendary pass punches through the mighty Qilian mountain range at a whopping 11,817 feet. Think dramatic alpine meadows and jagged limestone peaks—this is central China at its finest! For ages, this route has been THE way to get around, south of Lanzhou. While a super convenient tunnel now handles most of the traffic, the original mountain road? Still there, still epic, and still ready to test your mettle. We're talking a fully paved, concrete ribbon of pure adrenaline, stretching from to . But don't let the pavement fool you—this baby boasts over 60 hairpin turns! The road just clings to the mountainside, giving you insane bird's-eye views. Yeah, it'll take you longer than the tunnel, but trust me, it's worth it for the breathtaking scenery. Just keep in mind you're playing in high-altitude territory. Expect sudden weather changes, that thinner air, and a drive you won't soon forget. If you live for technical driving and mind-blowing views, the "60 bends" of Dariga Pass are calling your name.
moderateEla Shankou: enjoy a drive among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Ela Shankou is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.502m (14,770ft) above the sea levele, located in Xinghai County, in the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the east-central part of Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China. Set high in the Tibetan plateau, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called G214 Highway. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. Expect strong winds. The pass has been bypassed by the scenic G0613 (Gongyu Expy Toll Road). The pass is 110 km (68 miles) long, running from Wenquan Town to Hekazhen. It features steep sections, hitting a 10% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. There are hot springs just below the pass. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Travel guide to the top of Peacock Mountain Pass Driving the wild Tingri-Penjixiang road Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.