Camping in Doi Inthanon National Park

Posted by admin on November 22nd, 2009 filed in Expat life, Living here, People, The North, Top attractions, Transportation, Travel destinations, Understanding Thais, Up Country, Visiting

This weekend a group of Burmese friends invited me up for a camping trip to Doi Inthanon National park just an hour or so south of Chiang Mai. The park gets its names from the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, which is also the source of the Ping River.

The temperature in the hilly climbs was considerably colder than I’ve been used to and made a refreshing change to the scorching heat of the northern capital. The first day was spent touring a medley of gorgeous pagodas which were set high on the side of rocky outcrops. The thin air made it particularly difficult to breath but thankfully there were Hyundi-produced escalators lifting visitors through the cloud to the various chedis at the top.

Then in the afternoon we finally set ourselves up in a quiet little campsite near a stream and two large waterfalls. Facilities were excellent, with clean Western toilets, tents and equipment available for hire, and even small basic bungalows for those who don’t fancy roughing it.

It wasn’t long before the music started and an eclectic mix of traditional Burmese songs, Beatles hits and modern classics filled the chilly night air. And enormous BBQ heaving with turmeric-marinaded squid, succulent chicken wings, pork ribs, fish and steak kept burning until late on. Everything was delicious including a bubbling caldron of steaming tom yam soup.

The next day brought Sangsom-inspired hangovers and a trip to Doi Inthanon Royal Project. This is one of many re-education schemes which aim to teach native hilltribe people new agricultural techniques. There was a massive variety of exotic fruit and veg as well as many species  of cacti and locally produced coffee which perked the party up no end.

After touring the various sections a sumptuous feast was served comprising of all organic produce grown at the park. There was steamed rainbow trout, deep-fried pork, crisp garden salads with mustard-rich mayonnaise, minced pork salad and – of course – lashings of tom yam soup.

After this a quick trip to the awe-inspiring Wachirathan Waterfall had us reaching for a mandatory snap and then back to town. Certainly Doi Inthanon is a great place to go, with fantastic cultural sites, superb great-value food and breathtaking scenery. But going there with a great group of friends certainly puts the icing on the cake.