Doi Inthanon
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| Doi Inthanon | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,565 metres (8,415 ft) |
| Location | Chiang Mai (Thailand) |
| Range | Shan Hills |
| Coordinates | Coordinates: |
| Type | granite batholith |
| Easiest route | drive |
Doi Inthanon (Thai: ดอยอินทนนท์) is the highest mountain in Thailand. The mountain was also known in the past as Doi Luang (meaning big mountain) or Doi Ang Ka, meaning the crow's pond top. Near the mountain's base was a pond where many crows gathered. The name Doi Inthanon was given in honour of the king Inthawichayanon, one of the last kings of Chiang Mai, who was concerned about the forests in the north and tried to preserve them. He ordered that after his death his remains shall be placed at Doi Luang, which was then renamed.
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[edit] Geography
In 1954 the forests around Doi Inthanon were preserved as one of the original 14 National parks of Thailand. In 1972 and 1975 its area was increased, so it now covers 482.40 km². The park spreads from the lowlands at 800 m altitude up to the peak in 2565 m, thus covering many climatic and ecological different parts, thus with a total of 362 it has the second highest number of bird species of any national park in Thailand. The park is often called The roof of Thailand.
On the lower slope of Doi Inthanon, near the Karen hill tribe village Ban Sop Had, are the Vachiratharn waterfalls, where the river Vachiratharn tumbles over a granite escarpment.
[edit] Napamaytanidol Chedi
On the main road to the summit of Doi Inthanon stand the two Napamaytanidol Chedi. These temples were built to honor the 60th birthday of the King and Queen in 1987 and 1992 respectively.
[edit] Geology
Geologically the mountain is a granite batholith in a north-south oriented mountain range. The second-highest peak of this range is Doi Hua Mod Luang at 2,330 m.
