OK, so I didn’t climb a mountain today, we drove up. But I did do a fair amount of hiking while I was up there.
We got an early start today for the 90 minute drive to Doi Inthanon National Park. Mr. Tee brought along his nephew Tom, as it turned out for two reasons: first, he could speak a little bit of English (that made my day much easier) and second, he is young and was able to hike to all the scenic spots with me.
The drive is highway until you reach the town of Chom Thong and make the turn toward the park. The only thing notable about this small town is its large Wat (temple). Unless this town is Disneyland and they do it every day, we chanced upon a very large parade which seemed to include just about everyone in town. We watched for about 10 minutes, then continued toward the park.
The park is named for Mount Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand. The park itself is huge, and it took us about 45 minutes from Chom Thong to make our way to and up the mountain. Hill tribes work on Government projects growing strawberries and flowers, and the land is peppered with white shades to protect the crops. We drove directly to the top of the mountain, saving some other scenic stops for the way out.
There’s not too much to the top of the mountain, and in fact the view from up there is blocked. There is a government radar installation, a gift shop, and a “highest point” marker, along with a structure paying tribute to King Inthanon for whom the mountain is named. After walking around, I came across something that will interest my astronomy friends — there is a small domed observatory containing a 14″ scope, which is the highest telescope in Thailand.
After leaving the summit, we stopped to see the twin Chedis, specially constructed towers paying tribute to the King and Queen. These structures are modern, and amazing in scope. They are religious sites so no photographs can be taken inside. The view from here is amazing, and even though it was somewhat cloudy and humid, we could still see the higher peaks in neighboring Burma.
From the Chedis, we went to the magnificent Sirithan Falls, did some more hiking and took more photos.
On the way out of the park we bought some of the homegrown strawberries, not as sweet as what I’m used to but a good snack. Mr. Tee and Tom took me back to Chang Mai, where we had a quick lunch, then I met Marut who had arranged for me to have a 2 hour massage. It was of course amazing, and a great way to end the afternoon. I’m meeting Marut for dinner, then we’re hitting the town. Tomorrow I leave for the Flight of the Gibbon zip line tour early, and tomorrow night I head back to Bangkok.
Parade in Chom Thong
I made some friends on Doi Inthanon
Oficially on top of Thailand
The highest telescope in Thailand
Chedi commemorating the Queen
Like all religious structures in Thailand, even the outsides are ornately detailed
The mountains of Burma
The obligatory waterfall shot -- Sirithan Falls