We were now heading to Doi Inthanon. Dressed in our light clothing we had no idea that later in the day we would be standing in wind, fog and rain and wishing we were wearing something warmer. Our first stop for the day had been Pha Bong Lookout, still in the Mae Hong Son District. What a stunning view there was from this point. The mountains are majestic and way down in the valley can be seen the dam and the Mae Samat River. The stop was originally built as a rest stop for travellers making their way over these steep roads. Here we were at 1785 metres, but later in the day we would be higher still, as we were heading to the 'Roof of Thailand', the highest point in the country.
Pha Bong Lookout
But it was not a matter of gradually climbing to this high point. Rather a long drive where we went way down in altitude, and then up again. Over and over. While much of the country we passed was forested, we also saw an area with lots of vegetable growing farms. Cabbage, eggplant, lettuce and tobacco were some of the plants we could make out. Further on there were many areas of flowers being grown under plastic.
Vegetable growing
One of many farms growing flowers under plastic
We stopped for lunch at a roadside cafe, and due to a mixup with one of the orders we had a good while to relax. Then we were back on the bus on our way to reach the summit of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the country and the end point for the Himalayan mountain range. It reaches 2,565 meters above sea level. Luckily we were driving and not hiking!
Noodle and pork dish for lunch
As we gradually made our way up the mountain the clouds became thicker, and as we left our vehicle 5 km from the top we encountered chilly wind and light rain. The temperature was 16.8C, but it felt colder. There was not a view to be seen, but we could make out the first of two Chedis (stupas) that have been built here by the Royal Thai Air Force.
The first stop on Doi Inthanon
16.8C but feels colder
No view today
The first of the chedis, Naphamethinidon, was built in 1987 to honour the 60th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol. The second chedi, Naphaphone Phumi Siri, was built in 1992 to honour the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen Sirikit. These Chedi are beautifully built, and look almost new. And inside was out of the wind!
Honouring King Bhumibol
Chedis dedicated to previous king and queen
Bit fresh here
Up to the second Chedi
Then back in the bus to reach the summit. Here it was 13C, but by this time it all seemed like fun and a walk on a track through the misty forest was quite magical.
Now at highest point
Walking through this magical misty forest
On the way down the mountain we stopped at Wachirathan Waterfall, where a powerful fall of water thundered down from a 70m cliff. 
Wachirathan Waterfall
After that it was time to make tracks for our hotel for the night. Just in time to unpack and make our way to a local restaurant for a drink and a meal of fried seafood.
Fried seafood dinner
PS Here a map of the driving route we have been on..
Northern Thailand route
This featured blog entry was written by jannettek from the blog Time to travel.
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