Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest peak, offers a captivating natural escape roughly 1.5 to 2 hours' drive from Chiang Mai. The park is highly accessible by rented car or scooter, though organized full-day tours from Chiang Mai are a popular and convenient option, often covering key attractions like the Royal Pagodas and various waterfalls. While independent exploration is feasible, guided tours provide valuable insights, and some nature trails, such as Kew Mae Pan, require a local Hmong guide (approx. 200 THB per group, closed June-October). The park is open year-round, but the cool season (November-February) is ideal for clear skies and pleasant hiking, while the rainy season (May-October) boasts lush landscapes and powerful waterfalls, though views can be limited by mist. Expect an approximate cost of 300 THB for the foreign entrance fee, plus transportation ranging from ~300 THB for scooter rental to ~1000-2000 THB for a guided tour. A typical visit duration is a full day trip (8-12 hours) from Chiang Mai to cover the main sights; visitors should wear layers as temperatures at the summit can be significantly cooler.