Doi Inthanon Climb Guide: Thailand’s Highest Climb

Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain, and the road from Chom Thong climbs almost to its top. It’s long, it’s hot at the bottom, and it saves its hardest ramps for the very end.

The numbers

• Start: Chom Thong, a small town in northern Thailand.
• Top: the end of the road, just below the summit at about 2,560 m (8,400 ft).
• Length: about 39 km (24 miles).
• Average gradient: about 6%.
• Steepest: the final kilometres, with short pitches near 18% and reports of steeper.
• Climbing: about 2,290 m (7,500 ft).

Climb figures differ a little from source to source, depending on where each one starts and stops the clock. Where they differ, we give a range or say “about”.

Why it’s famous

The climb runs through Doi Inthanon National Park, and it has hosted the Doi Inthanon Challenge each February, a mass race to the top that has drawn thousands of riders.

How to ride it

• Start early: the lower slopes are hot.
• Save your legs: the steepest ramps come when you’re most tired, so ride the long middle well within yourself.
• Gear very low: read what gearing you need for hills.
• Bring a layer: the top is far cooler than the bottom.

The Strava segment

There’s a segment for this climb, and plenty of riders judge their day by where they land on it. Set an honest time on your first go, without blowing up, then come back and beat it. The King and Queen of the Mountain crowns are for the very fastest; for most of us the real target is a personal best.

What to wear up it

Riding somewhere warm this winter? Pack something worth the trip. Our Climbs jerseys are drawn from the mountains: the Mont Ventoux Mistral, Contour and TOUGH After the Climb. Each is made to order, with free personalization.

More warm-weather riding: where to ride in the winter sun. More climbs: famous Strava climbs.

Strava is a trademark of Strava, Inc. Corbah isn’t connected to Strava; this is our own guide.