Short answer
Thailand's cabinet approved on 15 September 2026 the nomination of Doi Inthanon National Park as an ASEAN Heritage Park, which would be Thailand's 11th. Experts from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity assessed the park on 23 September 2026. The status has not been granted: the experts' findings go to a meeting of ASEAN environment officials for a formal decision. Nothing in the announcements changes fees, opening hours or access for visitors.
What was decided on 15 September
On 15 September 2026 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment announced that the cabinet had approved the nomination of Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai Province for recognition as an ASEAN Heritage Park. The national biodiversity committee had approved the proposal earlier, on 6 May 2026. If the nomination succeeds, Doi Inthanon will be Thailand's 11th such park.
The department says the park meets all ten criteria. It points to forest cover of 89.49 percent, strict nature zones covering 73.67 percent of the park and a cloud forest, a habitat it calls rare in the region. It counts more than 1,400 species, including 1,271 plants, and notes that at 2,565 metres the summit is the highest point in Thailand.
The assessment on 23 September and what comes next
On 23 September 2026 experts from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, together with department staff and local representatives, began the on-site assessment at the park. They looked at four things: conservation value and biodiversity, naturalness, how well the park is managed and how local people take part.
The next step is formal approval. The experts will compile their findings and recommendations and present them to a meeting of ASEAN environment officials. As of 29 October 2026 we found no announcement of a decision, so the park is a nominee, not yet an ASEAN Heritage Park.
What it means for a visitor
For a visitor, nothing changes today. The announcements are about recognition and conservation standards. They do not mention new fees, quotas or closures, and the department's own text on the nomination talks about conservation-minded tourism that brings income to local communities.
The park is large, about 482 square kilometres, and its rules are those of any national park: stay on the nature trails, do not step on plants and follow the rangers. A group of tourists was reported to the police this September for leaving a nature trail on Doi Inthanon, so expect the rules to be enforced.
What it means for our Doi Inthanon day
Our elephant sanctuary and Doi Inthanon day from Chiang Mai starts from $40 per person. It lasts 10 to 12 hours: the sanctuary first, then the drive up to the King and Queen pagodas and a guided hike to a waterfall. The national park fee, 300 baht per adult and 150 per child, and the pagoda entrance are paid on the day unless your quote says otherwise.
Bring a light jacket for the cooler summit and shoes for the trail. Nothing in the announcements points to a change to your day. For what the day includes, read our Doi Inthanon guide.
Practical checklist
- Treat the ASEAN status as pending: it has been nominated and assessed, not granted.
- Keep cash for the national park fee and the pagoda entrance on our tour.
- Bring a light jacket for the summit and walking shoes for the trail.
- Stay on marked trails and follow the rangers' instructions.
Questions and answers
Is Doi Inthanon an ASEAN Heritage Park now?
Not yet. The cabinet approved the nomination on 15 September 2026 and ASEAN experts assessed the park on 23 September, but the formal decision is still to come.
What does ASEAN Heritage Park status mean for visitors?
The announcements do not mention any change to fees, hours or access. The department says the aim is to raise conservation standards and to support conservation-minded tourism that benefits local communities.
How high is Doi Inthanon?
The department gives the summit as 2,565 metres above sea level, the highest point in Thailand. It is cooler than Chiang Mai, so bring a light jacket.
Does our Doi Inthanon tour cost more now?
No change has been announced. The tour starts from $40 per person; the national park fee is paid on the day unless your quote says otherwise.