Tourists Flock to Frost-Covered Doi Inthanon Summit at -4.9°C

Visitors in Chiang Mai woke up today to a chill that felt more Scandinavian than Southeast Asian. On Doi Inthanon, thermometers plunged to -4.9 °C, coating the summit in grass frost and drawing record crowds eager to witness the cold snap from Thailand’s loftiest mountaintop. The spectacle, rare for northern Thailand, has effectively launched an early winter tourism rush.

Cold mornings transform Thailand's highest peak

The predawn scene atop the 2,565-meter mountain resembled a high-latitude postcard. A sparkling film of frost flowers—known locally as moei khab—crept across leaves and railings. Excited hikers whispered about the fragile crystalline layer while adjusting camera settings to capture a blush-pink sunrise. Many paused on the bamboo walkway near the twin chedis, trading smiles and selfies as thin ice crackled underfoot. Even seasoned high-altitude backpackers admitted they seldom expected to feel such a bite in the tropics, yet the gleaming frost kept phones aloft and conversations buzzing.

Scientists explain the unusual chill

Behind the spectacle, meteorologists point to a vigorous high-pressure ridge surging south from China. The dense continental air mass forced warm air aloft, producing a swift temperature plunge across the region. Climate experts at the Northern Meteorological Center say the pattern could linger, keeping below-zero readings on exposed slopes for several dawns and holding daytime highs to the low teens. Their forecast suggests the current chill may outdo last year’s peak, with the February outlook hinting at a brief mid-season rebound before another shot of cold arrives. The team compared this week’s data with a historical comparison from 1974, when Sakon Nakhon briefly dipped to –1.4 °C at ground level.

Tourism boom outweighs icy discomfort

The icy novelty is translating into a visible economic ripple. Park officials logged visitor statistics topping 4,500 entries yesterday alone, far above typical weekday flows. That surge meant booming sales for local vendors, whose kettles of hot chá-ron and cocoa never cooled. Makeshift hot coffee stalls and food carts lined the access road, noting an income surge they usually see only during New Year holidays. All official campground reservations are now filled through early January, prompting calls for sustainable tourism measures. To keep traffic moving, authorities expanded traffic management zones and deployed extra ranger patrols at bottlenecks.

Staying safe in sub-zero wind

Officials remind newcomers that alpine-style precautions matter, even on a Thai peak. Layers of heavy clothing—thermal shirts, fleece, and windproof shells—beat fashion statements when breath turns to mist. A thermos of warm water is advised, along with slower driving: motorists should perform brake checks, descend in low gear, and watch for slippery roads glazed by predawn frost. Rangers also warn of wildfire risk once the sun dries vegetation. Because sunrise traffic creates jams just after four in the morning, drivers are urged to time exits carefully, while night camping visitors should keep stoves at least three meters from tents. For emergencies, a dedicated local hotline posted at checkpoints connects directly to rescue teams stationed around the clock.