Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain at 2;595 metres. It is named after Phra Inthawichayanon; the last King of Chiang Mai; who died at the turn of the century; and whose remains lie interred in a small white chedi near the summit.

Near the summit stand two remarkable chedis. The first is the copper-coloured spire of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nabhamethanidon; built by the Royal Thai Air Force to commemorate the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol; and inaugurated on December 5; 1987. Close by; but clad in lilac-purple rather than copper; stands the less massive; but more elegant spire of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nabhabolbhumisiri; similarly built by the air force to commemorate the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit; and inaugurated on August 12; 1992. Pictures From Asia David Henley