This national park which covers an area
of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon,
Thailand's highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above
sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and
Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest
tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across
Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand.
The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries
of the Ping river and formed the beautiful
waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan,
Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen
forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The
park is also a paradise for bird lovers. Visiting Doi
Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the
best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through
November while the best period for viewing wild flowers
is December through February and for ornithologists is
November through March.
How to Get There:
Travel 58 kilometers west of Chiang Mai via Highway No.
107 to ChomThong, then turn right
into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of
48 kilometers along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A
good but rather steep asphalt road takes visitors up,
thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors
could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8.
This is located at
Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, on the way to the Doi
Inthanon peak. The research station is operated under
the Royal Project. The facilities are for research and
development of pilot projects for cash crops, which
include coffee, cold-climate fruits, and cut flowers.
The research station also provides services and
information regarding the application of advanced
technology to help alleviate poverty, natural resource
conservation etc. In addition, information on production
and marketing of the products is also available.
Tourists can visit the stations charming garden of
temperate-climate flowers and a cut-flower nursery. The
research station is located approximately 90 kilometers
from the city and near Inthanon peak. The research
station is ideal for flower lovers and is a recommended
stopover for travelers heading up or down Doi Inthanon.
Advanced contact for a group visit is recommended. Tour
guide services are also available.
The village where the unique northern style Sarong
is made is located approximately 3 kilometers from
Mae Chaem District Office in Tha Pha
Sub-district. The uniquely woven fabric is in great
demand because of its striking color and indigenous
style.
The temple is located
in Chang Khoeng Sub-district, Mae Chaem
District. According to legend, it was built in the early
Ratanakosin era. One of the most intriguing
features in this temple the Water Chapel, a chapel
surrounded by water battlements instead of the ordinary
cement battlements.
Chiang
Mai's most photographed water-fall lies some 58 kms west
of the city at the foot of Doi Inthanon Mountain, and
provides a picturesque setting for picnics and
relaxation.
