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| Chiang
Mai province,
Thailand, is famous for its natural beauty, scenery
and mountains covered with lush tropical forests. |
Mountains |
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Northern Thailand is characterized
largely by forested mountains, where working
elephants are still
used in forest management. This mountainous region is home to
Thailand's many colorful
hilltribe people.
Trekking and
river rafting enable adventurous exploration of this beautiful
area. Chiang Mai is the principal northern city and is a good
base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
 Doi
Inthanon National Park : 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. Getting there: Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway No.108 to Amphoe Jom Thong, then turn right into Highway No.1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometres along Highway No.1009 to the summit. A good asphalt road takes visitors up but is rather steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8. Doi Inthanon can be reached by a local truck (Song Thaeo) from Phra That Chom Thong or Mae Klang Waterfall. The Song Thaeo runs to Doi Inthanon National Park Office (Km. 31) and neighboring villages. A chartered Song Thaeo costing around 800 baht can make stops at other attractions around the area. 
Borichinda Cave:
is a large cave located near Namtok Mae Klang at
Km. 8.5 of Highway No.1009. The road sign to Tham Bori
Chinda will be seen at the junction on the right. The deep
cave has stalactite and stalagmite formations, Buddha images
and a rocky stream. The surface of the water glitters like
diamonds flake when light reflects the stream. Sunlight in
the cave allows visitors to see the entire cave.
Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail:
was surveyed and designed by Mr.
Michael MacMillan Walls, a Canadian volunteer biologist who
devoted to his work and died from a heart attack on this
mountain. This trail is 360 metres long, passing through wet
and cold areas in a lush valley. Forest above 2,000 metres
is covered with lichens and wild orchids. Indigenous plants
that needs a high level of nutrition, organic deposits, and
rare species of birds are seen along the trail. There are more nature trails on Doi Inthanon, each providing different views of the diversity of plants, reforestation, the importance of tributaries, the origin of caves, hilltribe agriculture, and birdwatching. Walking trails range from 1 to 8 kilometres. Each trip needs approval from the Chief of the National Park and a trekking leader is needed. The service is obtained at the Park Office at Km. 31.
Birdwatching Information Centre:
(Uncle Daeng’s
Shop) is located at Km. 31. This is a bird information
exchange centre among birdwatchers, nature students and the
general public. The information details the habitat and food
of birds and animals living on Doi Inthanon. The aim is to
pass on this knowledge to the next generation. It also
provides the Doi Inthanon Birdwatching Diary, bird sketches
by various bird watching experts, bird watching trails, bird
pictures, and slides. Winter is the best time for birdwatching when indigenous and migrant birds are found including Eurasian Woodcock, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Forest Wagtail, Chestnut Thrush, Scarlet Finch, Little Bunting, and Crested Bunting.
Ob Luang Gorge : This picturesque
gorge is 88 kilometers from Chiang Mai provincial capital, and
is framed by teak forests and mountains.
Elephant Nature Foundation : A unique
experience for any visitor to Southeast Asia,
Elephant Nature
Park allows people to see elephants as elephants should be seen:
living their lives peacefully, frolicking when the moment strikes
them, and trumpeting to one another throughout the day and night.
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