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Chiang Mai Nature Travel

Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country's second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.

Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

Doi Inthanon National Park Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand. It is 8,500 feet above sea level. In the Ang-ga Inthanon mountain range, close to the Mae Klang Waterfall, Beside the main road over Doi Inthanon is The Royal Project Station in Baan Khun Klang, quite close to the National Park Office. The Doi Inthanon Park Headquarters is located at km. 31, where visitors can find more information about what to do and see in the park. This is the area for camping, and tents are available on a pre-booked basis. The cabins and tents can be reserved in Chiang Mai at 053 311608, 053 355728.

Suan Son Bor Kaew Suan Son Bor Kaew is Silvicultural Resurch Station located at Hod distric Chiang Mai Province Thailand.

Ob Khan National Park
This park is located on the left side of the Khan River at Namprae. The outstanding sights to see are Takataen Cave, Ob Khan, Pha Ou Mha, Ob Hai, Huay Yha Sai, Pha Toob and Huay Pong. Camping facilities with food and beverage available from 08.00 to 18.00. From two paths, visitors can take in all the natural beauty of this area. The National Park has beautiful natural tourist attractions and a great variety of interesting plants and wild animals A sightseeing information centre with 24 hour guard is provided.
Tel. 0 5324 2478.

Chiang Dao National Park
Chiang Dao lies above the Menam Ping gorge on the green slopes of Doi Chiang Dao mountain. The name means "City of Stars", and derives from its earlier name Piang Dao, or "(at the) level of the stars". True to the name, limestone peaks reaching a height of 2186 m (7174 ft) make Chiang Dao an impressive area. The village is a quiet little picturesque area, with a quaint Northern Thailand feel.

Doi Wiang Pha National Park
Doi Wiang Pha is to be announced as a national park covering the areas of Mae Fang National Conserved Forest in Tambol Sridongyen, Tambol Maetalob, Chaiprakarn District, Tambol Mae Kha, Tambol Mae Kha, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, and the left side of Mae Lao National Conserved Forest in Tambol Pa Daed, Tambol Srithoi, Tambol Thakor of Chiang Rai Province within an approximate area of 583 square kilometers or 364,375 .

Mae Fang National Park 
The temperature in this area is approximately 25 degrees Celsius all the year round; it is about 14 - 19 degrees Celsius on November to February, the highest temperature is 39 degree Celsius on April and heavy rain on May to September approximately 1,184 mm. of rain all the year round.

Doi Fahhompok National Park
P.O. Box. 39, Pong Nam Ron Sub-district, Amphur Fang Chiang Mai Thailand 50110
Tel. 08 6430 9748, 0 5345 3517-8 Fax 05 3453 517
E-mail: doiphahompok@fca16.com

Khun Khan National Park
Khun Khan National Park is situated in an approximate area of 397 square kilometers or 248,125 rai, covering the areas of Pa Sa-merng National Conserved Forest and Mae-Chaem Forest in Sub-District Mae-sarb, Sub-District Bor-kaew, Sub-District Sa-merng Nua, Sub-District Sa-merng Tai of Sa-merng Tai District, and Sub-District Ban Chan, Sub-District Mae Na-jarn of Mae-Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province.

The geographical features of the National Park consist of high mountains (500-1,708 meters above the medium sea level). Doi Pung-kia is the highest mountaintop (1,708 meters above the medium sea level), which is the source of Mae-khan River and Mae-Chaem River flowing into the Ping River.

Huai Nam Dang National Park 
It was formerly know as an area of Doi Sam Muen highland development project which was initited by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hilltribe people. As this area is filled with attractive natural condition and virginal forests provided vital watersheds, Huai Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand by the Royal Forest Department on 14 August 1995.

Huai Nam Dang National Park covers four districts : Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, and Wiang Haeng in Chiang Mai province including Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, covering an area of approximately 1,247 square kilometres. Later on it was designated as the National Park for commemorating 100th year establishment of the Royal Forest Department and also for the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 50th year on the throne

Sri Lanna National Park 
Sri Lanna National Park is prestigious park to commemorate the 5th anniversary of King’s birthday. The park was announced a National Park on the 1st August 1989 (B.E. 2532) on the King’s multifarious duties, volume 106 section 120. It is the 60th National Park of Thailand. The park encompasses 1,406 km2, covering 3 Amphur of Chiang Mai province: Mae Taeng, Prao, Chiang Dao.

The park is surrounded by the valleys and a mountain chain lies from north to south. The source of Mae Ngad resirvoir is along with several brooks and creeks, which water rushes down from the valleys to Mae Ngad reservoir. Southwest of the brooks, the water rushes down to Mae Ping River.

Mae Takrai National Park 
Mae Takrai National Park covers the areas of Sankampaeng District and Doi Saked District of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 1,114 square kilometers or 696,250 rai. The National Park is the source of Ping River, consisting of high mountains and having major valuable plants and wild animals. Prominent natural tourist attractions of the National Park include waterfalls, cliffs, artesian spring, reservoirs, etc.

Ob Luang National Park 
A worthwhile two-day trip for visitors who want to see natural beauty as well as experience adventure in an area that is not too far from Chiang Mai would be a trip to Ob Luang, southwest of Chiang Mai. The national park lies about 105 kilometers from Chiang Mai-Hord Road, then follow the Hord -Mae Sariang Road for another 17 kilometers to the park entrance.

The National Park Office has tents and sleeping equipment for visitors to rent at modest prices. Contact Ob Luang National Park, P.O. Box 2, Hang Dong Subdistrict, Hord District, Chiang Mai 50240. Tel : 053-229272.

Huay Tung Tao Huay Tung Tao,Chiang Mai is really gorgeous and calming lake adored by all the tourists visiting Thailand. You can sit back and relax in a floating bamboo raft with thatched roof around the lake edge. You can cheerfully swim about in the lake and run around the lake and have boundless fun and frolic. If you are an enthusiastic bird watcher you can view some of the exceptional and beautiful migrated birds while you relax along the banks of the lake. For 20 Baht entrance fee you can take a dip in the lake at Huay Tung Tao. This is a reservoir within surrounding woodlands, and is located further along the Irrigation Canal Road and the 700 Year Sports Stadium, as you head towards Mae Rim (Route 121). The lake is about 12 kilometers from the city center and takes 15=20 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi.

Waterfalls and Natural Pools
There are also waterfalls and natural pools at the foot of Doi Suthep on Huay Kaew Road. Look out for a large Buddhist Shrine on your left after traveling past the the entrance to Chiangmai Zoo. Turn left into the market at the back of the Shrine, and keep walking up the hill. You will come to the waterfalls after about 5 minutes. There is no charge for entry. The pools at the bottom of the water falls are not really big enough for swimming but are a great place to cool off at the height of the summer. During the dry season some of the water falls dry up - head for the high ground and you will still find pools full of fresh water! There are usually quite a few students hanging out there from the nearby university, who will happily practice their English conversational skills with you. About 7 kilometers from the city center, it takes 10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi to get there.

San Khamphaeng Hot Spring San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, Chiang Mai is situated about 23 kilometers away from San Kamphaeng district and about 36 kilometers from the city. The spring is located in the scenic surrounding of the spectacular hills and in the shelter of the large and shady trees.

Doi Pui - Hmong Doi Pui Village  Doi Pui - Hmong Tribal Village is located on Doi Suthep, a 1676 meter high mountain that is the focal point of Doi Suthep and Doi Pui National Park. The village is about 4 kilometers away from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and despite being a key tourist attraction, and therefore probably not as authentic as it could be, it still offers an insight into how Thailand’s tribes live. The villagers wear traditional Hmong clothes, sell traditional Hmong handicrafts, and live in traditional Hmong-style homes. However, those looking for a less contrived view of the Hmong may have to go deeper into Chiang Mai! Worth a visit if you have the time. A visit to the Tribal Village is often combined with a visit to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and some of the waterfalls in the area, as well as a jaunt to the Hilltribes Museum.

Buffalo Training Camp To experience and feel the atmosphere of a typical northern farm, one may take a day trip to this camp. Only a 30-minute drive from Chiang Mai, it can be accessed by local taxis. Organized shows give you an overview of the ancient farming techniques, including water wheel irrigation, plowing and sugar processing. The farm area also houses an exotic folk museum and a farmhouse built in the traditional way. Open Hours: 8a-5p M-Su Contact: +66 53 24 8604