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Home Destination guide Chiang Mai RECOMMENDED ATTRACTION

Bhubing Palace, Chiang Mai Bhubing Palace is located on the same road, 4 kilometres beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on Doi Buak Ha. The royal winter palace was built in 1961. The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent State visitors from abroad. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public everyday from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Tickets are sold until 3.30 p.m. The palace is closed when the Royal Family is in residence, January to early March. Call 0 5322 3065 www.bhubingpalace.org

Daraphirom Palace, Chiang Mai Daraphirom Palace Daraphirom Palace Museum is located in the Dara Rasmi Border Patrol Police Camp in the Mae Rim District of Thailand. The museum was originally the residence of Chao Dara Rasmi -- one of the favorite consorts of King Chulalongkorn, or King Rama V -- a princess of the northern Lanna Kingdom. She was the daughter of Phra Chao Indavijayanonda, the seventh king of Chiang Mai (1870 – 1897) before the merger of Lanna Kingdom with Siam, in which the Princess played a key role. Chao Dara Rasmi built the palace four years after the demise of King Rama V, and spent the last 15 years of her life at this home performing many good deeds to improve the lot of northern Thai people in the fields of agriculture, culture and the arts. She was one of the pioneers of modern farming in Thailand, as well as being a major influence in developing Lanna's performing arts and handicrafts, which makes Chiang Mai a famous town of charming dances and fine handicrafts today. This palace museum is worth visiting because of the legacy of Chao Dara Rasmi’s work. Due to the Princess' legacy, Chiang Mai today boasts an impressive array of cultural offerings, worthy of the admiration of all who visit. The structure of the museum is well-preserved, and constitutes a cross-over between Thai and Western architecture. Owing to the fact that Chao Dara Rasmi was beloved by Chiang Mai people, they gave whole-hearted support in donating and gathering the many items displayed in the museum. It showcases the Princess’s work, personal belongings, favorite musical instruments, as well as household items, farming tools and delicate clothes belonging both to the Princess herself and to the dances she created. Visitors will enjoy exploring the past, as the rooms are decorated according to the time period. Besides, visitors can enjoy strolling in the spacious courtyard under the shade of large spreading trees. The Museum opens Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00. Entrance fee is 50 baht for foreigners and 20 baht for Thais. For further information, call 0 5329 9175. Getting there: From Chiang Mai Town, take Highway No. 107 to Amphoe Mae Rim. From Mae Rim District Office, turn left towards the Dara Rasmi Border Patrol Police Camp.

Op Khan National Park, Chiang Mai - Op Khan National Park The Park boasts a variety of nationally important plants and wild animals, and its tranquility provides an ideal escape to enjoy untouched wilderness and natural beauty. It covers the areas of Samoeng, Hang Dong, Mae Wang, and San Pha Tong, with an approximate area of 484 km2 (302,500 rai). The geographical features of the park consist of high igneous and limestone mountains. Yod Khun Thian is the highest peak, rising to an altitude of 1,550 m. In the area, there are virgin arid, evergreen pine, and mixed forests. Op Khan is the source of many rivers and gullies flowing into the Mae Wang, Win and Khan Rivers. In addition, the pretty and fragant orchid 'Ward Dendrobium' (Dendrobium wardianum Warner) is found only in this area of Thailand. This beautiful orchid blooms in January each year. Its Thai name 'Ueang Manee Tri Rong' means 'three-coloured jewel'. Its cute little petals are mostly white, with purples edging at their tips. The middles are yellow with brown at the center, giving it a unique and beautiful look. The Park offers many attractions, including rivers, waterfalls, and hillside plains with traditional villages. Wild animals found in the National Park include gorals, Muliacus Muntjak, bears, fishing cats, mouse deer, masked palm civets, wild rabbits, wild boars, monkeys, slow loris, mongooses, porcupines, squirrels, tree shrews, rats, etc. Op Khan Gorge Op Khan Gorge is a strange and beautiful natural sightseeeing spot, which is just 450 m from park headquarters, accessible by foot. It originated from the erosion of cliffs on both sides of Mae Khan River. The River flows though 30 metre-high cliffs facing each other. Activities: camping, hiking nature trails, cave / geological touring. Huai Ya Si Huai Ya Si is about 1 km from headquarters. It is a curved section of the Mae Khan River, where the river changes direction. The curve is almost 90 degrees, hence it slows down the river's flow considerably. Both banks of the gully are covered with Ya Si (Leersia hexandra SW), a lush green plant with beautiful blossoms. Huai Ya Sai is a small shallow gully suitable for swimming. The sightseeing spot, built by the Park, provides breathtaking scenery, a tranquil atmosphere and the soothing sound of the winding Mae Khan River flowing past its rocky banks. Pha Tub Pha Toob, a small cliff standing beside a hill, is about 500 metres away from Huay Ya Si. From the base of Pha Toob, there is smooth detritus extending to the Mae Khan River. The everflowing current shapes the cliffs into interesting forms. Huai Pong Huai Pong stream is about 2 km from the headquarters, and is suitable for swimming. Visitors can also enjoy wild flowers along the trails. Mae Tian Waterfall Mae Tian Waterfall is a single-level waterfall, originating from Mae Tian River. This waterfall is tapped for electricity by a power plant. Tham Takkatan (Grasshopper Cave) This large cave of 7,000 m in length contains stalactites, stalagmites. There are also ancient sculpted pictures adorn the cave walls. Besides these attractions, Op Khan National Park contains Tham Doi Ton, Mae To Hot Springs, as well as other waterfalls for visitors to explore, such as Khun Puai Waterfall, Morakot Waterfall, Mae Mud Waterfall, Khun Win Waterfall, and Mae Wang Waterfall. In addition, the park also provides nature trails for hiking and leisurely walks. Accomodations and facilities are bungalows, and camping grounds are available by advance reservation. Camping facilities with food and beverages are available from 08.00 to 18.00. Contact: Op Khan National Park, Tambon Nam Phrae, Amphoe Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230 or Chiang Mai Regional Forest Office, Tel. 0 5381 8348. Getting There: From Chiang Mai, drive along Highway No.121 to Hang Dong for about 15 km, a scenic route hugging an irrigation canal. Then turn right on the Namprae - Op Khan Ro Pho Cho Road for about 10 km. Note that the road is steep and curvy! Visitors will arrive at park headquarters.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Chiang Mai Wat Phra That Doi Kham Temple of the Golden Mountain This temple is situated in Tambon Mae Hia, Amphoe Mueang. It is a beautiful temple situated on a lush mountainside near Chiang Mai Town. 'Wat Phra That' refers to the fact that this temple houses relics of the Buddha, and 'Doi Kham' means 'Golden Mountain’. The sacred temple was built more than 1300 years ago, in 687 A.D. It had been abandoned, but in 1966 villagers discovered a hidden chamber containing many ancient Buddha images of various sizes, and this find prompted a revitalization. There is an interesting folktale about Lord Buddha visiting this temple and meeting a rakshasa (demon) family who tried to eat him. Lord Buddha conquered them by sending them his kindness, which they could not stand. The rakshasa family eventually converted, revering our Lord Buddha, and also gave up consuming human flesh. Removed at some distance from the temple itself, an enormous white pearl Buddha statue is strikingly placed amidst the mountain greenery. On the temple grounds, chedis (pagodas) enshrine Buddha relics. Stairs carved in the form of white nagas (mythical water serpents) lead to a calm and quiet lookout point which offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Visitors may revel in the crisp fresh air and marvel at the picturesque splendour of the valley spread out before them. In addition, the lookout point boasts a beautifully carved wooden pavillion decorated with hanging bells tinkling in the breeze. The temple complex is a favorite fly-by for airplanes on their way to Chiang Mai Airport. Getting There: From Chiang Mai Town, take the road paralleling Khlong Chonlaprathan (irrigation canal), cross the canal when you reach the sign 'to Mae Hia', and then take the road up the mountain to Phra That Doi Kham. Energetic visitors may want to walk up the stairs to the mountaintop.

Ratchaphruek Garden, Chiang Mai Ratchaphruek Garden Ratchaphruek Garden is situated 10km southwest of Chiang Mai, in Mae Hia sub-district. Nestled in a lush mountain landscape, this 400 rai (240,000m2) of land is indeed a picturesque setting -- not only the garden itself with its many plant and flower species -- but also its unique and delicate artwork and architecture which enriches the minds of its visitors with its seductive natural beauty. The area was the site for the Royal Flora Expo 2006, the world most beautiful international horticultural exposition. This exhibition commemorated the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of the crowning of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Association of International Horticultural Producers (AIPH) gave the expo A1 status, its highest honor. Ratchaphruek Garden is truly the fruit of this special event. The garden has been carefully maintained and developed, and is a splendid resource for agrotourism, as well as being a learning and research centre for the public and a meeting-place for farmers to share knowledge. Ratchaphruek Garden offers many attractions: Ho Kham Royal Pavilion - This pavilion is the symbol of the garden. It features traditional architecture in the style of Lanna, Northern Thailand. The Pavilion has high ceilings and steep multi-tiered roofs, exquisitely guilded in ancient technique. Visitors will be amazed by the uplifting beauty of Lanna wisdom and craftmanship. The insides showcase paintings of King Bhumibol many activities aimed at the improvement of life for all Thai people. These works are an innovative juxtaposition of modern and traditional styles. The artists employ subdued tones of grey, red and gold, imbuing their work with a strange, dreamy quality. These paintings feature backgrounds drawn from the stylized tradition of temple mural paintings, with crisp -- almost photographic -- forms superimposed over them, imbuing the paintings with a surreal, otherworldy quality. The Pavilion also houses the gorgeous Tree of the Ten Kingly Virtues. It is comprised of layered orbs of gold Bhodi leaves, and symbolizes the fact that the King provides a garden of spiritual shade for his people. Corporate Gardens - Presented by various organizations and state enterprises, the Corporate Gardens showcase sustainability and eco-friendly agricultural techniques. The philosophy of these Gardens is driven by His Majesty tremendous insight and ingenuity to improve his people well-being. The idea is to spread knowledge and provide a model which can inspire those who visit the Gardens to internalize His Majesty theories and to go on to learn and care for the world. International Gardens - This is an area where visitors can enjoy unique and innovative landscaping as well as horticultural highlights from 33 countries around the world, such as Japan, India, Bhutan, and South Africa. Not only does the International Garden include plants, but each country beautifully showcases its particular identity through architecture and art. Indoor Exhibition - The indoor exhibit consists of hydroponics, a tissue culture nursery, as well as a dome for tropical plants and buildings for desert and temporate plants. Outdoor Exhibition - The Outdoor Gardens includes water plants, a lotus garden, plants from each province in Thailand, plants which are believed to be auspicious, plants from Buddhist history, and plants painstakingly trained into incredibly beautiful shapes. There is also a building which exhibits information on the history of Thai horticulture. The enormous Outdoor Garden showcases the diversity of tropical horticulture. Rare Plants - Ratchaphruek Garden displays rare plants including the 'Royal Palm' and the 'Double Coconut', which stand at the garden entrance, and ancient pine trees which species dates from 250 million years ago. 'Royal Palm' – The smooth gray trunk, which is swollen at the base when it is young and at the middle when it is mature, sculpts the palm into a bottle shape. Its strikingly tall trunk can reach up to 20 metres in height, and its deep-green leaves make for an attractive tropical look. 'Double Coconut' or 'Coco de Mer' – A native of the Seychelle Islands in the Indian Ocean, this palm is mostly grown for ornamntal reasons – the fruits resembling a double coconut contain the largest seeds in the plant kingdom – they are up to 30cm in diameter, 45 cm in length and can weigh up to 14 kg. In years past, the nuts were believed to have aphrodesiac qualities, probably owing to their similarity in appearace to the female pelvis region. In the 1700, the fruits were sold in parts of Europe for a very high price. The tree was also once thought to be the Tree of Good and Evil in the biblical Garden of Eden. Trams are provided: 20 baht for adults, 10 baht for children. At present the garden is open only to groups and must be booked in advance. Knowledgeable guides conduct all tours. The garden is free of charge. Doors open every day except Monday, from 10:00 - 18:00. For further information call 0 5311 4110-5 fax. 0 5311 4116.

Tweechol Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai Tweechol Botanic Garden Tweechol Botanical garden is a place to visit, relax, rejuvenate, and experience the beauty of nature. The garden was founded in 1997 (BE 2522). It has one of the largest plant collections in Thailand. The purpose of the garden is for display, education, research, conservation and enjoyment. Tweechol Botanical Garden consists of 114 acres (285 rai) of outdoor display gardens and recreation areas. The garden is located 10Km NE of Chiang Mai near the village of Doi Saket in Chiang Mai province Thailand. Huen Chaiharn Museum There are 4 rooms in the collection house. The Buddha room has a display of Buddha images for viewing and prayer. Visitors can also pay respect to the late wife of King Rama V in the Chaodara room. The Chaiham room displays a collection of ancient Lanna weapons. In the Tamsin room are a large number of artifacts from Mr. Sesaweech’s personal collection. Center Point This place is one of the most interesting points of the botanical garden. The visitor who does not have much time to spend in the garden should come here first. There are 4 domes displaying various kinds of plants such as orchids, bromeliads, anthurium, colocasia, monotera, cacti and succulents. There is also a waterfall and various other tropical plants reliant on a humid ecosystem. In front of the domes are two dragon topiaries which measure 130 meters in length. Palm Garden There are approximately 58 kinds of palm in the palm garden. Included are Cocothrinax crinata, Coppercinia macrogalossa, Bismarckia, Latania Loddigesi and many more. Some species are from Cuba, South America and Japan. Horizon Village-Family Hotel The hotel in the botanic garden with Lanna style and tranquility, is definately a good place for people who like to take a break from the busy lift to relax, enjoy and rest in the nature atmosphhere. Open daily at 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 100 baht for adult and 50 baht for children. For more information please contact at Tel. 0 5386 7151 Fax. 0 5386 7151, E-mail: info@tweecholbotanicgarden.com, www.tweecholbotanicgarden.com

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Locals would say, You havent really gone to Chiang Mai unless youve been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep. Locals would say, You havent really gone to Chiang Mai unless youve been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep. Truly, the place is the most important and famous Chiang Mai landmark. Built in 1383, this mountaintop temple has a chedi (pagoda) that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled courtyard. The four corners of the chedi are adorned with parasols which represent royal regalia. The temples courtyard is lined by a cloister, which contains images and murals depicting Buddhas life. There are also two viharns situated in the middle of the east and west sides of the cloister. This temple is 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. To get there, drive along Huay Kaew Road up the mountain. Alternatively, there are song thaew services available at the foot of the mountain. It costs 30 baht/head to go up to Doi Suthep and approximately 50 baht/head to go further to Doi Pui and Phu Phing Palace. Note that these are one-way fares. (This is the added text)

Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Mai Built in 1345, the temple is located on Sam Lan Road. It houses the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing which is enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, a chapel that features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai for local people to sprinkle scented water on. This area was formerly Wat Li Chiang Market until 1345, when King Pa Yu, the fifth king of the Meng Rai Dynasty commanded the construction of this temple and a 24-feet chedi to contain his father's ashes.

Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Covering an area of 262 sq. km., this luxuriant park is home to more than 300 bird species and nearly 2,000 species of ferns and flowering plants. Some hiking trails in the park pass Hmong villages while others lead to a few small waterfalls where local people come to picnicking on weekends. Accommodations are available near the park headquarters. To get there, take Highway No. 1004, its only 16 kilometers drive northwest of Chiang Mai town. The Park has interesting attractions, which include: Huai Kaeo Waterfall is located 6 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. The 10-metre cascade provides a delightful ambiance of scenic views and various plants. Khru Ba Siwichai Monument is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. The monument honours the devoted Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10 kilometre road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’ most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. This temple is 15 kilometres from town , 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by railcars. The temple’s pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. The temple compound offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside. Bhubing Palace is located on the same road, 4 kilometres beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on Doi Buak Ha. The royal winter palace was built in 1961. The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent State visitors from abroad. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public everyday from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Tickets are sold until 3.30 p.m. The palace is closed when the Royal Family is in residence, January to early March. Call 0 5322 3065 www.bhubingpalace.org Doi Pui Tribal Village is a Hmong tribal village some 3 kilometres on an asphalt road from Bhubing Palace. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon, the highest peak of Thailand. The trip takes only an hour from Chiang Mai town and the village is easily accessible.

Huai Nam Dang National Park, Chiang Mai The park occupies an area of 180 square kilometers in Mae Taeng Sub-district, Chiang Mai and Pai Sub-district, Mae Hong Son Province. The mountain, which is mostly ranged highlands, has verdant forests that are the sources of tributaries and various streams. Notable attractions in the park include Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint and Doi Kiu Lom, which overlooks Doi Chiang Dao. To get there, drive along Mae Malai-Pai Road to between Km. 65-66, and then take a 6-kilometer access road to the park office. Another attraction, Doi Chang Viewpoint, is located 20 kilometers beyond the Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint and is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle. The scenic views of natural mountain ranges and early morning sea of clouds can be seen from this view point. Camping is possible provided that visitors bring their own tents and food. Nearby attractions in Mae Hong Son Province worth visiting include Tha Pai hot spring (Pong Nam Ron Tha Pai) and Mae Yen waterfall.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden covers a mountainous area of 560 acres. It is located around Km. 12 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. This international botanical garden was established to honor Queen Sirikit in 1992. It has a fine collection of Thai and foreign plants. The garden is set up to exhibit plants according to species and climate. Visitors can drive around the area. Places to see include the Tourist Information Centre, the Thai Orchid Breeding Centre, Herbs Museum and Research Centre. The garden offers 3 walking trails: 1) Rock Garden-Thai Orchid Nursery, takes around 30-60 minutes on foot; 2) Arboreta (plant study trail), showing more than 10 species of plants including banana, palm, fern, and ginger. This trail takes around 45-60 minutes; 3) Climb takes around 1-2 hours to climb the mountain. It is open daily to the public from 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. For more information, contact Tel: 0 5384 1000 Fax: 0 5329 9754 www.qsbg.org

Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai 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 Chom 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 neighbouring villages. A chartered Song Thaeo costing around 800 baht can make stops at other attractions around the area. Accommodation, restaurants, and camping sites are available at the park headquarters at Km. 31. Tel: 0 5335 5728, 0 5326 8550 Bangkok Tel: 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th Attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park Namtok Mae Ya is one of the most beautiful cascades in Chiang Mai. Water flows from a 280-metre steep cliff onto different rock formations in a lower basin like drapes. The well-managed waterfall is teeming with verdant forests and is best for recreation. It is located 1 kilometre from Highway No. 1009 junction, turn left for 14 kilometres and then take a 200-metre walk. Namtok Mae Klang is a 100-metre one-level waterfall located 8 kilometres from Highway No. 1009 junction and turn left onto an asphalt road for 500 metres. Tham Bori Chinda 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. The Tourist Centre at Km. 9 has exhibits on nature and animals that inhabit the area. Namtok Wachirathan is a large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff into a deep pool below. When there is a large amount of water, there are large splashes in the basin, creating a cool and refreshing environment. The delightful ambience can be felt by walking on a slippery bridge that leads to the waterfall. To get there, turn right off Highway No.1009 at Km. 21, then follow the signpost to the waterfall a further 350 metres on foot. At Km.20 a new road is built to reduce the walk to the waterfall. Namtok Siriphum is a splendid waterfall that falls from a steep cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to Doi Inthanon. The attractive waterfall is located at Km. 31 of Highway No. 1009, take a right turn for 2 kilometres and is approachable only on foot from the base of the waterfall. Doi Inthanon Royal Project is in Khun Klang village close to the park headquarters. The project was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices. Most produces are temperate zone plants. Flower plantations, a plant breeding research lab and flower plantations of hill tribes (Hmong) are open to visitors. Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri, twin pagodas located at Km. 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both pagodas share the similar bases as well as a two-level walking path that surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon. Doi Inthanon Peak has a cool climate all year round. The Air Force Radar Station and King Inthawichayanon’s stupa located on the mountaintop. King Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so familia with Doi Inthanon that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here. The Tourist Information Centre, near the top of Doi Inthanon, exhibits a chronological background of the mountain, including its geography, biology, forests, and animals. Namtok Mae Pan is the longest waterfall in Chiang Mai, which flows from a 100-metre cliff. Its charm can be enjoyed by standing some distance from the falls. From afar, the white water and the green forests around the falls make a beautiful picture. From Km. 38 of Highway No. 1009, drive along the Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem road (Highway No. 1192) for 6 kilometres and a sign to the waterfall will be seen, then drive on an unpaved road for 9 kilometres. The lovely waterfall can be reached by a ten-minute walk from a parking lot. In the rainy season, the road to Namtok Mae Phan is in a poor condition; only a four-wheel vehicle could make the journey. Namtok Huai Sai Lueang is beyond Namtok Mae Pan, about 21 kilometres from Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem Road. Turn left to an unpaved road where only a four-wheel vehicle could make a trip in the rainy season. The medium-size cascade has water all year round and flows from a cliff to each level. Natural Study trek on Doi Inthanon Kiu Mae Pan starts from Km. 42. This short trail, winding through pristine forest for about 2.5 kilometres, a 3-hour walk, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand. The Rhododendrons, commonly found in the Himalayas, are found along the trail and they are in full bloom during December-February. Trekkers on this route should seek permission from the park headquarters at Km. 31 for safety reasons. A group of not more than 15 people is recommended. Food consumption is not allowed while trekking. This nature trail is closed for reforestation from June 1 to October 30 annually. 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 on Doi Inthanon Inthanon 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, birdwatching 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.

Doi Ang Khang National Park, Chiang Mai Famous for its cool climate all year round, visitors can explore the Royal Angkhang Station Project and visit hill tribe villages to learn more about their daily life. To get there, take Highway No. 107 (Chiang Mai-Fang), turn left at an intersection around Km. 137 (Mae Kha Market) and proceed for another 25 kilometers to Doi Ang Khang. As the route is filled with steep s-curves, an experienced driver and vehicles in good condition is required. The local truck (song taew) from Mae Kha Market offers chartered service to the mountain.

Orchid and Butterfly Farms, Chiang Mai Orchid and Butterfly Farms are along the route. Visitors can enjoy exotic year-round blooms. These farms also have special butterfly enclosures where tropical species can be seen in a natural environment. 1. Sai Nam Phung Farm, the largest orchid farm in Chiang Mai, located 2 kilometres along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, and turn left for 1 kilometre. Open from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. For more information, contact Tel. 0 5329 8771-2, 0 5329 7152 Fax. 0 5329 7892 2. Mae Ram Orchid is located around km. 5.5. Open at 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. For more information, contact Tel. 0 5329 8801 3. Suan Bua Mae Sa Orchid open from 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. For further information, contact Tel. 0 5329 8564 4.Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm open from 7.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. For more information, contact Tel. 0 5329 9588, 0 5329 9222

Chiang Mai Walking Street, Chiang Mai Wualai Walking Street (Saturday Market) The Wualai has been so far known for good quality of silver and lacquer wares. On Saturday evenings, the open-air market will be set up for the famous handicraft area. Do not miss a chance to shop for authentic northern silver, lacquer wares and unique handicrafts. Tourists are enjoy the local foods and Thai traditional performances. The market start from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tha Pae Walking Street (Sunday Market) Starts from Tha Phae Gate through Ratchadamnoen Road every Sunday from 7.00 p.m. until midnight. There are variety kinds of local products on a reasonable price along both side of the street where Thai and foreign tourists are enjoy walking & shopping without exhaustion.

Chiang Mai Healthy Products Company Limi..., Chiang Mai Location: 193 Mu 2, Chiang Mai Lampang Road, Saraphi sub-district, Chiang Mai 50140. Tel. 053 420568 69; Fax. 053 420570. This company is a well-known honey-product producer. While spending time here, visit a demonstration apiary and see bee-keeping equipment as well as observe the honey processing and packaging procedures.

Maejo University, Chiang Mai Location: Nong Han sub-district, San Sai District, Chiang Mai 50120. Tel. 053 498148-9. Fax. 053 498151 The research and studies area in Maejo University which is open to visitors include the orchid garden, flower plots, flowering plant research plots, non-chemical vegetable plots, mushroom shed, experimental field crop plots, aquatic animal breeding, etc. Lecturing services along a touring route is provided upon advanced request. A shop selling agricultural produce is also available.

Wiang Tha Kan, Chiang Mai Built before reign of King Meng Rai, this ancient walled city can be dated back to the Hariphunchai period. During excavations, sandstone and earthen Buddha images, earthen amulets, brown jars with bones and Chinese porcelains from the Yuan Dynasty (1280-1368) were found in the area. Don't miss out on a chance to visit the well preserved ruins the pagoda and the foundations of the vihan, which are constructed from bricks and laterite. Wiang Tha Kan is located about 34 kilometers to the south of Chiang Mai along Highway No.108. 1/2/3/4/5