Chiang Mai National Parks

Amphoe Muang

Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park, the superb landscaped national park covers an area of 262 square kilometres of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong, and Amphoe Mueang. The park consists of verdant forests and mountain ranges.

Major mountains include Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui. This is a main source of tributaries and streams in Chiang Mai. Sacred places, religious attractions and historical sites are located in the park complex.

To get to the park office, drive from Chiang Mai town for 5 kilometres on the Huai Kaeo-Chiang Mai University-Chiang Mai Zoo route to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep en route to the intersection on the right, the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park road sign will be seen.

Attractions in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park :

Doi Pui Tribal Village is a Hmong tribal village some 3 kilometres on an asphalt road from Phu Phing 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 Kaeo Waterfall is located 6 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. The 10-metre cascade provides a delightful ambiance of scenic views and various plants.

Amphoe Hot

Mae Tho National Park

Mae Tho National Park is 160 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. Drive along the Hot-Mae Sariang road and en route to Mae Tho for 16 kilometres at Km. 55, drive onto asphalt and unpaved roads which are steep and curved. Only vehicles in good condition are recommended. The Mae Tho National Park Office overlooks Karen highland paddy fields that resemble a flowing stream.

The picturesque green paddy fields are most splendid in the rainy season. On a clear day, the peak of Doi Inthanon can be seen from here. The area is cool and foggy in the morning throughout the year. Camping and trekking is possible by contacting the national park office.

Op Luang National Park

Op Luang National Park is an amazing natural attraction comprising both splendid natural charms as well as mysterious scenery. A zigzagging river flows in front of a picturesque gorge. The area is a high, steep cliff with a narrow passage, creating strong currents and powerful echoes. An area in the north of this stream is teeming with various kinds of plants that provide a pleasant ambience all year round. Magnificent views of Op Luang National Park can be seen from the bridge that links with the gorge. An interesting prehistoric archaeological site is also located in the park.

Getting There: The Op Luang National Park is located 105 kilometres from Chiang Mai town along Highway No. 108 (Chiang Mai-Hot-Mae Sariang). The road stretches alongside the Mae Chaem River and zigzags along mountain ranges. Blue buses originate from the Hot-Mae Sariang roundabout. There are 3 lines of buses: Hot-Mae Sariang, Hot-Mae Chaem, Hot-Om Koi. All of them stop at Op Luang National Park.

Amphoe Mae Ai

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is Thailand's highest mountain and towers 2,565 metres above sea level. Doi Inthanon is a part of the Himalayas, which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends at Northern Thailand. Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterise an area with a moist and dense summit forest. Doi Inthanon is very intersting for ornithologists. Summit forest is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River. Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park.

Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing waterfalls is May through November. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The best period for ornithologists is November through March.

Getting There: Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 107 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. The fare costs 20 baht each. 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.

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 follw 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 as well as King Inthawichayanon's stupa is 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 attached to the area 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 for a lovely 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 tallpristine forest for about 2.5 kilometres, a 3-hour wak, 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, hill tribe 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.The Centre is open to both foreigners and Thais.

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.

** For further information please contact, National Park Office : Amphoe Chom Thong Chiang Mai Tel : 0 5326 9042 or 0 2579 7223, 0 2561 2919, 0 2561 4292-4 ext.724,725

Amphoe Mae Taeng

Huai Nam Dang National Park

Huai Nam Dang National Park covers an area of 180 square kilometres of Amphoe Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai and Amphoe Pai, Mae Hong Son. Most of the areas are ranged highlands. The mountain has a verdant forest, which is the source of tributaries and various streams.

Attractions include:

Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint, Doi Kiu Lom overlooks Doi Chiang Dao and is a superb spot to see sunrise amid cloudy valleys in the early morning. To get there, drive along Mae Malai-Pai Road to between Km. 65-66, and then take a 6-kilometre access road to the park office.

Doi Chang Viewpoint is located 20 kilometres beyond the Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint. Only a four-wheel vehicle can make the trip. The scenic views of natural mountain ranges and early morning sea of cloud can be seen from here. Camping is possible provided that visitors bring their own tents and food. Nearby attractions in Mae Hong Son province such as Pong Nam Ron Tha Pai (hot spring) and Namtok Mae Yen (waterfall) are worth visiting.

Namtok Mok Fa

Namtok Mok Fa is a one-level cascade located on the Mae Malai-Pai road. Take a left turn left at Km. 20 onto a dirt road for 2 kilometers. It is teeming with lush green trees and full of water all year round. The delightful ambience of the waterfall makes it an ideal place for recreation.

Pong Duat Pa Pae

Pong Duat Pa Pae is located in Amphoe Mae Taeng, some 40 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. The hot spring spurts out steam 4 metres above ground and is situated amid a forest that has a strong sulphuric scent. To get there, drive on Mae Malai-Pai Road for 35 kilometres and then turn right for 6.5 kilometres onto an unpaved road.

Amphoe Phrao

Si Lanna National Park

Si Lanna National Park is full of wildlife and verdant forests, which are the source of various tributaries of the Mae Ping River. The park covers a mountainous area of 260,800 acres in Phrao, Mae Taeng, and Chiang Dao districts.

Attractions in Si Lanna National Park :

Mon Hin Lai Waterfall , the 9-tiered waterfall is located in Mae Ngat Forest, Amphoe Phrao. It is full of water all year round and falls straight down off a mountain. The unique cascade has many outstanding levels tiers. The top tier, in particular, is an ideal viewpoint to observe the splendid landscape of Phrao district . To get there, drive on the Chiang Mai-Phrao road for 85 kilometres, turn left for 4 kilometres onto a dirt road. Only four-wheel vehicles can make the trip.

Mae Ngat Sombun Chon Dam is located at Km. 41 on the Chiang Mai-Fang route and then turn right for 11 kilometres. The area has a very scenic forest. Privately-run rafts and restaurants are available throughout the year.

Other interesting sites in the area include Huai Mae Rangong Waterfall, Huai Pa Phlu Waterfall, Pha Daeng Cave, and Doi Mae Wa Hang Natural Study Trail (it is located around 4 kilometres from the National Park office).

Getting to the park office: Drive along Highway No. 107 (Chiang Mai-Fang route), and then turn right to Sombun Chon Reservoir for 12 kilometres (on the way, there are stalls selling scented lime). No accommodation is available, but camping can be done at Huai Kum camping area, which is located near the So Ro 6 Conservation Unit, Huai Kum around Km. 260 along Chiang Mai-Fang route.