The Jewel in Chiang Mai's crown

A recent visit to Chiang Mai's newest district, named in memory of the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, proved very worthwhile. Galyani Vadhana district is the 25th to be established in Chiang Mai province, and the 878th in the country. It was named after His Majesty the King's sister.

Chiang Mai's newest district has a great deal to offer visitors and residents, especially those who want to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office director Chalermsak Suranan explains that the agency has organised excursions to the newest district to promote it as a tourist destination. Galyani Vadhana district has a pleasant climate, interesting landscape, abundant wildlife and, being only 164km from Muang Chiang Mai through Mae Hong Son's Pai district, it is an ideal destination for those visiting Pai, just 64km away.

Not far from Galyani Vadhana district, Suan Doi Kaew farm is a chemical-free strawberry farm approved by the Royal Foundation Project, in Bo Kaew sub-district, Samoeng district. This strawberry farm, owned and operated by Wittaya Narata, the president of Bo Kaew Agriculturists' Association, with support from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, occupies 2,500 rai (400 hectares) of land, and is one of the country's largest strawberry producers. Visitors can take a tour around the fields and eat freshly picked strawberries (in season). It is also being developed as an agro-tourism destination. Resort chalets are being built and campsites are already available, welcoming Thais and foreigners who'd like to spend their days in a cool climate and beautifully clean environment.

In Galyani Vadhana district, Pornchai Pianpla, social development officer of Wat Chan Royal Project Foundation and Development Centre, explained that the centre helps locals increase their agricultural knowledge and other occupational skills. The centre was started by the King in 1979 to help improve the living conditions of hilltribe people in Wat Chan and nearby villages.

The centre has arable and livestock farms, an exhibition of hilltribe culture, souvenirs for sale, a cafeteria, and rooms and tents for visitors to spend the night in the forest.

Other attractions and activities include the pine forests with wild orchids; bird watching; cool weather fog watching at the border between Chiang Mai province and Mae Hong Son, the Huay Horm waterfall, from which the Mae Chaem and Pai rivers flow; Huay Reservoir, and Wat Chan, which dates back to the Lawa era, one of Chiang Mai valley's earliest periods.

Spending a cool night at the peaceful Musikee Eco Lodge, set in the middle of a forest and with food for visitors from its own farms, followed a warm welcome by the staff and members of the Pakayor, a hilltribe native to the district. Musikee is the name of the Mae Chaem River in the Pakayor language, and it reflects the way of life of this hilltribe. Hiking to the junction of the Chaem Noi and Chaem Luang rivers is a popular activity for visitors. The nearby forest offers a large variety of plant life and the local hilltribe villages offer a glimpse into their native culture and arts. You can often hear locals playing the tae na, a Pakayor instrument similar to the harp, and singing traditional songs. There is often a show with the traditional welcoming sword dance.

Finally there is the Ban Wat Chan Royal Project, which with the Forest Industry Organisation of Thailand, is in charge of preserving and restoring the forests in the area and promoting farming among the locals. It's set in the country's largest pine and dry dipterocarp forest, 960m above sea level, and is being developed as an eco-tourism destination for people who love adventure and cool weather. Camping, hiking and bike riding are among the many activities on offer at this verdant destination, which can accommodate up to 500 people.

A new district office is being built to replace the temporary office, and the completion of a new road to the district _ which will make travelling here much easier _ is expected within two years.

 

Article and picture source : www.bangkokpost.com

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Getting back to nature in a little-known corner of Chanthaburi

Namtok Makok, or Makok waterfall, is one of the four main falls that spill down the sides of the Sa Bap (pond of sin) mountain range. As legend has it, hunters in the past described the range as a square, appearing the same from all sides, and surrounding a vast pond filled with lotus flowers and fallen trees.

As I followed the trail, I wondered if there would be a graceful kinnari (a mythical half-bird, half-woman creature) enjoying the water.

Namtok Makok is an ideal destination for trekkers and a pleasant reward for completing the 350-metre walk along the trail, which looks very much like a tarng darn (animal track). It is where a small brook, with its source somewhere uphill, cascades down the mountain.

I am a mere spectator to this natural drama. As the white water emerges from a natural doorway, framed by two trees forming a V, the sound of the splashing water becomes a natural orchestral concert.

With its reputation overshadowed by easy-to-reach waterfalls such as Pliew and Trok Nong, Makok hardly gets a mention in tourist guidebooks. Perhaps this is why its natural surroundings are almost unspoiled by the encroachment of civilisation and why it still offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy the forest and wildlife at your own leisurely pace.

With lan hin (flat rocks) surrounding the area at the bottom of the falls, this is a perfect place for camping and picnicking. And it not only provides great photo opportunities, for artists, there is some marvellous scenery to sketch or paint.

The plunge pool at the foot of the waterfall is suitable for swimming, snorkelling and even diving to catch some fish. The gently sloping section of the upper part of the falls serves as a natural water slide and the azure water of the pool makes taking a slide even more tempting.

On my way down the trail, back to the real world I slowed my pace to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.

Towering trees line the path and comprise a scene that would tempt any photographer. Some of the trees at Makok are rarely seen outside forests such as this, which blends tropical rainforest and evergreen forest, and it is well-known for Aquilaria trees. Known in Thai as mai krisna, the extracted agarwood resin is used to produce perfume and is the world's most expensive essence.

There are gigantic tabaek trees (Lagerstroemia floribunda) that shade the trail, many draped with large spiralling vines that remind us of their great age. These sometimes block the trail and need cutting before you can pass.

Siam weed or bitter bush (Chromolacna odorata) is also abundant, so make sure you dress appropriately to avoid an itchy rash.

Red squirrels and vividly coloured butterflies are numerous in the forest, and can be spotted along the trail and around the waterfall.

However, I also saw some wild hog tracks, which made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, as I realised how ill-prepared I was if one charged at me.

I bade farewell to Namtok Makok  in the hope that this lovely natural sanctuary will remain unspoiled so that later generations will have the opportunity to savour its natural beauty.

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Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Tham Pla - Pha Sua National Park is situated in an approximate area of 488 square kilometers or 305,000 rai, covering the areas of Tham Pla - Pha Sua Waterfall in the right hand side of Mae-pai National Conserved Forest, Muang District, and Pang Ma-pha Sub-district. The topography of the National Park consist of high mountains extending northwards, which are the sources of streams and rivers. The natural sightseeing spots at the National Park consist of Tham Pla - Pha Sua Waterfall, which are beautiful and very popular for recreational activities.
Geography
The topography of the National Park consist of steep mountains. And Doi Lan is the highest mountaintop of the National Park (1,918 meters above the sea level). The north and the west of the National Park reaches Charn State of the Union of Myanmar; whereas, the south of the National Park reaches Huay Mhak-uen and Huay Peung of Muang District, Mae Hong Son Province; and the east of the National Park reaches the River of Pang Ma-pha Sub-district, Mae Hong Son Province.
 Climate
The weather at the National Park is influenced by the tropical seasonal monsoon and can be divided into 3 seasons including the rainy season (May-October), when there are heavy rains (within the 10-year period, it rains 138 days/year); winter (November-January), when the weather is dry and cold; and summer (February-May), when the weather is hot and sultry.
Flora and Fauna
There are various kinds of forests within the areas of the National Park, including tropical evergreen forests, virgin forests, pinery, mixed forests, timber forests, and grasslands. Major plants include Lagerstroemia floribunda (Tabaek-na), timbers, Shorea siamensis (Rang), Sindora siamensis Teijsm. Ex Miq. (Maka-tae), teak, Afzelia xylocarpa Roxb., Leguminosae (Pradoo), Xylia xylocarpa (redwood plants), Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz. (Tabaek-luerd), Malabar ironwood, two-leaf/three-leaf pines, etc.
Wild animals found in the National Park include goral, gaur, wild buffaloes, bears, Muntiacus Muntjak, wild boars, birds, etc.

Mae Hong Son Thailand National Park : Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Mae Hong Son Thailand National Park : Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Mae Hong Son Thailand National Park : Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Mae Hong Son Thailand National Park : Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park

Tags : Thailand National Park , Thailand Travel, Nature Travel , Thailand Picture, National Park Camping

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Namtok Thi Lo Su (Tak)

Namtok Thi Lo Su is located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which links with the Thung Yai Naresuan and Huay Kha Kaeng Reserves, as well as Khlong Lan and Mae Wong National Parks. Together, they form Thailand's largest wildlife haven and Southeast Asia's top virgin forest.
Thi Lo in the local language means waterfall and Su means loud, thus, Thi Lo Su means waterfall that makes a loud noise. This is due to its size and the intense flow of the stream. In Karen, "Thi Lo Su" means Black Waterfall.
The biggest and the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand, Namtok Thi Lo Su is also considered the sixth biggest waterfall in the world. The waterfall itself originates from Huai Klotho, streaming along limestone cliffs at the height of 200-300 meters down to cascading tiers which are surrounded by intact natural forests. There is a cave behind the waterfall worth exploring and several levels of pools for swimming.
To get there, visitors can either raft or drive. For those deciding to drive a 4WD vehicle, the distance is 47 kilometers from Umphang to the wildlife sanctuary office. From there, visitors have to walk along the 1.5 kilometers self-guided forest trail which provides unrivalled natural forest scenery. Please note that vehicles can possibly reach the office only during November to April. In the rainy season, Thi Lo Su is accessible only by rafting along Maenam Mae Klong. From the drop-off point, visitors have to continue on foot for approximately 4-5 hours.
Camping at the Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters is allowed near the falls, especially during November December, when the waterfall is at its most beautiful.
Visitors are advised to make enquiries with the TAT Office in Tak Province (Tel: 05 551 4341-3) regarding travel conditions and camping opportunities

How to get to thi lo su (tee lor su)

How to get to Thi lo su

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Maehongson Attraction

Tham Lot
Tham Lot is a huge cave system once a dwelling place of pre-historic man. Archaeologists have discovered ancient clay pottery and a number of carved wooden coffins inside the rooms of the cave. Tham Lot is located some 77 kilometres from town. Between Km.138 and Km.139 of Route 1095, a small roads lead to the cave after a 9-kilometre drive. Here nature has created an exotic subterranean wonder of darkness and mystery.
A brook runs from the cave mouth through to the other side of the mountain. It is a route where visitors may travel by raft or by foot to explore the 1-kilometre-long cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. There are services provided by villagers to guide visitors in their exploration at 100 baht per group. Accommodation as well as camping site is available near the Tham Lot Nature Study Centre in front of the cave mouth.

Tha Pai Hot Spring
This is another attraction in the area of Huai Nam Dang National Park. The hot spring is two kilometres off Route 1095 at Km. 87. It has an average temperature of 80 celcius. Steam from the spring permeates the site in the morning creating fascinating sights. The area is also rich in teakwoods and suitable for overnight camping.


Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Erected by the first governor of Mae Hong Son, this temple reflects the strong influence of the Burmese. The highlights of this attraction are the two lavishly decorated pagodas. Also, this hilltop temple affords an exceptional aerial view of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys.


Salween National Park
Covering a forested area of 721 square kilometers, the Salawin National Park is on the bank of the Salween or Salawin River on the Thai-Myanma border, about 164 kilometres south of Mae Hong Son. The Salawin River originates from Tibet before winding through China, Thailand and Myanmar for a total distance of more than 3,000 kilometres. The river is regarded as the borderline between Myanmar and Thailand for a distance of 120 kilometres.

Visitors wishing to take a boat along the river have tocontact the park headquarters for their safety during the journey. The headquaters also provide accommodation and other facilities. To get to the headquarters, one can take Route 1194 from Mae Sariang district for about 4 kilometres, then turn right and continue along a dirt road for 4 kilometres. The best time for boat trip is from March to April when the water level is low and sandy beaches appear. Sceneries along the riverbanks are captivating with forest and mountains and dotted with small hamlets.

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Chiang Mai Travel Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Dao Cave is a charming cave located in Amphoe Chiang Dao. It is situated 72 kilometres from Chiang Mai town, turn left at the entrance route and proceed for 5 kilometres on an asphalt road. Convenient parking is available. Climb a staircase with a zinc roof to reach the cave. The lovely cave greets visitors with various kinds of fish swimming in a stream in front of the cave.
Touring in and around Tham Chiang Dao with a local guide is possible by contacting local guides in front of the cave. A service fee is charged.

Chiang Dao Cave : Tham Chaing dao Chaing mai

Chiang Mai Travel : Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Mai Travel : Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Mai Travel : Chiang Dao Cave

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Chiang Dao National Park

Chiang Dao National Park (Thai: เชียงดาว) is in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Established on November 2, 2000, the park covers 1,123 km² of the Doi Chiang Dao and Pha Dang mountain ranges. The tallest peak is Doi Pukphukka at 1,794 meters.
Doi Chiang Dao National Park is one of the most visited birdwatching locations in Thailandwith rare species such as Giant Nuthatch and Hume's Pheasant regularly seen.

Chiand Dao Elephant Camp

Chiang Dao National Park

 

Chiang Dao National Park

Chiang Dao National Park

Chiang Dao National Park

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Thailand National Park 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.

Khun Khan National Park

Khun Khan National Park

Khun Khan National Park

Khun Khan National Park

Khun Khan National Park

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Thailand National Park Doi Suthep - Pui

Doi Suthep - Pui National Park is in the area of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dongand Amphoe Muang, covering 262.5 square kilometers.
Doi Suthep - Pui National Park is noted for its dense forests and watershed areas and is blessed with the most beautiful environment housing important places of historical and religious interest. The park is only 5 kilometers from Chiang Mai and accessible from the Huai Kaeo - Chiang Mai University - Chiang Mai zoo road which goes to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Voraviharn.
From there you can walk upwards for a short while and then turn right toward the office of Doi Suthep National Park.

Doi Suthep Temple

Doi Suthep Temple

Doi Pui Chiang mai Thailand

Sakura at Doi Pui Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

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