Kanchanaburi


Kanchanaburi, where the world famous bridge over the Khwae river become immortalized in books and movies. It's around 19.500 square kilometres Kanchanaburi is Thailand’s third largest province. Bordering Myanmar, the province is famed for its mountains and hills. Kanchanaburi featuring the beauty of wild nature, where mountains and river valleys have inspired development of hydro and many dams, reservoirs for additional scenic natural beauty of this province as passionate heart.

Kanchanaburi is home to the Erawan Waterfall,  a 7 tier fall of astounding beauty, as well as Sai Yok Waterfalls - the focal point of the 500-square-kilometre Sai Yok National Park comprising evergreen, bamboo and teak forest against a mountainous backdrop. The area is famed for activities like trekking, cave exploration, elephant riding and canoeing.

There are many opportunities to enjoy life on the rafts, on the rivers and beautiful lakes , create special moments for memorable holidays for nature lovers who like to mix the natural environment but still enjoy the comfort standards.

Some attractions:

The Bridge Over the River Kwai, which was built next to the town of Kanchanaburi crossing the Mae Klong river. The Death Railway ran all the way from the Kwae river valley up to the Three Pagodas Pass.  Mention the Bridge over the River Kwai almost people are reminded of the film; however, the film was based on a true story about  the bridge which was the place where thousands of allied troops were kept in internment camps during the Second World War.

The Bridge Over the River Kwai

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak): which is located opposite the main Kanchanaburi train station. Almost 7.000 (POW) prisoner of war graves are laid out in straight lines amidst the neatly manicured lawns and gardens. After the end of World War II, the cemetery at Don Rak became the final resting place for many of those who had been forced to endure the brutal conditions imposed by the Japanese army during the construction of the Thailand to Burma railway. Historians calculate that 38 allied POWs died for each kilometre of track that was laid on the railway. Those who died were originally buried at makeshift gravesites at various locations along the railway line. After the war ended, Don Rak cemetery was designed as a more fitting resting place and memorial to the dead.

War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi

Prasat Muang Singh is a Khmer town about 45 kilometres from Kanchanaburi city.  It was built around the 12th century on the Khwae Noi River, the site was most likely an outpost of the Khmer ‘Muang Singh’ empire that protected the Khmer frontier. Prasat Muang Singh is the main shrine and the central focal point of the site. This is a great place to wander around – the grounds are tidy and attractive with trees and flowers, and although there are restaurants and stalls, the site has a very authentic, non-commercial feel about it - worth a visit.

Prasat Muang Singh


Sai Yok National Park: about 98 km from Kanchanaburi, located in Amphur Thong Pha Phum and Sai Yok. The Park was designated on the 27th October 1980 as the 11th National Park of Thailand, with a total area of 500 km2. The park is mountainous, mostly limestone mountain runs on north-south axis. In the past, Sai Yok National Park is an area King Rama 5 used to visit and take a bath in a stream. Later, there was a composer, who composed a song describes the wonderful of Sai Yok Waterfall, the waterfall becoming famous.

Sai Yok Yai waterfall

Erawan National Park was designated in June 1975, as Thailand's 12th National Park. It covers an area of 550 Km2 of high mountains and attractive valleys. The eastern mountains rise to 996m with shear limestone cliffs. These mountains protect the park from the eastern monsoon resulting in a low average rainfall. In summer the weather is sweltering but it is wonderfully between November to February cool. The main feature of the Park is the stunning Erawan waterfall created by a profusion of small streams joining together before tumbling down the precipitous cliffs.

Erawan waterfall

Khuean Srinagarindra National Park: It was announced on 23 December, 1981, to be a national park with an area of 14.968 ha. Interesting tourist attractions include Tham Sawan, Tham Neramit, Tham Nam Mut, Tham Phra Prang, Namtok Huai Mae Khamin.

Huai Mae Khamin waterfall

Nakhon Ratchasima


Nakhon Ratchasima usually referred to as Korat, is the largest city in the Isaan region of Thailand around 260 kilometres from Bangkok. This is a large province which is steeped in history, especially that which relates to the Khmer kingdom. As a result there are numerous sites covering all aspects of Khmer culture. The province is rich in nature with forests, mountains, waterfalls and reservoirs. The province also supports traditional ways of life, especially well reflected at Dan Kwian – a traditional community based around the production of clay pottery products. Nakhon Ratchasima’s museums are excellent, housing findings from a variety of archaeological digs that bear witness to the region’s pre-history and the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures that strongly influenced it. Attractions in the area include Khao Yai National Park – an especially good park protecting birds and animals (tigers, elephants ...) and Prasat Hin Phimai National Historical Park, one of the best in Thailand

Some attractions

Statue of Thao Suranaree: constructed in 1934, "Thao Suraneree" is called "Khun Ying Mo" by Korat peoples who are intimate with her. She was a wife of the Deputy Governor of Korat during the reign of King Rama III. She managed to save the city from the invasion of the Laotian army led by Prince Anuwong of Vientiane. This momument was erected to commemorate her heroic deed. Korat peoples are praying this momument as usual for asking things of her.


Statue of Thao Suranaree

Wat Phra Narai Maharat: is a one of the most famous temples in Korat. This one is notable for its lake and island temple. Within the building is an ancient sandstone staue of the Hindu god Vishnu. You can cross the bridge and walk around the island but can not enter the building which houses Vishnu. Also, you may see huge Water Monitor lizards amongst the undergrowth or in the water. These things are as big as crocodiles, but are generally safe, and provide a surprising photo opportunity in the centre of the city.


Wat Phra Narai Maharat

Wat Sala Loi: is a chapel shape of Chinese Junk. It was found in 1827 by Khun Ying Mo and the main chapel was built in 1967. It received many awards from various architectural associations as a modern leading design of religious building. There are various sizes of Buddha images in the main chapel. The wall of the old chapel which was built about 170 years ago is well kept. There are many Buddha image in this old chapel.

Wat Sala Loi

Prasat  Phanom Wan is located 20 kilometers from town. This religious place was constructed in the 12th century. Its Khmer style resembles Prasat Hin Phimai but its size is smaller. Its main stupa facing the east was built of sandstone an connected the Mandapa by a square path of 25.5 meter length and 10.20 meter width. The Prasat is surrounded by laterite wall and has Gopuras (entrances) from four directions. Outside the walls, there are a lot of ponds.

Khmer architecture temples: Prasat Phanom Wan

Khao Yai National Park: consists of complicated mountains such as Khao Rom, the highest about 1,351 meters, Khao Lam about 1,326 meters, Khao Keaw about 1,292 meters, Khao Sam Yod about 1,142 meters, Khao Far Pha about 1,078 meters, Khao Kampang about 875 meters, Khao Samor Poon about 805 meters and Khao Kaew about 802 meters above sea level. Moreover, the area has vastly grassy field alternating with productive forest. The north and the east part are smoothly sloping down, while the south and the west part are rising up. The area is the source of five main rivers as follows.

Heo Suwat waterfall in Khao Yai National Park

Prasat Nang Rum is the Hospital in Jayavarman VII's construction, who is the last great king of the ancient Khmer 12th century. This place is under the auspices of Buddha Bhaishajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha (The Medicine Buddha), the healer who gives a good health and sickless to human beings. This sanctuary is big, but it is badly ruined by weather. The base and entrances are the only remaining. It is surrounded by a wall with two entrances on the east and west. The sanctuary consists of the main stupa an vihara surrounded by laterite walls. Outside the wall, there is a pond lined with stepped laterite. Far away 80 meters, surrounded by leterite walls and the U-shaped pond are other three stupas assumed to be the residence of medical men.

Prasat Nang Rum

Wat Ban Rai is an important temple for Isan people. It is located northwest of Nakhon Ratchasima close to the village of Dan Khun Thot. Many worshippers come here to pay their respect to Luang Phor Khoon Parisuttho, a well known monk in Thailand. He has helped many people directly and is using the donations from the temple for Universities and Schools. During our visit in 2006 we had to wait for Luang Phor Khoon Parisuttho to come out of his quarters and the following visit went rather quickly for the long line of worshippers.

Wat Ban Rai

Prasat Hin Phimai was the Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary situated at the centre of the city, symbolizes Sumeru Mountain, the center of the universe according to ancient beliefs. The town’s plan was systematically laid out; the main route starts from the south city gate, with a long path leading directly to the principal prasat. It is located at the center of Muang Phimai, an ancient city from the 16th century B.F, along the Mun river. Phimai was an important city on the communication routes among the different regions and with access to Angkor in Cambodia. Near the city is a structure know as the Rishi’s Kuti, which was, in fact the Arogayasala, or the infirmary mentioned in inscriptions.

Prasat Hin Phimai


Ayutthaya, a former capital


Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's travel highlights, just 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) from north of Bangkok. From its establishment in 1350 by King U Thong until its fall to the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was Thailand's capital, home to 33 kings and numerous dynasties. At its zenith and until the mid-18th century, Ayutthaya was a majestic city with three palaces and 400 temples on an island threaded by canals. The former capital rivaled European cities in splendor and was a source of marvel for foreigners.

Then, in 1767, after a 15-month siege, the town was destroyed by the Burmese. Today there is little left but ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair, and a visit here is memorable and a good starting point for those drawn to the relics of history.

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of styles. Tall, ornate spires called prangs point to ancient Khmer (Cambodian) influence (best seen in Bangkok at Wat Arun). These bear a resemblance to the architecture of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai style.

Attractions

Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre: With an area of 285 rai (or 14 acres), the Centre is located in Tambon Bung Yai, Amphoe Bang Sai. Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as from other provinces undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. At this centre, you will have a glimpes of how farmers in the four regions live and work ; how their products of arts and crafts are produced. The centre is under the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) which was established under Royal Patronage on the 21st July, 1976. Products and activities which can be seen here are Fern Vien Basketry, Weaving Basketry, Artificial Flowers, Hand - Woven Silk and Cotton, Silk Dyeing, Wood Carving, Miniature Hand - Modelled Thai Dolls, Furniture Making, Cloth - Made Products... All the products are sold at the Centre and in every branch of Chitralada Store.

Royal Folk Arts at BangSai

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a largest temple in Ayutthaya, known for its row of chedis (Thai-style stupas). Housed within the grounds of the former royal palace, the temple was used only for royal religious ceremonies. It once housed a 16-meter Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process. The royal palace can also be accessed from the same entrance at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, but it only has a few free standing buildings remaining.
 
Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit is an impressive building that houses a large bronze cast Buddha image. It was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east, but it was later transferred to the current location and covered with a Mondop. During the second fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire. The building currently seen was renovated but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as the previous ones. The open area east of the Sanctuary (Wihan) was formerly Sanam Luang, where the royal cremation ceremony took place.

Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit

Wat Phra Mahathat is a large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese, and it also is part of the World Heritage site in the old city. Apart from the famous Buddha head in the roots of a Bodhi Tree the site is somewhat disappointing. Most of the original chedi and brickwork are decayed and there are only a few Buddha statues that have survived the test of time. When taking pictures of you and the Buddha head, make sure you sit on your knees to show respect, as it is considered holy by Thais

Wat Phra Mahathat
Buddha head in tree


Wat Thammikarat: This temple is located in front of the royal palace of Ayutthaya. According to the chronicle of the north, this was founded by Phraya Thammikarat, a son of King Sainam Phung before the Ayutthaya period. Important monuments which may be found inside the temple are: the chapel which used to enshrine a huge bronze Buddha image (now on displayed at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum); a bell-shaped chedi; an ordination hall; and a hall housing a reclining Buddha image. All these monuments areof the Ayutthaya style of the 14th to the 17th century.

Bell-shaped chedi in Wat Thammikarat
Wat Thammikarat

Phra Chedi Suriyothai: is a white and gold coloured chedi built as a memorial to a previous queen. Set in a small, well-kept gardens, it is the memorial for the first heroine in Siamese history, is located in Ko Mueang to the west. Among various places of interest within the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, this ancient place is of much importance as a proof of honour that ancient Siamese society gave to Thai women.


Phra Chedi Suriyothai

Chiang Rai


Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more ’laid back’ now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

Some attractions in Chang Rai

Golden Triangle means that the boundaries between three countries, including Thailand, Chiang Rai, Road, Bo Kaeo Province, Lao PDR and Tachilek in Myanmar look like a triangle area meet. The Mekong River cuts through the border of Thailand and Laos. This is an important economic area in the region.

In 1970s this place was the general headquarters of Khun Sa who was boss notorious opium, but now no longer grow opium which became the ideal eco-tourism, according to which, the former poppy fields been replaced by fields of crops, green fruit trees.



Golden triangle landscape

Monument of King Mengrai the Great : It is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

Monument of King Mengrai

Ku Phra Chao Mengrai: This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in Chiang Rai Township area. It is the place where ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.


Stupa of Mengrai

Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong: This pagoda is located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of Mae Kok River near the city of Chiang Rai.

Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong
Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong

The Mae Kok River:  130 kms long, running through the heart of Chiang Rai, is said to be one of the most beautiful and unspoil rivers of the world. It flows gently along jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs. Along its route lie several hilltribes and jungle - tribes of Chiang Rai. The people are friendly and the life aboard the raft relaxing. There are regular well - organized rafting trips to and from Chiang Rai to many interesting destinations: A popular tours rafting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, or vice versa.

Rafting Along the Mae Kok River

Doi Luang National Park covers areas in Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao of Chiang Rai, and some part of Lampang and Phayao. To get to the park is by taking Chiang Rai - Phayao Highway for 58 kms. to Ban Pu Kaeng, turn right at km. 773 for another 9 kms. Main attraction is Namtok Pu Kaeng It is the largest waterfall in Chiang Rai, having strong current cascading all year round.

Namtok Pu Kaeng waterfall
Mae Sai is Thailand's northern most border district to Chiang Saen A small town about 30 kms. further from Mae Chan. Its lovely setting on the Mae Khong River strongly enchants the charm of its old temples ; Wat Pa Sak , Wat Phrathat Chom Kitti ...

Mae Sa pass gate

Doi Mae Salong located about 45 kms. to the north of Amphoe Mae Chan, is one of the places allowed by Thai Government for some of the Chinese refugees from Myanmar to settle in. The village founded is called Santi Khiri. It has become well-known among tourists both Thais and foreigners for its enchanting beautiful scenery, calm and placid nature. There are guest houses and tourist houses with recreation activities provided such as house riding and elephant riding.

Doi Mae Salong

Wat Phrathat Doi Tung: is the holy relic that draws devout Buddhists from as far as Laos and Myanmar for annual worshipping. The reliquary is atop the highest Chiang Rai mountain at Doi Tung, elevation 2,000 meters above sea-level. The shrine is reached by a torturous mountain road, winding its way up and down mountain sides for 17 kms. off Highway No. 110, 48 kms. from Chiang Rai township. The unmatched panoramic view reaches out to Myanmar and Laos on the horizon.

Wat Phrathat Doi Tung

Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is a beautiful royal residence is built for the Princess Mother on the way to Phrathat Doi Tung. The main attraction is Suan Mae Fa Luang , a very beautiful garden decorated with different kinds of plants and flowers. The garden is open to visitors daily from 06.00-18.00 hrs.

Mae Fa Luang garden


Mae Hong Son - stone age cultures


Mae Hong Son, Thailand's northern border city, hiding itself in between the towering mountains with densely forested slopes, stretching to the Burmese border. Maehongson is known for its charm of scenery and culture. The people of Maehongson consists of the Shans who live in the city and the hilltribe people who live in remote villages on mountain tops where elements of lifestyle have changed little in hundreds of years.

The Shans' ancestors came from Shans region in Burma. The hilltribe people consist of Karen, Lisu, Mhong, Lahu, and Lua. Both the Shans and the hilltribemen have their own distinctive cultures. They have their own lilting dialect, their own architectural lifestyles, their own customs and traditions, and their own delicious cuisine. Throughout the year, Maehongson holds many festivals and events. Tourists can observe the distinction cultures from these events. There are different dances, rituals, and ceremonies for different events and festivals. Even the foods are different for each event.

The most remarkable tradition and also the most important event for the Shans is "Poy Sanglong Festival" which is the ordination ceremony for the Shans' boys. The event is held in March and there is one big celebration throughout the city.

The city is covered with the mist all year long. Mae Hong Son gains its nickname of "the City of Three Mists" from the fact that it has dewy mist in the winter, forest fire mist in the summer and rainy mist in the rainy season.


Thampla PhaSua National Park: This national park is in Mae Hong Son province, situated in an approximate area of 488 square kilometers or 305,000 rai, covering the areas of ThamPla-PhaSua 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 ThamPla-PhaSua Waterfall, which are beautiful and very popular for recreational activities.

Thampla PhaSua Waterfall

Located at Tambon Huai Pha, 17 km away from Mae Hong Son city, on the way to the Pang Ma Pha district, is Tham Pla (Fish Cave). This hillside cave with flowing water throughout the year is home to a rare breed of blue-black fish, Soro Brooke Carp (Labeobarbus soroides) , which live in a water pool 2 m wide and 1.5 m deep. You can see the fish through the rock hole at the base of an outer wall of the cave. The fishes eat vegetables and insects such as crickets, although the locals believe them to be vegetarian and feed them only fruit and vegetables (which can be purchased at the park entrance).

Fish Cave in National Park
Fish (Pla pong) in Fish cave
The Hmong village hill tribe in Mae Hong Son were originally from Southern China and have been in Thailand for generations but do not have citizenship. Apparently the Hmong people are good businesspeople and quite wealthy but they are determined to preserve their culture and animist religion so they live very simply in basic huts with mud floors.

Hmong village in MaeHongSon
More pictures from Mea Hong Son

Phrathat Doi Gongmoo Temple is a Shan temple, built high up on the mountainside, on the west side of the town

Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang temples are situated on Jong Kham Lake and are oldest temples in Maehongson

Jong Kham Lake. In ancient times this lake was a natural water source in the center of the town

Wat Phra Non temple is located at the base of Gongmoo Mountain and houses a large Buddha statue. There is a museum of ancient tools, and the main hall has a roof decorated in the Shan style with galvanized iron

The Buddha statue in Hua Wieng temple was brought from Burma and is designed in the Mandalay style

Kamkoh temple is also situated at the foot of Gong Moo Mountain, across from Phra Non temple and has beautifully decorated galvanized iron roofs

Pha bong hot sping


Chiang Mai, Thailand's old capital


Chiang Mai was founded in the late 13th century and is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in Thailand. It was once the capital of Lanna, an independent Thai Kingdom and has preserved its unique cultural heritage to a marked degree.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second city, but in terms of quality of living, tourist attractions and development potential, it's second to none in Southeast-Asia.

More than 300 temples, among them some of the most beautiful and revered in the entire Buddhist world, give the city an atmosphere of calmness and timeless elegance.

Chiang Mai has a distinct international atmosphere with many foreign businesses and organizations (NGOs) locating in the city over the past decade due to her excellent infrastructure with international direct flight connections to all countries in the region including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Cambodia and Taiwan.

The quality of living is unsurpassed. Accommodation and food are of the highest standard at very low cost. Entertainment is plentiful with numerous festivals, outdoor activities and great nightlife.

Genuine adventure is to be found in the immediate vicinity of Chiang Mai with jungle tours, rafting, elephant riding and hill tribe villages to visit.

Some attractions

Wat Phra Borommathat is on Doi Suthep is a large golden pagoda in the center of the temple containing a part of the holy relics or the Lord Buddha. It's a holy spot visited throughout the year by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. This temple was built by King Gue-Na in 1383 A.D for the people who born in the Year of The Goat. Lanna People believe that to bring them highest prosperity, they should visit “Phra That” of their zodiac birth year, just event once in their lifetime.

Wat Phra Borommathat pagoda
Inside Wat Phra

Naga stairway 360 steps up to Wat Phra Borommathat

Phu phing Palace is on Doi Buak Ha, about 4 Kms from Doi Suthep. Phu Phing Palace is the Winter Royal Palace was build in 1962 and open to the public on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays as well as holidays, when the Thai Royal Family is not in residence.

Phuping Palace is a beautiful place full of flowers, a lot of trees and places to walk. Visitors can take pictures of the Palace from the outside and during December to January a lot of beautiful roses can be seen. In the area one can buy local handmade products, souvenirs at quite a reasonable price. This elegant little Palace is mainly used bythe Royal Family in January and February, when the cool season is at its best and the flowers at their most spectacular.

During this time there is a constant to-ing and fro-ing of helicopters as members of the Royal Family carry out their incredibly busy schedule, giving degrees to graduates, visiting royal projects and hilltribe villages and receiving a constant flow of visitors. Presidents, Kings and Queens from all over the world have relaxed in this beautiful Palace. The Palace is situated high up in the mountains, four kilometres above Wat Doi Suthep and it can not be seen from Chiang Mai. In the cool season the extensive gardens are a glorious display of temperate flowers.


Phu phing palace

Phu phing palace

Hmong Tribal Village - Doi Pui: it located in a valley just north-west of Doi Pui on Doi Suthep Pui National Park. The Hmong has make the village their home by selling Hmong crafts and other souvenirs. Hmong are only one of the hill tribes in northern Thailand. This village is home to more than 200 households of the Hmong people. Their livelihood depends not on the swiddening agriculture of the past, but merchandising.

Some people argue that the `traditional way of life' apparently being followed is simply an appearance, with commerce the hard reality that underwrites the continuing visits by paying tourists.

Be that as it may, the Hmong Village on Doi Pui is worth a visit. Apart from the colourfully-clad villagers, also of interest here are the Opium Museum and the Hilltribe Museum. For centuries, the tribe has been an opium grower of importance. The Opium Museum documents how the crop is cultivated and processed, and displays some of the implements used in opium production.

Hmong kid with her traditional dress on Doi Pui 


Hmong crafts

Chiang Mai Zoo was established by the The Zoological Park Organization, Thailand in 1974. Situated on 531 Rai of verdant forest land at the foothill of Doi Suthep mountain, the zoo is surrounded by hilly terrain which is home to thousands of species of wild plants and flowers adorning the natural landscape of valleys, streams and waterfalls.

Chiang Mai Zoo is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can experience the excitement and intimacy of various species of animals in their natural habitat.

In ChiangMai zoo

Doi Inthanon National Park: is one of the best equipped to welcome visitors. It is Thailand's highest mountain and towers 2,565 metres above sea level. Doi Inthanon covers some 1,005 square kilometers. It offers marvellous natural scenery. There are beautiful waterfalls throughout the park. These include the Siriphum, Vajirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang, and, the largest of all, Mae Ya waterfalls. Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park. To get to Doi Inthanon take Highway 108 and turn to Highway No.1009 at km.57.

Visit the Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The best period for watch the birds or camp is November through March. 

The Great Holy Relics Pagoda

Mae Ya Waterfall: The North of Thailand is famous for its many waterfalls and one of the most beautiful in Chiang Mai province is Nam Tok Mae Ya. This waterfall is thought to be the highest in Thailand and is well worth the extra effort to get there.

Nam Tok Mae Ya is a beautiful, fanning cascade, dropping down an ever-widening series of steps. The water tumbles down a 100 m cliff in a series of spectacular leaps and National Park officials estimate that the Mae Ya River plunges more than 250 m at this point. At the bottom is a cool pool where children can swim and enjoy the pleasant picnic area. It is without a doubt, a photographic favorite for most visitors.
 
MaeYa waterfall

Mae Klang Waterfall: The waterfall is reached via Highway 108 to km 57 (just 1 km before the village of Chom Thong). Turn right onto Highway 1009 and continue 8 km to where the road forks. Mae Klang is 300 m straight ahead. The summit road forks to the right, reaching Park Headquarters near km 31 and the summit of Doi Inthanon at km 48. Once there, the waterfall provides a picturesque setting for picnics and relaxation. The area is fast becoming popular with many international visitors as well as local Chiang Mai families who own homes along the riverside.

The rapids and waterfall spill over a wide exposure of granite and can be approached closely. Rocky paths climb up beside the 30 m high falls and if you reach the top there is a fine view. Visitors are asked to exercise caution around the waterfall area and while swimming either above or below the falls. There are food, drink and souvenir stalls at the entrance and below the main falls. Across the bridge are the beautifully laid out gardens of the northern branch of Wat Chai Monkon, a famous Bangkok temple. In the grounds is a spectacular chedi containing a lift. There is also an enormous Buddha statue made out of one piece of Canadian greenstone. A well-maintained trail leads up the side of the waterfall and continues to the Visitor Center and beyond.


Mae Klang Waterfall
Wachirathan Waterfall: Nam Tok Wachirathan waterfall is on the route to Doi Inthanon and is a thirty-minute drive from Nam Tok Mae Klang. It is a beautiful scenic spot for picnics and is reached by a short, easy trail from the parking area. Nam Tok Wachirathan tumbles down a granite escarpment, creating a misty veil of great beauty. Visitors should be very cautious, as three people have tragically fallen to their deaths while taking photographs.

Just a short distance on the main road beyond the waterfall is the small Karen hill tribe village of Ban Sop Had. If you turn right just past the bridge you will find the village a few hundred meters up the dirt access road.


Wachirathan Waterfall
Another attractions in ChiangMai


Wat Suan Dok has the largest temple royal was built in 14th century. It is a favourite spot for photographers

Wat Phra Singh a lagest temple was built by King Pha Yoo in 1345
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Chiang Man was build 1306 onward is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It enshrines the Crystal Buddha, one of the greatest treasures in Thailand 

Wat Chedi Luang (Temple of the Big Stupa) was built in 1391 is an impressive ruined temple in the center of Chiang Mai  
Sao Inta Kin or City Pillar is believed to house the guardian spirit of the city. It's situated in Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Kuta is situated in town, was built in 1613 A.D. in the shape of five guards of diminishing sizes and
beautifully decorated with colored porcelain, representing  five lord Buddha's.
Wat Ched Yot is situated in town, was built in 1477 A.D. by King Thilokanat
The ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam  was established by King Mengrai in 1286 AD as the first Capital of Lanna
The Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai's nocturnal zoo is one of the largest in Asia and considered by many to be the most beautiful night safari in the world