THINGS TO SEE

Doi Inthanon  National Park Orchid and wild bird sanctuary

This 1,005-square-kilometer park is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. It is part of a mountain range that runs across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Northern Thailand. The dense forest abounds with lichens and wild orchids – and wild birds. The best time to see its waterfalls is May through November. For wild flowers, it is December through
February. For birds, it’s November through March. Getting there: Travel 58 kilometers west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 107 to Chom Thong, then turn right intoHighway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometers along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good but rather steep asphalt road takes visitors up, thus the vehicle must be in good condition. Visitors will pay an entrance fee at Km. 8.

 HMONG VILLAGE Splendid tribal lifestyle

This Hmong village has preserved its simple but splendid traditions and lifestyles. The village can be reached by taking a left turn at Km.12 and proceeding for seven kilometers. Only four-wheel vehicles in good condition can make the trip. Along the route, you can visit resorts, including Mae Sa Valley, Mae Sa Resort (which offers a nine-hole golf course), and Kangsadan Farm.
  

 MOUNTAIN ORCHID
Located at Mu1 in Rim Tai in the Mae Rim district, this plantation has been around for over 20 years. It breeds a huge variety of orchids using new technology. Call 053-297-343 beforehand if you want to visit.

MAE SA WATERFALL
This famous eight-tiered waterfall is located at Km. 7 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. Its towering trees help make the place breezy throughout the year. It is an ideal recreational spot for both residents and visitors.
Queen Sirikit Botanical GardenSiikit Queen Sirikit Botanical GardenQUEEN BOTANICAL GARDEN

Located near Km. 12 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, the botanical garden has a fine collection of Thai and foreign plants. Visitors can drive around the area and stop by the Thai Orchid Breeding Center, the Herbs Museum and the Research Center. The garden is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 053-298-171-5 ext. 4736 or 4739.

TRIBAL MUSEUM
The Tribal Museum is in King Rama IX Lanna Garden on Chotana Road.  This is an ethnology museum featuring the indigenous culture of nine hill tribes including Karen (Kariang), Hmong (Meo), Mien (Yao), Lisu (Liso), Akha (Iko), Lahu (Musoe), Lau, Thin, Khamu and the minority tribe of Malabri.  Each tribe possesses unique identity and culture.
The museum exhibits the ways of life, culture, beliefs and local wisdom of those tribes, which have been conveyed through artistic objects displayed in the museum. It is open daily to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 053-210-872.
Soi Pui Tribal VillageDoi Pui Tribal VillageDOI PUI TRIBAL VILLAGE

This village is a Hmong village situated on an asphalt road about three kilometers from Phu Phing Palace and about one hour from downtown Chiang Mai. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon.

ROYAL WINTER  PALACE
The palace is located further up the mountain about six kilometers from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Its landscaped gardens are decorated with plenty of colorful, exotic flowers. It is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except when the Royal family is in residence which is usually from mid-December to early February.


NIGHT BAZAAR
Night BazaarThe night bazaars are a shopping haven where one can find handmade products and souvenirs from many Chiang Mai villages and hill tribes. Local cloths and fabrics are reasonably priced. Shops and stalls open at around 6 p.m.