Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Looming over the city like guardian spirits and providing a sanctuary of forest and moun-
tain cool air, Chiang Mai's sacred peaks, Doi Suthep (1676m) and Doi Pui (1685m) were
used by the city's founders as a divine compass in locating an auspicious position.
Portions of the mountains form a 265-sq-km
national park
that contains a mix of wil-
derness, hill-tribe villages and tourist attractions, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
(
Click here
). Most people stick to the main road, visiting the temple, the winter palace and
one of the touristy Hmong villages, altogether bypassing the forested interior.
The mountain ascends from the humid lowlands into the cool (and sometimes even
cold) cloud belt with moss growing on the curbs and mist wafting across the road. Thriving
in the diverse climate are more than 300 bird species and nearly 2000 species of ferns
and flowering plants. During the rainy season, butterflies bloom as abundantly as the
flowers.
There are hiking and mountain-biking trails as well as camping, bird-watching and wa-
terfall spotting. One of the most scenic waterfalls is
Nam Tok Monthathon
(the park ad-
mission fee is collected here), 2.5km off the paved road to Doi Suthep. Pools beneath the
falls hold water year-round, although swimming is best during or just after the annual
monsoon.
The park fee is collected at some of the park's waterfalls. There is no park fee charged
to visit the attractions along the main road, though the attractions have their own admis-
sion prices.
The park is about 16km northwest of central Chiang Mai and is accessible via shared
sŏrng·tăa·ou
that leave from the main entrance of Chiang Mai University on Th Huay
Kaew. You can also charter a
sŏrng·tăa·ou
for about 500B (round-trip) or rent a motor-
cycle for much less.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
0 5321 0244; adult/child under 14yr 100/50B, car 30B;
8am-sunset
Activities
The surrounding mountains, rivers and byways boast a wave of adrenaline sports
that have begun to eclipse the traditional trekking tour.
The countryside is exceptional for two-wheeled outings. Doi Suthep (
Click here
),
the city's closest green space, is gaining its own fame for off-road mountain biking.
