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Chiang
Mai : Attractions / Tour Routes |
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| Chiang Mai - Chom Thong -
Hot Route (Highways 108 & 1009) |
| Muang Kung
Earthenware Village |
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| (10 km. Route 108)
Various kinds of earthenware, both in traditional
and modern styles, are made and sold here in large
quantities.
| For taxi |
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| Ban
Thawai Woodcarving Village |
| (5 km. from Muang Kung Village)
The village of Ban Thawai,
close to the town of Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, is
a well known centre that has specialised in the
preservation of the skills of woodcarving. Its
exquisite woodcarving features a diversity of
exotic indigenous styles such as Lanna, Chiang
Saen, Burmese, Chinese and Tibetan. Traditional
folk skills and expertise in the ancient art of
woodcarving have been passed down through the
generations and Ban Thawai has established a name
for itself.
The growing demand for traditional woodcarvings
as decorative items has contributed to the revival
and preservation of folk art and culture and encouraged
the community to preserve the artistic value of
its village crafts. With the establishment of
export companies in the village, the carved products
are now spread around the world and their quality
is recognised internationally. This cottage industry
is now a major tourist attraction, generating
sustainable income for the community.
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| Wat
Phra That Si Chom Thong |
This temple is located in Chom Thong county, 58
km. from Chaing Mai town, and dates from the mid-14th
century. Its Burmese-style bot (main chapel)
is one of the most beautiful in northern Thailand.
Like many other temples in the province, it is a
typical Lanna Thai work of art.
| For taxi : |
วัดพระูธาตุศรีจอมทอง |
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| Wiang
Tha Kan |
There are ruins of an ancient walled city, built
in the 8th century, located in the village of Ban
Tha Kan, San Pa Tong county, 34 km. to the south
of Chiang Mai. The ruins include a pagoda and the
foundations of the vihara, built of bricks and laterites.
Most of the relics are Buddha images made of sandstone
and clay.
For taxi : เวียงท่ากาน |
| Ban
Rai Phai Ngam Cotton Weaving Village |
This is a village where cotton cloth woven in
the old style has long been produced. At present
the weavers' central gathering place is the home
of the late National Artist, Mrs. Saengda Bansit,
who had imparted her knowledge about the weaving
process to the villagers. The village is located
on the left of Chiang Mai - Hot Route and can be
reached by a 4-km side road which joins the main
road at a point between Km. 68 and Km. 69.
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| Doi
Tao Lake |
This scenic place offers boat riding and rafting.
There are several types of boats and rafts for travellers
to choose from. Rates depend on distance and number
of passengers. To reach the lake, drive along Highway
108 for 90 kms and turn left to Highway 1130 and
proceed for 35 kms. to Doi Tao.
For taxi : ทะเลสาบดอยเต่า |
| Ob Luang Gorge in Ob Luang National Park (696 km north
of Bangkok) |
The gorge is where a steep river valley
amid scenic mountains and teak forests is situated.
Ob Luang Gorge features a swift river flowing through
a twisted course, which is a challenge for rafters.
Ob Luang Gorge National Park also offers routes for
natural and prehistoric expeditions. To enter the prehistoric
site of the park, you have to cross the bridge over
the gorge which is quite blood curdling. In addition,
there is situated Thepphanom hot-spring pond whose temperature
remains at 99 degrees Celsius.
Recommended
time: All year round, especially in the dry
season around January when trees in deciduous dipterocarp
forests are shedding leaves.
How to get there: From Chiang Mai Town,
use Highway 108 to Hot County and then turn right onto
Mae Sariang County for about 22 km. The route will lead
to Ob Luang Gorge National Park.
For more information, please contact: TAT Northern Office Region 1 on tel: 0 5324 8604, 0
5324 1466.
If you are interested in going to any place mentioned
here, you are recommended to find additional essential
information before starting out on your trip.
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| Mae Ya
Waterfall |
| This beautiful fall is located in Chom Thong county,
70 km. from Chiang Mai. |
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The clear water of this 280-metre-high waterfall
splashes down over 30 tiers of rocks into small
pools.
For taxi : น้ำตกแม่ยะ |
| Doi Inthanon National
Park |
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| Covering an area of 1,005 sq.km. and being 2,565
m. above sea level, Doi Inthanon is the highest
mountain of Thailand and one of the most popular
national parks. The higher hills at 1,800 m. and
up are often shrouded in mist, especially in the
rainy season. |
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| According to surveys, there are
no less than 380 species of birds living in the
park, mostly in thick evergreen forest betweeen
1,500 and 2,000 m. in altitude. The best places
to watch birds are at the summit and around the
bogs. Along the 47 km. road to the top are many
terraced rice fields, large valleys and some hilltribe
villages, mostly inhabited by Karens and Hmongs.
Points of Interest
Most visitors to the park go by car all the way
to the summit where to enjoy the cool and fresh
air and the magnificent wide view of the entire
basin of Chiang Mai. On their way up or down,
they can stop to visit three well-known waterfalls
of the park, viz.
Mae Klang, Wachirathan and Siriphum. |
Mae Klang Waterfall |
Twin Royal Pagodas |
| Mae Klang is the largest
waterfall and the easiest to get to. Just next
to the waterfall is Borichinda
Cave which has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
and a small stream inside.
There are also vantage points along the road
to view the scenic landscape. The most impressive
are the Twin Royal Pagodas
which contain the Buddha's relics and were
built by the Royal Thai Air Force in commemoration
of the 60th birthday of Their Majesties The King
and Queen in 1987 and 1992 respectively. For nature
trekkers and bird watchers, many trails are available,
some of which are old routes used by hilltribes.
Visiting Doi Inthanon National Park is possible
throughout the year, but the best period for viewing
the forest is November through February.
For accommodation, contact the national park office
at Km. 31.
How to Get to
Doi Inthanon
The most convenient way to go to Doi Inthanon
is joining a guided tour party. But getting there
by yourself is also enjoyable.
Follow Highway 108 from Chiang Mai. At Km. 57
just 1 km. before Chom Thong District, turn right
to Highway 1009 for 8 km. to the fork and turn
right to the summit. The total distance is 106
km. As some sections of the road are steep, a
good car and an experienced driver are needed.
From Chiang Mai town, you may also take a bus
to Chom Thong which leaves regularly from just
inside the Chiang Mai Gate at the south moat.
From Chom Thong, there are regular songthaeos
(mini-buses) to Mae Klang Waterfall, where you
can take another songthaeo to Doi Inthanon.
Notes: As it is cool almost all year round
on the top of Doi Inthanon, especially in winter
when the temperature may fall below 10° C,
don't forget to bring a jacket or a sweater with
you.
Read more about Doi
Inthanon National Park
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