Chiang
Mai
Information
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When arriving
in Thailand ask for free copies of Thaiways magazine and Thaiways
maps from the information counter at airports or hotels.
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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.
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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.
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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 |
| 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. |
| Ob Luang Gorge |
This national park offers a breathtaking natural scenery with a
steep river valley amid scenic mountains and teak forests. It is about
105 km. from Chiang Mai town on Highway 108.
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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. |
| 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.
| For taxi : |
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Read more about Doi Inthanon National Park
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