Talking
about natural attractions in Thailand most tourists will firstly
think of picturesque islands and fascinating sandy beaches
in summertime. Actually, such charming places as mountains
and forests are also nice to visit, especially in the cool
season. During the period from November to February, the weather
in Thailand will turn cool, making it the best time for travelling
in the mountainous northern part of the country. The region
is the most popular destination for Thai people in the cool
season.
There, you can enjoy admiring the beauty of various kinds
of flowering plants, spending your time in the romantic atmosphere
on mist-shrouded hilltops, and many more interesting activities.
Here are some choices for experiencing the charming nature
of Thailand in the cool season.
Doi Tung Royal Residence
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Chiang Rai The province is located
at the northern tip of Thailand, 785 km from Bangkok. One
of the most famous attractions of the province is Doi
Tung, where the most important place of worship for
Buddhists in the North, Phra That Doi Tung,
is situated. About 7 km from this point is Phra Tamnak
Doi Tung, the beautiful royal residence built for
the late Princess Mother in celebration of her 90th birthday
in 1990.
Mae Fa Luang Garden
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There, you can enjoy wandering in Suan Mae Fa Luang,
the beautiful garden full of colourful flowering plants. If
you love hiking, why not visit Doi Pha Tang,
the well-known viewpoint for admiring the beauty of the surroundings,
located about 128 km to the east of the provincial town. In
the cool season, the flowers of the trees similar to Sakura
(Prunus cerasoides D. Don or Nang Phaya Sua Khrong
in Thai) will be in their full bloom, adding colour to the
nature. Another famous viewpoint of the sea of mist is Phu
Chi Fa, located 107 km from Chiang Rai City. There
you will be stunned by the breathtaking view of the sunrise
in the sea of mist.
Chiang Mai an
old city of more than 700 years, situated 696 km to the north
of Bangkok, boasts many interesting attractions for holiday-makers
in the cool season. Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park
is only 15 km from Chaing Mai City. You will be fascinated
to see the glory of the golden chedi of Wat Phra That
Doi
Suthep, where you can also see an impressive panoramic
view of Chaing Mai. And at 4 km further up the mountain is
Bhubing Palace, where you can enjoy the beauty
of the photogenic garden. At Doi Pui, there
are several hilltribe villages, inhabited by Meos, Yaos, Akhas,
Lisus and Lahus. The famous Doi Inthanon National
Park is also worth a visit.The
top of the mountain is the highest spot of Thailand (2,565
metres above sea level).
A view of Doi Inthanon National
Park
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Nature-lovers shouldn't miss bird watching and trekking in
its fertile forest. At km 42 before reaching the mountaintop
is Kiu Mae Pan , where you can see the beauty
of Kulap Phan Pi (Rhododendron arboreum Smith), whose flowers
will be in full bloom only from December to February. |
The sea of mist at
Huai Nam Dang National Park
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Huai Nam Dang National Park where the mountains are
shrouded in mist is 107 km from the provincial town. Here, there
are many beautiful viewpoints such as Doi Kiu Lom,
Doi Chang and Doi Sam Muen.
Mexican sunflower fields
of Mae Hong Son |
Mae Hong Son In
Mae Hong Son, or the land of three mists, 924 km from Bangkok,
Thung Bua Tong Doi Mae U-Kho is the most famous
attraction. In November and December each year, you will see
the mountains spread with the yellow flowers of Mexican sunflower
plants (Tithonia Diversifolia). These wild flowers are called
Buatong in the northern dialect.
Shooting the rapids along the
Pai River
(By courtesy of TAT) |
Another attraction for nature-lovers is Pai,
a small and tranquil town, about 109 km from the provincial
town. There, you will enjoy many exciting outdoor activities
such as a trekking tour or bicycle tour to Tha Pai Hotspring,
Muang Soi Hotspring, Mo Paeng
and Mae Yen Falls and shooting the rapids along
the Pai River.
A scenic view of Nam Nao National
Park |
Phetchabun Just
346 km from Bangkok, the province is situated in a basin between
the Northeast Plateau and a mountain range. Its Nam
Nao National Park is a must for travellers.
The forest in the park is evergreen with large areas of deciduous
trees and a pine forest where you can go camping in a cold climate.
In January, the temperature may drop to as low as 2 degrees
Celsius. For birdwatchers, there are more than 200 species of
birds in the park area. Another attraction, Khao Kho
is also interesting. Along the way to the hilltop there are
several hillside resorts and many attractions such as B.N.
Farm, where plants of the frigid zone are grown and
Si Dit Waterfall. On the hilltop there is a
marble memorial to the soldiers who died in the battle with
the Communists in 1981.
Phu Kradueng |
Loei
About
520 km from Bangkok, the province is located in the northwest
corner of the Northeast Plateau, and has a cool and foggy climate
throughout most of the year. Those who love trekking should
go to Phu Kradueng National Park which is the
best known and most popular attraction of the province. The
track to the mountaintop is quite tough, but you will be impressed
by the beauty of the nature up there. Its top constitutes a
large piece of ground with pine trees, shrubs and flowering
plants. The cliff, Pha Nok Aen, situated at
the east end of the mountaintop, is the best place to admire
the breathtaking view of sunrise. In the evening, you may have
a walk to Pha Mak Duk or Pha Lom Sak
to view the magnificent scene of sunset. Other interesting attractions
in the park are Tham Yai and Khun Phong
Falls, where you can see, from October until January,
the romantic scene of red maple leaves falling on mossy stones.
Another attraction, Phu Rua National Park,
is beautiful and easier to reach. It has several cliffs including
a vantage point to view the sunrise. Pha Sam Thong
is the most fantastic viewpoint of the park. In the cool season,
the weather on the mountain will turn very cold (sometimes -2
degrees Celsius). And you may see Mae Kha Ning or frosty grasses.
A maple leaf in reserved
forest of Phu Kradueng National Park
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If
you are interested to experience the beauty of one of
these attractions, there are many travel agencies in Thailand
that you can contact to arrange a tour programme for you
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Photos by courtesy of TAT
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