Doi Inthanon National Park : Chiangmai, Thailand

If you plan to travel in ChiangMai, Thailand, the one destination for experiences the tropical forest which it nearby ChiangMai is Doi Inthanon, the highest Peak mountain of Thailand.


The geographical features of the National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand (2,565 meters above the sea level), followed by Doi Huamodluang (2,330 meters above the sea level). Doi Inthanon is the source of many rivers including Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem, Mae Khan, and being part of Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power.

The forest in the park is one of the country’s very significance and valuable heritage. Forests include Moist Evergreen Forest, Pine forest and Mixed Deciduous Forest, worth in economic like teak and mountain pine. Dipterocarp spp. Xylia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus, macrocapus Terminalia sp. and Lagerstroemia sp. to name a few. In addition to these, there are many beautiful flowers including vanda orchid, phycastylis and rhododendron. Sphagnum Moss and osmanda fern are found at higher levels in the park. fifty years ago, the mountain peaks were home of hill tribe people. The biggest village was Ban Khun Klang, whose agriculture method was often destructive to the forest ecosystem. Currently the several Royal Projects, assists the villagers in growing cold-climate fruit such as strawberries, grapes and apples as well as flowers.

The number of wild animals in the park is decreasing the encroachment. The animals are hunted and their habitats are destroyed for agriculture. The remaining animals include serpent, gibbons, tigers, deer, wild boars, Siamese hares and Red Jungle fowls. Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects addition many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green-tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush and the Yellow-bellied Flower pecker are known to over summer and probably breed.

The way travel to Doi Inthanon is From Chiang Mai, take route 108 towards Chomthong. At km.57 (1 kilometer before arrive to Amphur Chomthong) take a right on route 1009 (Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Road). At km.31 of this road is the Park Headquater.

Source: http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp

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Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park : ChiangMai, Thailand

Doi Suthep-Pui used to be known as Doi Oi Chang. Its new name comes from the name of a hermit, Prarusiwasuthep who lived at Doi Suthep-Pui was a protected forest. In 1973, The Royal Forest Department decided that Doi Suthep and 13 other forest areas in the country should eventually be national parks. The Royal Forest Department sent Mr.Panya Boonsomboon to survey the area. After that, the national park committed decided that only forest in good condition should be included in Doi Suthep-Pui National park and areas occupied by villagers should be excluded. In 1981, as the 24th national park of Thailand which encompasses 161.06 square kilometers. The following year, an additional 100 square kilometers were annexed to the park, bringing the total to 261.06 square kilometers.

Doi Suthep, Doi Buakha and Doi Pui are the three main peaks in the park. The highest peak, Doi Pui, rises to 1,685 meters above mean sea levels.

There are two basic types of forest on the mountain in Doi Suthep-Pui: Deciduous forest below about 1,000 m elevation and evergreen forest above. The deciduous is further divided into two kinds, deciduous dipterocarp-oak Forest in the driest areas and mixed evergreen deciduous forest along streams and gullies. Common species are trees of the families Dipterocarpaceae, Fagaceae and Magnoliaceae. Wildlife in the park includes common muntjac, wild boar, macaque and other small mammals. More than 300 species of birds can be seen here, including red junglefowl, pheasants, eagles, parrots, bulbuls and minivets. Rare species of amphibian, the crocodile salamander that can be found in only four localities in Thailand, one in Doi Suthep. Chiangmai

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Angthong Islands : Koh Samui, Thailand

It's the "MUST" program to go during your trip in Koh Samui. There is a nice beach with white sand on the island and also the nice 5 view points on the mountain.

Mu Koh Angthong became a national park in 1980. There are 42 islands of which it has the largest on is Koh Wua Talap, meaning the island of the sleeping cow. Koh Wua Talap has 5 view points waiting you view the whole island group, you can test your ability by trekking to 240m hill from land.

North of this island you will find Koh Mae Koh. On this island there is a a wonderful lagoon inside the island named Talay Nai. It's about seven meters deep and has a few vie points.

How to go?

The easy way is to taking a local tour guide at Nathon Pier, The program is mainly bring you to visit Koh Wua Talap and Koh Mae Koh.

Example Daily Program

07:30 Hotel transfer by air con minibus.

08:30 Departure of fully equipped tour boat. Breakfast is servedduring the crossing

10:00 Arrive at National Marine Park. Start Kayaking along the coast from Talay Nai

11:00 Visit the emerald salt lake know as "Talay Nai" on Koh Mae Koh.

12:00 Crew serves tasty lunch and fresh fruit

13:00 Kayaking to Koh Wua Talab where the Head Quarter of the National Marine Park. Relax on a white Powdered sand beach at Ao Ka Bay or go snorkelling

15:00 Departure from National Marine Park to Koh Samui

16:30 Arrive at Koh Samui and transfer back to your hotel.

*See my darling teach me how to row kayaking

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