Phitsanulok City

In addition to its importance in the history of Thailand, Phitsanulok features rivers, mountains, and forests, ideal for lovers of natural beauty.  Apart from its exceptional natural charisma, Phitsanulok provides visitors with an opportunity to explore notable chapters of Thailand's history. For example, Phitsanulok contains evidence of an ancient community dating back between 2,000 and 4,000 years, including ancient stone axes. In addition, the old temple of Wat Chula Mani, situated 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even before the Sukhothai Kingdom came to power in the 12th century.

Wild-Sunflower Field at Doi Mae U-Kho

Located near the Mae U-Kho Waterfall, the Wild-Sunflower Field (Thung Bua Thong) covers over 1,000 rai of land. This field is by far the most visited place at Doi Mae U-Kho, especially during November and December when wild-sunflowers bloom, blanketing the surrounding fields for as far as the eye can see.

It is believed that Christian missionaries who entered the area about 70 years ago, were the first to plant these magnificent flowers, as they are actually native to Central and South America, where they are known as the 'Mexican Sunflower'.

          

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Trip Guide-Chiang Rai

Fullday Doi Mae Salong/ Pa Tai and Boat Trip along Mae Kok River

Visit Doi Mae Salong, village of the Chinese refugees. Along the way make a stop at the Hilltribe Development Centre, the centre aids and administers local hilltribe settlements. Hilltribe handicrafts, including woven cloth. Continue to Pa Tai begin 2-hour excursion along Mae Kok river by longtail boat to Chiang Rai via Akha village, forest park, hot spa and Karen village.

Full-day Elephant Safari

1-hour excursion along Mae Kok River by longtail boat to Karen village and begin a 2-hour elephant ride across hills, valleys and streams to hilltribes villages where lunch will be served. Continue with a 1-hour walk to visit the waterfall and return to Chiang Rai by van or local minibus.

Fullday Chiang Saen/ Boat Trip along Mekong River/ Chiang Khong

Visit Chiang Saen to see the ruins of this ancient city. Then cruise by longtail boat enjoy a scenic along the Mekong River with spectacular views of the Laotian countryside via Ban Hat Bai (Thai Lue weaving village) and visit the town of Chiang Khong where the giant fresh water “Pla Buk, Catfish” are caught between April 18 and early June each year. Visit the Yao an Hmong hilltribe villages, and return to Chiang Rai.

Fullday Doi Tung or Doi Mae Salong/ Mae Sai/ Chiang Saen

Visit Phra That Doi Tung, the twin pagodas where it is believed the collarbone of the Lord Buddha is contained, and the Doi Tung Royal Villa, The Mae Fah Luang Garden. Continue to Mae sai, Thailand’s northernmost point, and tour a bustling market-place full of goods from Myanmar and China. Then tour the ancient city of Chiang Saenincluding ruins of numerous temples, stupas, Buddha images, Lanna Thai artifacts are still to be seen. Archeological objects are exhibited at the museum. Alternative:-Visit Doi Mae Salong Village the Chinese refugees. “Santi Khiri” is home to descendants of Chinese Nationalist soliders who fled to Thailand in 1940. Mountainside tea plantations and fruit orchards provide good scenery. Along the way make a stop at the Akha-Yao villages and Hilltribe Development Centre.

Half-day City Tour/ Boat Trip along Mae Kok River

Enjoy a pleasant ride by trishaw, the favorite mode of local transportation, and tour the city. Visit local market area and major temples i.e. Wat Phra Kaeo, which once housed the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Doi Khao Khwai or Wat Doi Thong, city view point. Continue with a short excursion along Mae Kok River by longtail boat.

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Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more ’laid back’ now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

How to get there?

From Bangkok - Chiang Rai

By Air

Thai Airways has daily flights connecting Bangkok with Chiang Rai. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, the Chiang Rai Office tel. 0 5371 1179, 0 5371 5207, or view their website at www.thaiairways.com

One-Two-Go offers daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Call 1126 or book online at http://www.fly12go.com

SGA offers flights to Chiang Rai. Call 0 2664 6099 or visit: www.sga.co.th

By Bus

The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.

By Car

Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km.

By Rail

There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang (9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.

By Boat

The capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River.

From Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai

By Bus

Chiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.

By Air

Airlines have numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.

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Doi Inthanon National Park

This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Ping river and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers.

Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.

Getting there: Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 108 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometres along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good asphalt road takes visitors up but is rather steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8.

Doi Inthanon can be reached by a local truck (Song Thaeo) from Phra That Chom Thong or Mae Klang Waterfall. The Song Thaeo runs to Doi Inthanon National Park Office (Km. 31) and neighbouring villages. A chartered Song Thaeo costing around 800 baht can make stops at other attractions around the area.

Admission : adult 400 baht, child 200 baht

Facilities :

Accommodation, restaurants, and camping sites are available at the park headquarters at Km. 31. Tel: 0 5335 5728, 0 5326 8550, 0 5326 8550, 0 5326 8577 Bangkok Tel: 0 2562 0760 or http://www.dnp.go.th/

Attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park

Namtok Mae Ya is one of the most beautiful cascades in Chiang Mai. Water flows from a 280-metre steep cliff onto different rock formations in a lower basin like drapes. The well-managed waterfall is teeming with verdant forests and is best for recreation. It is located 1 kilometre from Highway No. 1009 junction, turn left for 14 kilometres and then take a 200-metre walk.

Namtok Mae Klang is a 100-metre one-level waterfall located 8 kilometres from Highway No. 1009 junction and turn left onto an asphalt road for 500 metres.

Tham Bori Chinda is a large cave located near Namtok Mae Klang at Km. 8.5 of Highway No. 1009. The road sign to Tham Bori Chinda will be seen at the junction on the right. The deep cave has stalactite and stalagmite formations, Buddha images and a rocky stream. The surface of the water glitters like diamonds flake when light reflects the stream. Sunlight in the cave allows visitors to see the entire cave.

The Tourist Centre at Km. 9 has exhibits on nature and animals that inhabit the area.

Namtok Wachirathan is a large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff into a deep pool below. When there is a large amount of water, there are large splashes in the basin, creating a cool and refreshing environment. The delightful ambience can be felt by walking on a slippery bridge that leads to the waterfall. To get there, turn right off Highway No.1009 at Km. 21, then follow the signpost to the waterfall a further 350 metres on foot. At Km.20 a new road is built to reduce the walk to the waterfall.

Namtok Siriphum is a splendid waterfall that falls from a steep cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to Doi Inthanon. The attractive waterfall is located at Km. 31 of Highway No. 1009, take a right turn for 2 kilometres and is approachable only on foot from the base of the waterfall.

Doi Inthanon Royal Project is in Khun Klang village close to the park headquarters. The project was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices. Most produces are temperate zone plants. Flower plantations, a plant breeding research lab and flower plantations of hill tribes (Hmong) are open to visitors.

Phumisiri, twin pagodas located at Km. 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both pagodas share the similar bases as well as a two-level walking path that surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon Peak has a cool climate all year round. The Air Force Radar Station and King Inthawichayanon’s stupa located on the mountaintop. King Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so familia with Doi Inthanon that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here. The Tourist Information Centre, near the top of Doi Inthanon, exhibits a chronological background of the mountain, including its geography, biology, forests, and animals.

Namtok Mae Pan is the longest waterfall in Chiang Mai, which flows from a 100-metre cliff. Its charm can be enjoyed by standing some distance from the falls. From afar, the white water and the green forests around the falls make a beautiful picture. From Km. 38 of Highway No. 1009, drive along the Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem road (Highway No. 1192) for 6 kilometres and a sign to the waterfall will be seen, then drive on an unpaved road for 9 kilometres. The lovely waterfall can be reached by a ten-minute walk from a parking lot. In the rainy season, the road to Namtok Mae Phan is in a poor condition; only a four-wheel vehicle could make the journey.

Namtok Huai Sai Lueang is beyond Namtok Mae Pan, about 21 kilometres from Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem Road. Turn left to an unpaved road where only a four-wheel vehicle could make a trip in the rainy season. The medium-size cascade has water all year round and flows from a cliff to each level.

Natural Study trek on Doi Inthanon Kiu Mae Pan starts from Km. 42. This short trail, winding through pristine forest for about 2.5 kilometres, a 3-hour walk, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand. The Rhododendrons, commonly found in the Himalayas, are found along the trail and they are in full bloom during December-February. Trekkers on this route should seek permission from the park headquarters at Km. 31 for safety reasons. A group of not more than 15 people is recommended. Food consumption is not allowed while trekking. This nature trail is closed for reforestation from June 1 to October 30 annually.

Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail was surveyed and designed by Mr. Michael MacMillan Walls, a Canadian volunteer biologist who devoted to his work and died from a heart attack on this mountain. This trail is 360 metres long, passing through wet and cold areas in a lush valley. Forest above 2,000 metres is covered with lichens and wild orchids. Indigenous plants that needs a high level of nutrition, organic deposits, and rare species of birds are seen along the trail.

There are more nature trails on Doi Inthanon, each providing different views of the diversity of plants, reforestation, the importance of tributaries, the origin of caves, hilltribe agriculture, and birdwatching. Walking trails range from 1 to 8 kilometres. Each trip needs approval from the Chief of the National Park and a trekking leader is needed. The service is obtained at the Park Office at Km. 31.

Birdwatching on Doi Inthanon Inthanon

Birdwatching Information Centre (Uncle Daeng’s Shop) is located at Km. 31. This is a bird information exchange centre among birdwatchers, nature students and the general public. The information details the habitat and food of birds and animals living on Doi Inthanon. The aim is to pass on this knowledge to the next generation. It also provides the Doi Inthanon Birdwatching Diary, bird sketches by various bird watching experts, birdwatching trails, bird pictures, and slides.

Winter is the best time for birdwatching when indigenous and migrant birds are found including Eurasian Woodcock, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Forest Wagtail, Chestnut Thrush, Scarlet Finch, Little Bunting, and Crested Bunting.

Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon

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Recommended 1 Day Tour Program in Chiang Mai

1 day Safari

Elephant show

Elephant Riding and visit Hill tribe Village. (Takes about 40 minutes or more)

Ox Cart Riding (takes about 30 minutes or more)

Bamboo rafting (takes about 35 minutes or more)

Visit orchid farm and butterfly farm (takes about 30 minutes or more)

1 day Trekking

Elephant Riding (Takes about 45 minutes or more)

Visit Meo & Karen Hilltribe Village and Waterfall.

Bamboo rafting (Takes about 45 minutes or more depend the water’s level)

1 day in Chiang Rai

Visit Mae ka jan Hot spring for a half an hour.

Visit Chiang Sean Old City for a half an hour.

Visit the Golden Triangle for a half an hour. Buffet Lunch (included Tea or Coffee and Fruit)

Enjoy shopping at Mae Sai. Visit Yao & Akha Village

1 day for Inthanon National Park

Visit Wachiratarn waterfall for a half an hour.

Visit Karen Village for a half an hour.

Visit Inthanon Royal Project

Visit the Twin Pagodas “Pra Mahathat Napametaneedon and Pra Mahathat Noppapol Phumisiri”

The Peak of Doi Inthanon; Thailand’s highest peak.

Visit Siritarn Waterfall for a half an hour.

Note: Please contact your licensed travel agent for above programs. To check the registered travel agents please call Registration Office Northern Provinces, Tourism Authority of Thailand at 0 5320 4602 or 0 5320 4485 (Mon.-Fri. from 08.30-16.30)

  

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