Chiang Mai - Chom Thong - Hot Route (to Doi Inthanon National Park)

City Tour • Doi Suthep Route • Mae Rim - Samoeng Route • Chiang Mai - Chom Thong - Hot Route (to Doi Inthanon National Park) • Bo Sang - San Kamphaeng Route • Mae Taeng - Chiang Dao - Fang Route

Ban Thawai Woodcarving Village

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Muang Kung Earthenware Village (10 km. Route 108)

Various kinds of earthenware, both in traditional and modern styles, are made and sold here in large quantities.

For taxi : หมู่บ้านเหมืองกุง

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.

For taxi : บ้านถวาย

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 : วัดพระธาตุศรีจอมทอง

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.

For taxi : บ้านไร่ไผ่งาม

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.

For taxi : ออบหลวง

Mae Ya Waterfall

Doi Inthanon National Park

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.

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 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 : ดอยอินทนนท์

Read more about Doi Inthanon National Park