Doi Luang National Park

The area consists of high mountain range lying north and south. Doi Luang Mountain, in the north part, is the highest area. The area has laterite mixed with rock especially on the top and productive soil in the valley. The rock in this area is sandstone.

Weather Condition
The weather is three season such as;

Rainy season – from June to October
Winter – from November to January
Summer – from February to May

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

There are many kinds of forest in the area such as mixed forest, rain forest, and deciduous forest, which have the main plants, for examples, Sela (a kind of Lagerstroemia), ironwood, Kabok (a kind of Ixonanthaceae), Moulmein cedar, gangaw, Siamese sal, ingyin, Heang (a kind of Dipterocarpaceae), eng, many kinds of Fagaceae and bamboo.
Animals found are barking deer, wild boar, beer, hare, palm civet, civet cat, flying squirrel, monkey, tiger and many kinds of bird.

Location and Journey

Doi Luang National Park
Maeyen Sub-district,, Phan, Chiang Rai, Thailand 57280
Tel. : 0 5360 9042

By Car
Doi Luang National Park Office is Pukang Waterfall, Phan District, Chiangrai Province. Traveler drives from Payao Province on National Road No 1 about 40 kilometers to Pukang Village, turns left to Pukang Waterfall about 9.5 kilometers and to Doi Luang National Park Office.

Mae Tho National Park

Mae Tho National Park is situated between the northern latitudes of 18o 07' - 18o 29' and the eastern longitudes of 98o 8.5' - 98o 24' . The National Park’s headquarters is located at the Water Source Development Unit 6 (Doi Mae Tho), Ban Lao-li, Mu 9 (separated from Ban Maetho Mu 10), Tambon Bosali, Hot District, Chiang Mai Province.

The geographical features of the National Park consist of steep mountains (400-1,699 meters above the medium sea level), extending northwards in the same mountain range of Doi Inthanon. Mountains in the northern part of the area are about 20%-40% steeper than those in the southern part. The average altitude of the area is 1,000 meters above the medium sea level. Doi Kio Rai-mong is the highest mountaintop (1,699 meters above the medium sea level), located at Ban Pang Hin-fon, Mae-Chaem District. Meanwhile, the National Park’s office is located at the approximate altitude of 1,200 meters above the medium sea level.


Weather Condition
The weather at the National Park can be divided into 3 seasons including the rainy season (May-September) with the highest temperature of 25oC and the lowest temperature of 10oC ; winter (October-February) with the highest temperature of 20oC and the lowest temperature of 4oC ; and summer (March-April) with the highest temperature of 30oC and the lowest temperature of 12oC . The average year-round highest temperature is 27oC and the average year-round lowest temperature is 8oC. And the average rainfall at the National Park is 1,030 mm/year.

Location and Journey
Mae Tho National ParkP.O. Box 10, Hod, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50240Tel. : 0 5381 8348
By Car
From the city of Chiang Mai, you may take Highway No.102 (Chiang Mai-Hot) for 89 kilometers until reaching Hot District, then take Highway No.108 (Hot-Mae Sariang) passing the Op-luang National Park’s office for 54 kilometers until reaching Ban Kong-loi, then make a right hand turn to Highway No.1270 (Ban Kong-loi – Ban Maetho) for 16 kilometers until reaching a branch road. Then, make a right hand turn to the National Park’s headquarters, which is located approximately 500 meters away from the branch road.

Mae Takhrai National Park

Mae Takrai National Park covers the areas of Sankampaeng District and Doi Saked District of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 1,114 square kilometers or 696,250 rai. The National Park is the source of Ping River, consisting of high mountains and having major valuable plants and wild animals. Prominent natural tourist attractions of the National Park include waterfalls, cliffs, artesian spring, reservoirs, etc.

Geographical Features
The geographical features of the National Park consist of high mountains, at the altitude of 400-2,031 meters above the medium sea level. The National Park has Class 1 rain forests and limestone mountains situated in the area of Ping Basin. Within the areas of the National Park, mixed forests can generally be seen, meanwhile, virgin forests grow thickly along the riversides and the rain forests.

Weather Condition


The weather at the National Park can be divided into 3 seasons including rainy season (May-October), winter (November-February), and summer (March-April).

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

The National Park has virgin forests, timber forests and mixed forests. Major plants in the forests include teak, Xylia Xylocarpa (redwood plants), Leguminosae (Pradoo), rubber trees, Michelia Alba, Pterocarpus Indicus (Pradoo Som), Dipterocarpus Intricatus (Hiang), Dipterocarpus Tuberculatus (Pluang), Shorea Siamensis (Rang), Black Wood, Vitex Pinnata Linn. (Teen Nok), meanwhile, lower plants include bamboo, Calamus Caesius, Tetrameles Nudiflora (Pong), Arundo Donax, etc. And two-leaf/three-leaf pines (Pinus Merkusii Jungh/Pinus Kesiya Royle Ex Gordon) grow sparsely along the mountain ridges.

Wildlife, which can be found in the areas of the National Park, includes wild boars, monkeys, gibbons, deer, Muntiacus Muntjak, goral, tigers, rabbits, wild fowls, and different kinds of birds such as parrots, black bitterns, owls, etc.

Location and Journey
Address
Mae Takhrai National Park
36 Mu 3, Ban Mae Wan, Pa Meing Sub District,, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50220

By Car
You may travel to Mae Takrai National Park by taking the route from the city of Chiang Mai, Sankampaeng District, and Tambol Tarnua, within an approximate distance of 50 kilometers

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, South thailand

The site is comprised of with Khao Phanom Bencha at 1,397 meter in height above mean sea level, providing watershed area for the surrounding areas of Krabi Province and then flows to Andaman sea. Phanom Bencha mountain range is layed from north to south.

Weather Condition
The weather is warm and humid throughout the year. There are two seasons, Hot season between January to April and Rainy season between May to December, maximum rainfall is in June to October.

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

As a Moist evergreen forest, fauna in the park consisting of Hopea odorata, Dipterocarpus alatus, lagerstronemia cupida, Malacca teak, Michelia champaca, Parkia speciosa, Baccarea sapida. Ground fauna found are palms, genus Calamus or Daemonothops, greenia wightiana and bamboos. There are a number of animals live in the park which generally can be found are serows, wild pigs, panthers, clouded leopards, black bears, mouse deers, langurs, gibbons, Stump-tailed monkeys, Asiatic wild dog, squirrel, iorises, white-rumped shama, hornbills, pheasants, red jungle fowls.

Location and Journey
Address
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
170 Mu 4, Tumbol Tubprik, Muang Krabi, Krabi, Thailand 81000
Tel. : 0 7562 9013

By Car
From Talat-Kao junction, Krabi province takes a bus through Si Trang Road, turn left at 1km,follow the way of Talat Kao - Ban Huaito about 20km will find the headquarters.

Huai Nam Dang National Park, Chiang Mai

It was formerly know as an area of Doi Sam Muen highland development project which was initited by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hilltribe people. As this area is filled with attractive natural condition and virginal forests provided vital watersheds, Huai Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand by the Royal Forest Department on 14 August 1995.

Huai Nam Dang National Park covers four districts : Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, and Wiang Haeng in Chiang Mai province including Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, covering an area of approximately 1,247 square kilometres. Later on it was designated as the National Park for commemorating 100th year establishment of the Royal Forest Department and also for the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 50th year on the throne.

Geographical Features

Huai Nam Dang National Park is situated on top of the ridge of hills and the same range as Chiang Dao mountain range. The highest peak-Doi Chang peak (at 1,962 metres above sea level) is the vital source of important streams which flow into the Pai river, Ping river, and Taeng river.


Weather Condition

The climate is comfortably pleasant. The average year-round temperature is 20๐c, dropping to 10๐c in October to February and soaring to 25๐c on March to April. The wettest months being May to September.


Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

The healthy natural condition of Huai Nam Dang National Park is a matrix of highly diverse habitat types. Main plants found in this park are Hopea sp., Dipterocarpus spp., Tectona grandis (Teak), Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Michelia floribunda, Pinus kesiya, Pinus merkusii, and orchids especially, Dendrobium infundibulum which charmingly blooms during January to March. Many wild animals dwelling in this richest forest are elephants and some rare animals such as Salamanders.

Location and Journey
Address
Huai Nam Dang National Park
Mu 5, Kit Chang Sub-district,, Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50150
Tel. : 0 5324 8491, 0 5326 3910 Fax : 0 5324 8491

By Car
Start at Chiang Mai province. Huai Nam Dang National Park is situated on the road number 1095 at Km. 65-66. It located about 109 kilometers northwest of Chiang Mai on the way to Mae Hong Son province. Several buses leave Chiang Mai’s buses station each day and cover the journey in about three hours.

For private car, take road number 107 north about 37 kilometers to Mae Malai Market, from where the road number 1095 turns left and head for the hills for about 65 kilometers. Then a right turn leads just 6 kilometers from the park checkpoint to the Headquarter

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

Phu Chi Fah Forest Park is located in the area of the Pa Mae Ing and Pa Mae Ngao National Forest Reserve, which falls within Baan Rom Fah Thong Moo 9 and Baan Rom Fah Thai Moo 10, Tambon Por, Wiang Kan District, Chiang Rai Province. The area also falls within the Forest Conservation Area (Zone C) with total area of approximately 2,500 rais announced by the Royal Forest Department as a Forest Park on 6th February, 1998.

Geographical Features
The area is in the midst of Doi Pa Mohn Mountain range along the Thai-Laos border. The area is 1,200-1,628 meters above average sea level and an average slope all round of approximately 40%. The highest spot is recorded at the observation point.

Weather Condition



Temperature up on the hills can be quite cool but season wise, it would be more like Tropical Monsoon with influence from South-Westerly wind during rainy seasons and North-Easterly wind during winter. There are 3 seasons altogether in this area – summer from March to May, rainy season from June to September and winter from October to February.




Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals


The area is generally covered in primary forest except on Phu Chi Fah mountain top where 300 rais of grass fields covers most of the area. Common vegetations found are evergreen chinkapin, cinnamon tree, sonchampa, champaka and plum. Ground covering plants are, for example, ferns, moss,lalang grass, three-spiked rush and ferns.
Common wildlife are wild pig, civet, deer, tigers, jungle cat, Asian golden cat, wild hare, porcupine, bats, squirrels, hog badger and flying lemur. Common birds are hawk, eagle, red junglefowl, pheasant, partridge, white-breasted water hen, starling, hill myna, drongo, stork, owl, woodpecker, martin, peacock. Amphibians found are tortoise, frogs, toads and common reptiles are snakes, gecko, lizards, scorpion, chameleon and monitor. Fishes found are dwarf snakehead, barb, striped catfish and rasbora minnow.

Location and Journey
Address
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
Por Sub-district, Wiang Kaen, Chiang Rai, Thailand 57310
Tel. : 0 5371 4914 Fax : 0 5371 1961

By Car
Phu Chi Fah is approximately 144 kilometers away from Muang District, Chaing Rai. Either of the following routes can be taken:

Muang District, Chiang Rai Province to Terng District via Pooh Saang Wittayakom School Junction, Baan Sangob and Baang Muang Choom Junction and finally to Phu Chi Fah.
Take Highway No.1093 via Daan Baan Huak and Agricultural Promotion Center – Doi Pah Mohn.

This route is 104 kilometers asphalt road and 40 kilometers local road. Along this route many tourist spots can be found, such as Pooh Saang Waterfalls (Pooh Saang National Park) and Daan Baan Huak – Thai-Laos Village and Agricultural Promotion Center – Doi Pah Mohn where flowers normally grown in colder weather such as tulips and lilies are grown as an experiment.
From Phu Chi Fah, tourists can travel on to Doi Pah Taang, Wiang Kan District, Chiang Rai Province which is 25 kilometers away via Highway No.1093. From Doi Pah Taang, tourists can continue on to Chiang Khong, Chiang San, and Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province as well.

Pha Man Waterfall

Pha Man Waterfall, Kanchanaburi

Pha Man Waterfall



Pha Man Waterfall, see the rain mistamidst the forest



Location: Thong Phaphum National Park
Go:From Ban Huai U-Thong use the four-wheeled drive car passing fruit garden about 12 km. Then just trekking to the waterfall around 20 minutes
Travel: Rainy-Winter
Map

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park covers the areas of Sanpatong District, Chomthong District, Mae Chaem District, Mae Wang District, and Toi Lor Sub-district of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 482 square kilometers. The National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand and the source of many rivers such as Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power. The National Park has beautiful natural scenery such as waterfalls, particularly Mae Ya Waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.Historically, the mountain of Doi Inthanon was refered to as Doi Ang Ka. Prince Intharawichayanon, the last ruler of Chiang Mai, realized the importance of the country’s forests, especially in the north, where the forest serve as the watershed for the country. He was interested in helping and supporting people who were investigating the history in his area. So he requested that his body must be placed on the summit of Doi Ang Ka. After his death, the mountain was renamed Inthanon, a short version of his name. Today, visitors can see the Inthanon Wichayanon stupa on the summit of Doi Ang Ka.
Geographical Features
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.
Weather Condition

Since the National Park is located at 2,565 meters above the sea level, it has cold weather and high humidity throughout the year, particularly on the top of the National Park. In winter, the temperature at the National Park is below 0„ac. And in summer, despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts, it is still freezing on the top of Doi Inthanon and tourists should be prepared with thick clothes.


Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

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.
Location and Journey
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.
Address
Doi Inthanon National Park, Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50160Tel. : 0 5326 8550 Fax : 0 5326 8577

Pha Pae Waterfall, Kanchanaburi

Pha Pae Waterfall

The guest house of Ban Huay U-log Resort




Pha Pae Waterfall



Location: Thong Phaphum National Park
Go:From Thong Phaphum National Park use the same way to Sattamit Waterfall, use only four-wheeled car.
Travel: Rainy-Winter
Map

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006

International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty The King1 Nov. 2006- 31 Jan 2007, Chiang Mai, Thailand



Royal Flora Highlights


GARDENS FOR THE KING
Path of Wisdom
His Majesty the King’s care and concern for the lives of the people, combined with His intimate knowledge and expertise in agriculture have resulted in the introduction and successful implementation of thousands of Royal Projects which have improved the quality of life for millions.

“Gardens for the King” which comprises “International Gardens” and “Corporate Gardens” will not only nourish the visitors’ eyes with cultural and horticultural beauty but will also enrich their minds with exotic cultures and knowledge of agricultural Royal Projects.


INTERNATIONAL GARDEN


This area is allocated for exhibitions of national blossoms, blooms, and horticulture as well as the cultural arts and architecture of 30 countries from around the world.

Each garden will reflect a historic diplomatic, cultural and trade ties between nations, people or, where possible, royal families of the two countries.

Participating Countries
Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, Brunei, Turkey, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Mauritania, Kenya, Nigeria, Gabon, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Burundi, Qatar, Iran, Yemen, Trinidad & Tobago, Canada


CORPORATE GARDEN

Each of the 80 gardens from state enterprises and domestic and international major corporations will utilize creative garden design to visually illustrate and commend a range of concepts, theories and ‘best practices’ behind Royal Projects initiated by His Majesty the King and which reflect His Majesty’s tremendous insight and ingenuity.


THAI TROPICAL GARDEN

The Way of Life
Encompassing an area of over a hundred thousands square meters, the “Thai Tropical Garden” is a colossal classroom that showcases the vast diversity in the way of life of tropical lands. Visitors will be able to witness first-hand an extensive variety of tropical horticulture encompassing fruits, plants, flowers and herbs.

As visitors stroll down the path away from the leisurely ambience of the Expo Plaza, the center point of the exposition activities, amenities and services, they find themselves being drawn towards the Royal Pavilion.


THE ROYAL PAVILION

The Way of Light
The majestic Royal Pavilion, constructed in the exquisite Lanna architectural style, is located right in the heart of the event site. Inside, visitors will be held in awe by the countless ways in which the lives of the people have been positively affected by His Majesty the King’s works and dedication.


ORCHID PAVILION

Orchids of The World
A magnificent showcase of 50,000 orchid plants representing nearly 10,000 orchid species


This will be also be the largest and, at 92 days, the longest-running orchid exhibition and competition ever held in Thailand.

The Orchids of the World expo at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 International Horticultural Exposition is designed to demonstrate Thailand’s potential for being the orchid capital of the world, to promote the growth and development of the orchid industry; promote greater awareness of technological advances in orchid cultivation and production; and highlight Thailand’s success in Research and Development initiatives related to orchid cultivation and production.

The Orchid Pavilion is being built on an area of 6,400 square metres to house a special exhibition of orchids, presented under the ‘Orchids of the World’ theme.

The Orchid Pavilion at the International Horticultural Exposition sets out to be a comprehensive world-class knowledge center for Orchid Cultivation.

Orchid Park
The Orchid Park is the largest of its kind ever created in Thailand. It has been specially designed to showcase a wide variety of exquisite orchids in surroundings that emulate closely their natural habitats.

The exhibition is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Department of Agriculture and Horticultural Science Society of Thailand, along with the Ornamental Plants Association of Thailand, numerous orchid clubs and associations, educational institutions and other related government organizations. It is supported by the International Society for Horticultural Science and the World Flower Council.

Competitions
With the orchid exhibition lasting a full 92 days, the organizers have planned weekly orchid competitions. These include natural orchid gardens; landscaped orchid gardens featuring the innovative or imaginative use of orchids; potted orchids; and cut flowers. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, entries will be judged in accordance with internationally-recognized standards. This is the first time that international standards will be applied to judging orchids in Thailand.

One of the competitions will be live orchid arrangement in which entrants must use their creativity to design an arrangement of living orchid plants, either incorporated into a small natural garden setting or combined with other decorative objects in a free style arrangement. In other competitions, prizes will be awarded for the best potted orchids and the best cut flower arrangement using orchids.




Map for Travelling



For Details

Program and Activity
1 – 12 November 2006
Royal Flora Ratchaphreuk 2006 Opening Ceremony
International Flower Expo
5 November 2006
‘Loi Krathong – Festival of Light’
10 – 16 November 2006
Flower Universe
17 – 27 November 2006
Aquatic Plants and Lotus
1 – 11 December 2006
Rare Species and Novelties
4 - 10 December 2006
King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday
16 - 24 December 2006
Royal Flora Book Expo
29 December 2006 – 7 January 2007
Fruits and Vegetables
11– 14 January 2007
AgriTech 2007
20 – 31 January 2007
International Green Pot Plants
31 January 2007
Closing Ceremony

Nang Kruan Waterfall, Kanchanaburi

Nang Kruan Waterfall

The 1st step, Nang Kruan Waterfall





The 3rd step of Nang Kruan Waterfall




Location: Ban Thung Nang Kruan, Lam Klong Ngu National Park.
Go: From Highway 323 trun right at km marker 26 (Phut Toe jungtion) around 15 km, when arrived Ban Thung Nang Kruan find way go to the National Park. Trekking around 700 m. to waterfall.
Travel: All season
Map

Tho Thip Waterfall, Phetchaburi

Tho Thip Waterfall

The small beautiful of the 1st step, Tho Thip Waterfall

The 5th step of all 9th step























Location: Kaeng Krachan National Park about 4 km. from Kaeng Krachan dam
Go: From Kaeng Krachan dam turn left to Kaeng Krachan National Park about 4 km, then go straight on the route about 54.5 km to the parking. Trekking to the waterfall around 3 km.
Travel: All season
Map