Doi Suthep - Pui National Park is in the area of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong and Amphoe Muang, covering 262.5 square kilometers. Doi Suthep - Pui National Park is noted for its dense forests and watershed areas and is blessed with the most beautiful environment housing important places of historical and religious interest.The park is only 5 kilometers from Chiang Mai and accessible from the Huai Kaeo - Chiang Mai University - Chiang Mai zoo road which goes to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Voraviharn. From there you can walk upwards for a short while and then turn right toward the office of Doi Suthep National Park.
The attractions in the area of the Doi Suthep - Pui National Park are :
Namtok Huai Kaeo is a waterfall near Chiang Mai Zoo, 6 kms. from town. It's delightful atmosphere makes it the ideal place for picnics.
Phu Phing Palace is on Doi Buak Ha, about 4 kms. from Doi Suthep. Phu Phing Palace is the winter Palace and open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as holidays, when the Thai Royal Family is not in residence.
Huai Nam Dang National Park, is about 60 kilometers along Mae Malai - Pai Highway and 6 kilometers on turning right. It commands a breathtaking view of seas of mist, flower beds and Lisu tribal people. Points of interest are Doi Chang, Doi Kiu Rom, Pong Ron Hot Spring, Namtok Mae Yen, etc.Huai Nam Dang is another area known for beautiful scenery especially in winter, when breathtaking views of mountains are shrounded under a sea of mist and the path along the foothills of the vantage point (Doi Kiew Lom) is covered with beautiful flowers in full bloom.
Mae Sa Waterfall National Park
On the highway 1096 at kilometer 7, you can visit the Mae Sa Waterfall National Park which is located in Mae Rim district. This is quite a famous waterfall with water cascading down and eight-tiered hillside, covered with evergreen trees and bushes. It is a cool and comfortable place all-year-round and seems to attract people from the local area, Thai citizens and visitors from overseas.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon is one of Thailand's most famous National Park and one of the best equipped to welcome visitors. It is situated in the area of three Amphoes : Chom Thong, San Pa Tong and Mae Cheam, and covers some 1,005 square kilometers. It offers marvellous natural scenery. Shooting, fishing and causing damage to trees and plants are strictly forbidden.
To get to Doi Inthanon take Highway No.1009 at KM. 57 up to the top of Doi Inthanon for a distance of 48 kms. Attractions within the park include :
Namtok Mae Ya is 12 kms. from Chom Thong Market. Access to the falls is best made through local minibus. Namtok Mae Ya is one of the large and beautiful waterfalls in Chiang Mai.Namtok Mae Klang is at kms. 8 on Highway No.1009 . Namtok Mae Klang is a big cascade with a scenic spot for picnics.
Namtok Wachirathan is on the route to Doi Inthanon, 30 minutes drive from Namtok Mae Klang. Namtok Wachirathan is a beautiful scenic spot for picnics.
Namtok Siriphum is on the same route, an hour's drive from Namtok Mae Klang.
The National Park's Office is located at Km. 31. Accommodation are available here. Reservation can be made through the National Park Division, Royal Forestry Department, Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.Doi Inthanon Royal Project is located on the right at Km. 3.1, one kilometre away from the main road. Main crops are cold climate flowers. Tourists can view flower nurseries and cultivation.
Yot Doi Inthanon is the ending point of this route is the highest mountain top of Thailand. The weather is rather cold all year round. Some rare species of plants are found such as Khao Tok Rusi (a kind of succulent plant), Kulab Panpi (Rhododendron). Also established here is the stupa in which the relics of the Chiang Mai's part ruler, Chao Inthawichayanon, have been kept