During the rainy season, you may want to visit a forest to breathe in the fresh air. If you are in Chiang Mai or plan to visit the province, make some time to visit Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
The national park has recently reopened its first two attractions and welcomed tourists to stay overnight.
Ranked among the top 20 most visited national parks in Thailand, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park covers 261km² in Muang and Mae Rim districts. As part of the Thanon Thongchai mountain ranges, the national park boasts six waterfalls, which are also the sources of several rivers for the province. The park is home to more than 300 birds so it is a popular destination for birdwatchers.
The park also has several peaks. Doi Pui is the highest, rising 1,685m above sea level. Visitors can visit its viewpoint by taking a 3km trail. The route is well known to those who love trekking.
Apart from the Doi Pui mountaintop, the park is also known for other attractions such as Tat Mok and Mae Sa waterfalls. However, the park has not yet opened other attractions except the following two sites.
A camping ground at Mok Fa waterfall.
First is the Mok Fa waterfall in the Mae Taeng district, about 65km north of the park headquarters. The waterfall drops from a high cliff (about 30m tall) to the swamp below all year round. Visitors can swim in the natural pond or picnic around the area.
The waterfall is easy to access. It is about 300m walk from a car park. There is also a camping ground, a tourist information centre and four accommodation spots for visitors in the area.
The second location is a campsite and accommodation at its Suan Son facility in Muang district, about 11km from its headquarters. It is a famous place for city people who want to bring their families for weekend camping or outdoor activities. The site is also a short walk to the sacred temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.
For more information, visit Doi Suthep-Pui National Park's Facebook page at facebook.com/DoiSuthepPuiNP or call 053-210-244.
