Exploring the North
Northern Thailand offers spectacular mountains, rivers and waterfalls shaded by forests supporting diverse plants and wildlife. National parks are too numerous to list, but fine examples with cheap accommodation can be explored around Chiang Mai. Walking here is some of the best anywhere, but those wishing to travel faster can hire mountain bikes, trail bikes and 4WD vehicles from nearby towns. The north is home to hill tribes such as the Karen, Akha and Lahu, many of whom live in remote mountain villages.

Eco-tourism and National Parks 15 km from Chiang Mai is Ob Khan National Park, where visitors swim in natural river pools at Ob Hai Gorge. Hang Dong and Ban Tawai, famous antique and woodcarving centers, are nearby. Further southwest is Doi Inthanon National Park, named after Thailand’s highest mountain (2,590m). Three waterfalls adorn its trails: Siriphum, Vachiratan and Mae Klang. Orchids, mosses and lichens grow near the summit, and wildlife includes bears, monkeys, gibbons, deer and several hundred bird species (best seen in February and April). November to February affords the best views from Doi Inthanon, but the upper slopes are chilly at this time. Not far away, trekkers can raft along the Mae Chaem river in Ob Luang National Park.

Boat Trips to Chiang Rai
North of Chiang Mai is the impressive peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, and further still is Tha Ton village, from where long-tail boats make daily trips along the scenic Kok River to the northernmost city of Chiang Rai.