Doi Inthanon National Park |
Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand, is located in the province of Chiang Mai and covers the highest mountain in Thailand, Dio Inthanon Mountain, 2565 meters above sea level, and also several other summits. It covers a total area of approximately 480 square kilometers. In the distant past, the mountain was also known as Doi Luang, Big Mountain, or Doi Ang Ka, The Crow's Pond, due to all the crows that gathered at a pond at the base of the mountain. In honour of King Inthawichayanon, one of the last kings of Chiang Mai, a man concerned with the concervation of the forests in the north, the name Doi Inthanon was given to the mountain. After his death, his remains were placed at Doi Luang, now Doi Inthanon.
This area is of course also home to the Karen Hill Tribe Village, Ban Sop Had. Here the most beautiful Vachiratharn waterfall can be seen. Being such a large park stretching from an altitude of approximately 800 meters to more than 2500 meters above sea level, different weather and climate conditions are experienced. At the summit of Doi Inthanon, temperatures below zero has been recorded. January is the coldest month here with average night time temperatures falling as low as 6 degrees Celsius. The low lying areas experience very dry and hot conditions during the warmer time of the year which is around April.
The Doi Inthanon National Park consists mainly of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, and is the source of several of Thailand's rivers including the Ping River, supplying water to the Bhumibol Dam, housing a hydro electrical plant. The scenery here is simply beautiful with many Doi Inthanon National Park natural attractions including waterfalls such as the Mae Ya Waterfall.
Forests and vegetation in the park vary and include virgin forest, rain forest, Pine forest and other mixed forest. Teak, Iron Wood and Pine is used for economical purposes. A variety of beautiful wild flowers such as Fah-mui, Chang Daeng, Rongtao Naree (wild orchids), and wild roses are found here. Moss, Kao Tok Ruesi, and Osmunda are found everywhere. Animal wild life in Doi Inthanon National Park include deer, tigers, wild boars, rabits and fowls. The number of wild animals in the National Park have been declining however. Apart from being hunted for food by tribesmen, their natural habitat is also encroached upon by humans. So, when traveling Thailand and visiting Chiang Mai, do use the opportunity to see this beautiful environment. Most Chiang Mai hotels will be able to arrange a tour. |
