Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Located approximately 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai City is Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Thailand, named after a hermit that used to stay on the mountain. The park covers some 260 square kilometers with Doi Pui being the highest peak in the park, measuring 1670 meters above sea level. The park is home to the most revered temple in the north, Wat Phra Borommathat and the Phu Ping Palace, used by The Royal Family at certain times of the year.

Doi Suthep Pui is home to the popular Chiang Mai Night Safari, a government theme park, built to boost tourism in Chiang Mai. Here, tourists can experience the environment and wild animals of the area in their natural habitat during a guided tour which most Chiang Mai Hotels will be happy to arrange, while at the same time learn more about the echo system. The park is also home to many hill tribes and hill tribe villages including the Lisu, Lahu, Hmong and Akha tribes. Tourists in their thousands trek here annually to experience the beauty and to meet the hill tribes of Chiang Mai.

Several hiking trails in Doi Suthep Pui National Park exist, offering some of the most scenic experiences. Huai Kaeo, Monthathan and Maesa waterfalls add to the allure of these hiking trails. Should you wish to over-night here, some accommodation is provided for in the park.

Doi Suthep Phui is a botanical Eden, with the botanical garden probably boasting the largest plant species diversity to be found in any nature park. In fact, more than 2000 plant species have been recorded, more than 300 bird species, more than 60 mammal species and at least 50 species of reptiles.

Forest on the mountain consist of mainly of deciduous forest below 1000 meters and evergreen forest above 1000 meters. Wildlife in Doi Suthep Pui National Park includes common muntjac, wild boar, macaque and other small mammals. More than 300 species of birds can be seen here, including red junglefowl, pheasants, eagles, parrots, bulbuls and minivets. Doi Suthep is also one of only four Thailand destinations where the crocodile salamander can be found..