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Chiang Mai - Chom Thong - Hot Route (Highways 108 & 1009) |
 Muang Kung Earthenware Village |
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Various kinds of earthenware, both in traditional and modern styles, are made and sold here in large quantities. |
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| Ban Thawai Woodcarving Village |
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The village of Ban Thawai, close to the town of Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, is a well known centre that has specialised in the preservation of the skills of woodcarving. Its exquisite woodcarving features a diversity of exotic indigenous styles such as Lanna, Chiang Saen, Burmese, Chinese and Tibetan. Traditional folk skills and expertise in the ancient art of woodcarving have been passed down through the generations and Ban Thawai has established a name for itself.
The growing demand for traditional woodcarvings as decorative items has contributed to the revival and preservation of folk art and culture and encouraged the community to preserve the artistic value of its village crafts. With the establishment of export companies in the village, the carved products are now spread around the world and their quality is recognised internationally. This cottage industry is now a major tourist attraction, generating sustainable income for the community. |
| Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong |
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| This temple is located in Chom Thong county, 58 km. from Chaing Mai town, and dates from the mid-14th century. Its Burmese-style bot (main chapel) is one of the most beautiful in northern Thailand. Like many other temples in the province, it is a typical Lanna Thai work of art. |
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| Wiang Tha Kan |
| There are ruins of an ancient walled city, built in the 8th century, located in the village of Ban Tha Kan, San Pa Tong county, 34 km. to the south of Chiang Mai. The ruins include a pagoda and the foundations of the vihara, built of bricks and laterites. Most of the relics are Buddha images made of sandstone and clay |
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| Ban Rai Phai Ngam Cotton Weaving Village |
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This is a village where cotton cloth woven in the old style has long been produced. At present the weavers' central gathering place is the home of the late National Artist, Mrs. Saengda Bansit, who had imparted her knowledge about the weaving process to the villagers. The village is located on the left of Chiang Mai - Hot Route and can be reached by a 4-km side road which joins the main road at a point between Km. 68 and Km. 69. |
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This scenic place offers boat riding and rafting. There are several types of boats and rafts for travellers to choose from. Rates depend on distance and number of passengers. To reach the lake, drive along Highway 108 for 90 kms and turn left to Highway 1130 and proceed for 35 kms. to Doi Tao. |
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This national park offers a breathtaking natural scenery with a steep river valley amid scenic mountains and teak forests. It is about 105 km. from Chiang Mai town on Highway 108. |
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This beautiful fall is located in Chom Thong county, 70 km. from Chiang Mai. The clear water of this 280-metre-high waterfall splashes down over 30 tiers of rocks into small pools. |
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| Doi Inthanon National Park |
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Covering an area of 1,005 sq.km. and being 2,565 m. above sea level, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain of Thailand and one of the most popular national parks. The higher hills at 1,800 m. and up are often shrouded in mist, especially in the rainy season.
According to surveys, there are no less than 380 species of birds living in the park, mostly in thick evergreen forest betweeen 1,500 and 2,000 m. in altitude. The best places to watch birds are at the summit and around the bogs. Along the 47 km. road to the top are many terraced rice fields, large valleys and some hilltribe villages, mostly inhabited by Karens and Hmongs. |
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Most visitors to the park go by car all the way to the summit where to enjoy the cool and fresh air and the magnificent wide view of the entire basin of Chiang Mai. On their way up or down, they can stop to visit three well-known waterfalls of the park, viz. Mae Klang, Wachirathan and Siriphum.
Mae Klang is the largest waterfall and the easiest to get to. Just next to the waterfall is Borichinda Cave which has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and a small stream inside.
There are also vantage points along the road to view the scenic landscape. The most impressive are the Twin Royal Pagodas which contain the Buddha's relics and were built by the Royal Thai Air Force in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Their Majesties The King and Queen in 1987 and 1992 respectively. For nature trekkers and bird watchers, many trails are available, some of which are old routes used by hilltribes.
Visiting Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout the year, but the best period for viewing the forest is November through February.
For accommodation, contact the national park office at Km. 31.
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