Tribal Museum

Situated in King Rama IX Lanna Garden on Chotana Road , this ethnology museum has exhibits highlighting the separate identities and cultures of the North's nine major hilltribe groups, Karen, Hmong, Yao , Lisu, Akha, Lahu Lau, Thin, and Khamu. Open daily to the public from 09.00 to 16.00. For more information, please tel: 0 5321 0872.

Orchids and Butterly Farms

There are several orchid nurseries is the Mae Sa Valley area where visitors can views these exotic year- round blooms. Some orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures where tropical species can be seen in a natural environment.

Mae Sa Snake Farm

Here, some 3 km. along the Mae Rim-Samoeng road, can be seen various kinds of snakes indigenous to Thailand . There are also daily 30-rninute snake shows. For more information, please tel: 053860719.

Mae Sa Waterfall

This 8-tiered waterfall in Mae Rim district is 26 km from town and occupies a lovely setting among towering trees.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden

This international botanical garden, located around 12 km. along the Mae Rim- Samoeng road and extending over a mountainous area of 560 acres, was established to honour Queen Sirikit in 1992. The garden has an excellent collection of Thai and foreign plants laid out according to species and climate, and there are three walking trails. Also here are a Tourist Information Centre, Thai Orchid Breeding Centre, Herbs Museum and Research Centre. Open daily from 08.30 to 16.00. For more information, please tel: 053298171-5 ext. 4736, 4739, or fax: 0 5329 9754

Taeng Dao Elephant Training Centre

Located off Highway 107 at KM 57 between Mae Taeng and Chiang Dao, this is one of a number of elephant camps in the area which put on shows of work elephants displaying their forestry skills.

Chiang Dao Caves

Sacred Buddha images can be seen in the cave complex of Wat Chiang Dao at KM 72 on Highway 107. The caves are illuminated by electric lights.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao

This cone-shaped limestone mountain the Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve rises to 2,195 metres above sea level, which makes it Thailand's third highest peak after Doi lnthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok.

The area is rich in highland flowers, birds, and butterf1ies. Permission to visit the mountain must be obtained from the Director of Wildlife Reserve Division, Royal Forest Department. Please tel: 0 2561 2947 for more information.

Huai Nam Dang National Park

The park, accessed via the Mae Malai-Pai road, covers an area of 180 sq. km. in Mae Taeng and Pai districts of Chiang Mai and into Mae Hong Son province. Forested highland ranges and panoramic views are among the attractions.

Doi Ang Khang

This is the location of a royal agricultural station, 163 km. north of Chiang Mai, which is a demonstration site for the research and cultivation of flowering plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetables and other crops under the patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Outside the agricultural station, the area of Doi Ang Khang is a nature resort where activities include trekking; mule riding and mountain biking.

Fang Hot Springs

Located at Ban Pin, 8 km. northwest of Fang town, 50 hot springs occupy a 10-acre forest setting. Three boil continuously with water temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees Celsius.

Tha Ton

Sited on the banks of the Kok, close to the border with Myanmar , this small town is full of atmosphere and has a few interesting sights, such as Wat Tha Ton. However, it is best known as the starting point for longtail boats trips down river to Chiang Rai, a thrilling 3 1/2 hour journey that passes hilltribe villages and jungle , scenery. It is also possible to hire bamboo rafts for the same trip, the journey taking 3 days.