Pha Daeng National Park

General Information
Chiang Dao is the ridge of mountain of Doi Chiang Dao and Doi Pha Daeng. This is the same area of Chian Dao Wild Animals Protection Area and Sri Lanna National Park which namely the Pha Daeng National Park (Chiang Dao). The forest of the northern part of Thailand is the source of Ping river and Mae Tang river or so called "Khun Nam Ping and Khun Nam Mae Tang" which are located in the National Conservation Forest of Chiang Dao, Amphur Viang Haeg, Amphur Chiang Dao and Forest Conservation of Mae Fang river in Amphur Fang, Chiang Mai province. Geographic here is the complexity of mountains and has the fertile forest. The natural highlights of this national park are Sri Sangwan waterfall, Pang Tong waterfall, Nivet Hold of Water, Krab cave, Tab Tao cave, Doi Pha Tang and Doi Bha Dang which you can make a sightseeing at the top of mountain. Additional, this area also had been found the interesting historical evidence. The national park covered area totally about 1,123.336 square kilometers or 702,085 rais was established on November 2, 2000.



Topography
The area, in general, consists of complicated mountains. The main mountains in the east part, almost sedimentary rock, are Doi Thumglab, Doi Huatoe, Doi Khunhuay Sai, Doi Phadang, Doi Thum Ngob and Doi Danfak. The main mountains in the west part, covered by forest, are Doi Khampra, Doi Pukphukka, Doi Lekjee, Doi Sankiew-khompra, Doi Kiew Who Lom, Doi Tuay and Doi Yang klor. In the middle of the high mountain ranges, north and south between Huay Mae Jok and Hnong Kheaw Village, is the low-land which has low mountains, for examples, Doi Thummyung and Doi Khunpao. And in the west part, the highest area about 400-1,800 meters above sea level, has Doi Pukphukka, about 1,794 meters above sea level, be the highest mountain. There is heavy rain because the area is influenced by southwestern monsoon.


Climate
The temperature is quite hot in summer and cold in winter with the lowest temperature about 7.5 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature about 26.7 degrees Celsius. There is heavy rain in rainy season approximately 1,838.5 mm. of rain all the year round with the heaviest rain in August. The area has not been suffered by the weather except some time in winter which has heavily windy rain come with hail in which can destroy the local orchard and cause wild water blowing down heavily. The wild water is too much so that can damage the communication in the area and the nearby area.


Flora and Fauna
The area consists of complicated mountain range and productive forest which is the source of water. In the semi-evergreen forest, montane forest and pine forest has the valuable plants such as wild champak, Yang, Malabar ironwood, baleric myrobalan, cinnamon tree, pine, Heang (a kind of Dipterocarpus obtusifolius) and eng. And in the mixed forest and deciduous forest has the valuable plants such as Burmese ebony, ironwood, Tabak (a kind of Lagerstroemia), Yorpar (a kind of Rubiaceae), Sela (a kind of Lagerstroemia), Chittagong wood, ingyin, Siamese sal, myobalan wood, Tiew (a kind of Catoxylum), many kinds of bamboo and grass, etc. The area is in the same forest of Chiang Dao Animal Reservation, Chiang Dao District, so that make it be the habitat of valuable animals such as goral, wild boar, barking deer, banteng, guar, porcupine, langur, palm civet, squirrel, chipmunk, many kinds of bird and reptile. And the amphibians found near river are many kinds of frog, toad.

Pha Daeng National ParkMuang Na Sub-district, Amphur Chiang Dao Chiang Mai Thailand 50170Tel. 0 5326 1466

Op Luang National Park

General Information
The Mae Chaem River was originally called the “Salak Hin”. The river created a big but narrow canyon , which is called Op Luang. The rocks and cliffs are subject to erosion by the strong currents of the river and have formed the canyon and strangely shaped rockformations. The water has to force its way past rocks and boulders obstructing the course which is a magnificent sight.

From 1966 to 1991 the park was administered as a forest park. After more surveys by the Royal Forest Department it was gazetted, in 1991, as the 68th national park of Thailand. The area supports a wide variety of natural attractions like waterfalls, caves, hot springs and historical sites, which serve people's education and recreation. At present the entirel park measure 553 km2 and is entirely located in the Chomthong, Hot and Mae Chaem districts, Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand.



Topography
The extensive, north-south running, mountain range of the park is the same as the range Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain of Thailand.


Climate
The park receives a monsoonal climate and has three distinct occasional heavy thunderstorms and strong winds.



Flora and Fauna
Due to this national park consists of the mixed forest, drydipterocarp forest, dry-evergreen forest, hill-evergreen forest and moutain-pine forest lets you can find many kinds of plant such as Tectona grandis Linn.f., Dipterocarpus, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Xylia kerrii, Hopea odorata Roxb, Toona ciliata, Afzelia xylocarpa, Diospyros mollis Griff., D. fusca, Rose wood, Terminalia alata Heyne ex Roth., Queen's Crape Myrtle , Queen's Flower, Anisoptera costata Korth., Mammea siamensis (T. Anderson ) Kosterm., Stereospermum spp., Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb., Shorea obtosa, Shorea siamensis and Pteridium aquilinum var. wightianum, etc. Moreover, the important low-level plants such as bamboo, palm and fern also have been found here.

Found animals here are Serow, Tigle, Bear, Deer, Common wild pig, Common Barking deer, White-handed gibbon, Monkey, Viverra megaspila, Rabbit, Silver Carp, Idian or Bengal Monitor and 200 kinds of birds also could be found in this national park, such as White-rumped shama, Scarlet Minivet, Spotted dove, Emerald Dove, Eudynamys scolopacea, Guineafowl, Coucal, hill myna, Parrot, Crested Serpent-eagle, Green peafowl, Siamese Fireback, Red Junglefowl, etc

Op Luang National ParkP.O.BOX 2, Hang Dong Sub-district, Amphur Hod Chiang Mai Thailand 50240Tel. 0 5331 5302 Fax 0 5383 1432

Op Khan National Park

General Information
Ob Khan National Park covers the areas of Pha Samoeng National Conserved Forest including areas of Tambol Samoeng Tai, Tambol Mae Sarb, Tambol Borkaew of Samoeng District; Pa Mae Khan-Mae Wang National Conserved Forest including Tambol Mae Win, Tambol Ban Kard, Mae Wang Sub-district, Sanpatong District, Tambol San Klang of Sanpatong District; and Pha Chang-Mae Khanin National Conserved Forest including Tambol Namprae, Tambol Banpong of Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province, within an approximate area of 574 square kilometers or 341,875 rai. The geographical features of the National Park mostly consist of high mountains. And “Yod Khun Tien” is the highest mountaintop of the National Park, at the altitude of 1,550 meters. The National Park has beautiful natural tourist attractions and varieties of major plants and wild animals.

Topography
The geographical features of the National Park consist of high and low mountains, extending from mountains in the area of Mae Chaem District, Chaing Mai Province. The majority of mountains in the National Park are not much high. And “Yod Khun Tien” is the highest mountaintop of the National Park, at the altitude of 1,550 meters, followed by “Doi Khun Huay Prachao” at the altitude of 1,443 meters, and “Doi Khun Win” at the altitude of 1,424 meters above the medium sea level, etc. The National Park is the source of major rivers and gullies flowing into Ping River including Nan River, Lan River, Tien River, Win Gully, Mae Toa Gully, Mae Kamin Gully, Lah Luang Gully, etc. Most areas of the National Park are mountains at the average altitude of 800 meters above the medium sea level. There are small plains along rivers and gullies, including hillside plains where villages are situated.

Climate
The National Park has the tropical weather condition, i.e., summer is the longest period of the year. The weather is rather hot in summer and cold in winter. And there are frequent, short rains in the rainy season.

Flora and Fauna
Since the geographical features of the National Park consist of high and low mountains, there are various kinds of forests within the area of the National Park, including arid, evergreen forests, virgin forests, pinery, and mixed forests. Major plants include Irvingia Malayana Oliv. (Krabok), Anisoptera Costata (Krabak), Indian Mahogany, Pometia Pinnata, Sompong, rubber trees, clustered plants, Michela Alba, Talo, Cinnamon, Benzoin, Pinus Merkusii Jungh (two-leaf pines), Pinus Kesiya Royle Ex Gordon (three-leaf pines), teak, Leguminosae (Pradoo), Lagerstroemia (Tabaek), Schleichera Oleosa, Vitex Pinnata Linn. (Teen Nok), Terminalia Chebula, and different kinds of bamboo. Wild animals found in the National Park include gorals, Muliacus Muntjak, bears, fishing cats, mouse deer, masked palm civets, wild rabbits, wild boars, monkeys, slow loris, mongooses, porcupines, squirrels, tree shrews, rats, etc.

Op Khan National ParkNam Phrae Sub-district, Amphur Hang Dong Chiang Mai Thailand 50230Tel. 08 6181 1068

Mae Wang National Park

General Information
Maewang National Park covers an area of Pamaejam, Pamaekhan-maewang and Pajomthong National conservation forest in Chaingmai with 700 sq.km of area. Covering with various type of forest as mixed deciduous forest, Dry dipterocarp, mixed dry dipterocarp, Hill evergreen forest and Pine hill forest. Wildlife was found as mammalia, reptile, amphibian, birds, aquatic animal and day-butterfly

Chronology : Obkhan National Park sent the report to inform that the area around Obkhan National park and in the vicinity cover 4 forests of Chaingmai National conservation forest with fertile condition of forest, high biodiversity, the sources of river and stream so appropriate setting to be a National park

So Royal forest department sent some of officers to survey that fact. From the report informed that this area covers total area 144 sq.km. Present Head National Park is preparing set to be a National park.

Topography
Complex mountainous of Tanonthongchai hill range that is lying along north-south line. 400-1,909 m high above msl, Doiphatang is the highest mountain, moreover there are the others mountain which fall down high and they are the main sources of 3 streamlines as Nammaejam, Nammaewang and Nammaeteun that tributary to Maenamping.

Climate
From the influent of southwest monsoon wind that brings moisture and rainy cloud so it causes of the season. Summer runs in March to May, rainy runs in June to November and cold season runs in December to February. Average temperature all year long is 20 c, dropping at 10-14 c. average rain amount is 2,000-2,100 ml/year.

Flora and Fauna
There are 4 of forest types in Mae Wang National Park, Mixed deciduous forest found in the range of 400-1,000 m above msl. Dry dipterocarp forest found in the range of 400-900 m above msl along a crest and foothills that arid. Pine hill forest found in the range of 900-1,500 m above msl. Hill evergreen forest found this forest from 1,000 m high up.

Mae Wang National ParkSuntisuk Sub-district, Amphur King Amphoe Doi Lo Chiang Mai Thailand 50160 E-mail reserve@dnp.go.th

Mae Tho National Park

Topography
Mae Tho National Park is situated between the northern latitudes of 18o 07' - 18o 29' and the eastern longitudes of 98o 8.5' - 98o 24' . The National Park’s headquarters is located at the Water Source Development Unit 6 (Doi Mae Tho), Ban Lao-li, Mu 9 (separated from Ban Maetho Mu 10), Tambon Bosali, Hot District, Chiang Mai Province.

The geographical features of the National Park consist of steep mountains (400-1,699 meters above the medium sea level), extending northwards in the same mountain range of Doi Inthanon. Mountains in the northern part of the area are about 20%-40% steeper than those in the southern part. The average altitude of the area is 1,000 meters above the medium sea level. Doi Kio Rai-mong is the highest mountaintop (1,699 meters above the medium sea level), located at Ban Pang Hin-fon, Mae-Chaem District. Meanwhile, the National Park’s office is located at the approximate altitude of 1,200 meters above the medium sea level.


Climate
The weather at the National Park can be divided into 3 seasons including the rainy season (May-September) with the highest temperature of 25oC and the lowest temperature of 10oC ; winter (October-February) with the highest temperature of 20oC and the lowest temperature of 4oC ; and summer (March-April) with the highest temperature of 30oC and the lowest temperature of 12oC . The average year-round highest temperature is 27oC and the average year-round lowest temperature is 8oC. And the average rainfall at the National Park is 1,030 mm/year.



Flora and Fauna
There are various kinds of forests and plants within the areas of the National Park, including tropical evergreen forests of which major plants include Ironwood, rubber trees, Michelia Alba, Indian Mahogany, Mangifera Caloneura Kurz (wild mango), Therm, Garuga Pinnata (Ta-kram), Alstonia Scholaris (Teen Ped), and lower plants include Takran Mhaktao, Ploo-din, Kreu-tuay, and Gastrochilus Pandurata (Kra-chai); virgin forests of which major plants include Quercus Kerril Craib (Kor-pae), Kor-duan, Castanopsis Cerebrina (Kor-tamoo), Red zebra wood (Rak-yai), Aromadendron Elegans Bl., and lower plants include Carex Baccans Nees (Ya-kombang), pigeon peas, Aglaia Pirifera (Kangkao-din), Saab-ma, etc.; mixed forests of which major plants include teaks, Xylia Xylocarpa (redwood plants), Leguminosae (Pradoo), Lagerstroemia (Tabaek), Lagerstroemia Tomentosa Presl. (Se-lah), Anogeissus Acuminata Wall. (Takien Noo), rubber trees, and lower plants include bamboo and grasses; pinery and timber forests (mostly found in the area of Hod District) of which major plants include Pinus Kesiya Royle Ex Gordon (three-leaf pines), Lithocarpus Cantleyanus (Kor), Soloropyrum Wallichianum (Muad), Red zebra wood (Rak-yai), timbers, Shorea Siamensis (Rang), Dipterocarpus Intricatus (Hiang), Dipterocarpus Tuberculatus (Pluang), and lower plants include Dodonaca Viscosa (Ya-pek), Arundinaria Pusilla (Phai-jod), and other kinds of grasses.

Wild animals found in the National Park include gaur, deer, goral, Muliacus Muntjak, bears, gibbons, monkeys, langur, masked palm civets, rabbits, wild boars, and elephants, inhabiting in Om-koi Sanctuary, Dong Sam-muen and Mae-pai Forests, peacocks, pheasants, red jungle fowls, parrots, Gracula Religiosa, Trogon, hawks, woodpeckers, constrictors, pythons, cobras, monitor lizards, ground lizards, turtles, soft-shelled turtles, frogs, small green frogs, bull frogs, and fish in gullies and rivers, particularly Mae-jam River.

Mae Tho National ParkP.O. Box 10 Amphur Hod Chiang Mai Thailand 50240Tel. 0 5381 8348

Mae Takhrai National Park

General Information
Mae Takrai National Park covers the areas of Sankampaeng District and Doi Saked District of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 1,114 square kilometers or 696,250 rai. The National Park is the source of Ping River, consisting of high mountains and having major valuable plants and wild animals. Prominent natural tourist attractions of the National Park include waterfalls, cliffs, artesian spring, reservoirs, etc.


Topography
The geographical features of the National Park consist of high mountains, at the altitude of 400-2,031 meters above the medium sea level. The National Park has Class 1 rain forests and limestone mountains situated in the area of Ping Basin. Within the areas of the National Park, mixed forests can generally be seen, meanwhile, virgin forests grow thickly along the riversides and the rain forests.


Climate
The weather at the National Park can be divided into 3 seasons including rainy season (May-October), winter (November-February), and summer (March-April).


Flora and Fauna
The National Park has virgin forests, timber forests and mixed forests. Major plants in the forests include teak, Xylia Xylocarpa (redwood plants), Leguminosae (Pradoo), rubber trees, Michelia Alba, Pterocarpus Indicus (Pradoo Som), Dipterocarpus Intricatus (Hiang), Dipterocarpus Tuberculatus (Pluang), Shorea Siamensis (Rang), Black Wood, Vitex Pinnata Linn. (Teen Nok), meanwhile, lower plants include bamboo, Calamus Caesius, Tetrameles Nudiflora (Pong), Arundo Donax, etc. And two-leaf/three-leaf pines (Pinus Merkusii Jungh/Pinus Kesiya Royle Ex Gordon) grow sparsely along the mountain ridges.

Wildlife, which can be found in the areas of the National Park, includes wild boars, monkeys, gibbons, deer, Muntiacus Muntjak, goral, tigers, rabbits, wild fowls, and different kinds of birds such as parrots, black bitterns, owls, etc.

Mae Takhrai National Park36 Mu 3, Ban Mae Wan, Pa Meing Sub District, Amphur Doi Saket Chiang Mai Thailand 50220Tel. 053 818348, 081 840 0099

Khun Khan National Park

General Information
Khun Khan National Park is situated in an approximate area of 240 square kilometers or 150,000 rai, covering the areas of Pa Sa-merng National Conserved Forest and Mae-Chaem Forest in Sub-District Mae-sarb, Sub-District Bor-kaew, Sub-District Sa-merng Nua, Sub-District Sa-merng Tai of Sa-merng Tai District, and Sub-District Ban Chan, Sub-District Mae Na-jarn of Mae-Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province.

Topography
The geographical features of the National Park consist of high mountains (500-1,708 meters above the medium sea level). Doi Pung-kia is the highest mountaintop (1,708 meters above the medium sea level), which is the source of Mae-khan River and Mae-Chaem River flowing into the Ping River.

Climate
The weather at the National Park is cool and breezy throughout the year. The average highest temperature is 28„aC; the average lowest temperature is 18 C; and the average year-round temperature is 23„aC; meanwhile, the average rainfall is 1,380 mm/year.

Flora and Fauna
There are various kinds of forests within the areas of the National Park, including virgin forests, which can be found on mountains at the altitude of at least 1,000 meters above the medium sea level located on the upper part of the National Park and on mountains separating the areas between Sa-merng District and Mae-Chaem District, and of which major plants include Lithocarpus Cantleyanus (Kor), Pinus Kesiya Royle Ex Gordon (three-leaf pines), Talo, Duabanga Sonneratioides (Toom-ten), Malacca tree, Michelia Alba, Dillenia Aurea Smith (Ma-san), Mammea Siamensis, Planchonelia Cambodiana (Nom-nang), etc; arid, evergreen forests, which can be found in the areas of valleys and gullies (600-1,000 meters above the medium sea level) and of which major plants include rubber trees, Malabar Ironwood, Mangifera Caloneura Kurz (wild mango), Paranephelium Longifoliolatum Lec., Baccaurea Ramiflora, Ficus Glomerata, etc.; pinery, which can be found on mountaintops at the altitude of 700-1,300 meters above the medium sea level, and of which major plants include Pinus Merkusii Jungh (two-leaf pines), Pinus Kesiya Royle Ex Gordon (three-leaf pines), Lithocarpus Cantleyanus (Kor), Calotropis Gigantea (Rak), Shorea Siamensis (Rang), Dipterocarpus Intricatus (Hiang), etc.; mixed forests, which can be found in the east of the National Park and of which major plants include teaks, Therm, Terminalia Chebula, Dioscorea Alata (Sao), Xylia Xylocarpa (redwood plants), Leguminosae (Pradoo), Desmodium Renifolium Schindl. (Seaw), Protium Serratum (Ma-fan), Gmelina Arborea (Sor), etc.; timber forests, which can be found on medium-high mountains, of which major plants include timbers, Shorea Siamensis (Rang), Dipterocarpus Intricatus (Hiang), Dipterocarpus Tuberculatus (Pluang), Pinus Merkusii Jungh (two-leaf pines), olives, Dioscorea Alata (Sao), Desmodium Renifolium Schindl. (Seaw), etc.Wild animals found in the National Park include Muntiacus Muntjak, wild boars, red jungle fowls, porcupines, Asiatic wild dogs, foxes, pangolins, moles, squirrels, wild rabbits, flying squirrels, bats, masked palm civets, mongooses, monkeys, gibbons, tigers, goral, Great Hornbill, etc.

Khun Khan National ParkMu 1, Mae Sab Sub-district, Amphur Samoeng Chiang Mai Thailand 50250

Huai Nam Dang National Park

General Information
It was formerly know as an area of Doi Sam Muen highland development project which was initited by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hilltribe people. As this area is filled with attractive natural condition and virginal forests provided vital watersheds, Huai Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand by the Royal Forest Department on 14 August 1995.

Huai Nam Dang National Park covers four districts : Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, and Wiang Haeng in Chiang Mai province including Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, covering an area of approximately 1,247 square kilometres. Later on it was designated as the National Park for commemorating 100th year establishment of the Royal Forest Department and also for the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 50th year on the throne.


Topography
Huai Nam Dang National Park is situated on top of the ridge of hills and the same range as Chiang Dao mountain range. The highest peak-Doi Chang peak (at 1,962 metres above sea level) is the vital source of important streams which flow into the Pai river, Ping river, and Taeng river.


Climate
The climate is comfortably pleasant. The average year-round temperature is 20๐c, dropping to 8๐c in October to February and soaring to 12-28๐c on March to April. The wettest months being May to September.



Flora and Fauna
The healthy natural condition of Huai Nam Dang National Park is a matrix of highly diverse habitat types. Main plants found in this park are Hopea sp., Dipterocarpus spp., Tectona grandis (Teak), Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Michelia floribunda, Pinus kesiya, Pinus merkusii, and orchids especially, Dendrobium infundibulum which charmingly blooms during January to March. Many wild animals dwelling in this richest forest are elephants and some rare animals such as Salamanders.

Huai Nam Dang National ParkMu 5, Kit Chang Sub-district, Amphur Mae Taeng Chiang Mai Thailand 50150Tel. 0 5324 8491, 0 5326 3910, 08 4908 1531 (มือถือ) Fax 0 5324 8491

Doi Wiang Pha National Park

General Information
Doi Wiang Pha is to be announced as a national park covering the areas of Mae Fang National Conserved Forest in Tambol Sridongyen, Tambol Maetalob, Chaiprakarn District, Tambol Mae Kha, Tambol Mae Kha, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, and the left side of Mae Lao National Conserved Forest in Tambol Pa Daed, Tambol Srithoi, Tambol Thakor of Chiang Rai Province within an approximate area of 583 square kilometers or 364,375 rai.

Topography
The geographical features of the National Park consist of high mountains, extending northwards, which are regarded as the boundary between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. Doi Wiang Pha is the highest mountain of the National Park, at the altitude of 1,834 meters above the medium sea level. Most of the areas are water-source forests for major gullies, particularly Fang River and branches of Lao River such as Mae Fangluang Gully, Mae Fangnoi Gully, Yangmin River, etc.

Climate
The weather at the National Park can be divided into 3 seasons including rainy season (May-October), when it rains heavily in September, winter (November-February), when the weather is cool and ideal for travelling, and summer (March-April),

when the weather is rather hot.

Flora and Fauna
There are a variety of forests covering the whole areas of the National Park, including virgin forests, arid, evergreen forests, pinery, timber forests, and mixed forests, depending on the altitude of the areas. Major plants include teak, rubber trees, Leguminosae (Pradoo), Michelia Alba, Pinus Merkusii Jungh (two-leaf pines), different kinds of Lithocarpus Cantleyanus (Kor), moss, ferns, orchids, etc. Due to its abundance of forests, varieties of plants, and different altitudes of the areas (300-1,834 meters), the National Park has become the source of foods and dwelling places for different kinds of wild animals including Muntiacus Muntjak, wild boars, gorals, porcupines, wild rabbits, monkeys, masked palm civets, squirrels, tree shrews, and different kinds of birds such as White-rumped Shama, turtle doves, hawks, while fowls, etc.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

General Information
Doi Suthep-Pui used to be known as Doi Oi Chang. Its new name comes from the name of a hermit, Prarusiwasuthep who lived at Doi Suthep-Pui was a protected forest. In 1973, The Royal Forest Department decided that Doi Suthep and 13 other forest areas in the country should eventually be national parks. The Royal Forest Department sent Mr.Panya Boonsomboon to survey the area.

After that, the national park committed decided that only forest in good condition should be included in Doi Suthep-Pui National park and areas occupied by villagers should be excluded. In 1981, as the 24th national park of Thailand which encompasses 161.06 square kilometers. The following year, an additional 100 square kilometers were annexed to the park, bringing the total to 261.06 square kilometers.


Topography
Doi Suthep, Doi Buakha and Doi Pui are the three main peaks in the park. The highest peak, Doi Pui, rises to 1,685 meters above mean sea levels.


Climate
Because of the high altitude, the weather on the upper slopes of the mountains is cool and pleasant all year even in hot season, average temperature is about 20 - 23 degree celsuis. In the cool season, the air is cold and clear. Temperature can drop as low as 6 degree celsuis in February, August and September are the wettest months with rain falling daily.


Flora and Fauna
There are two basic types of forest on the mountain: Deciduous forest below about 1,000 m elevation and evergreen forest above. The deciduous is further divided into two kinds, deciduous dipterocarp-oak Forest in the driest areas and mixed evergreen deciduous forest along streams and gullies. Common species are trees of the families Dipterocarpaceae, Fagaceae and Magnoliaceae.

Wildlife in the 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. Rare species of amphibian, the crocodile salamander that can be found in only four localities in Thailand, one in Doi Suthep.

Doi Suthep-Pui National ParkHuai Kaew road, Suthep Sub-district Amphur Muang Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Thailand 50200Tel. 0 5321 0244 Fax 0 5321 2065

Doi Phahompok National Park

General Information
Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, located in Amphur Mae Eye, Amphur Fang, Amphur Chai Prakarn of Chiang Mai Province, consists of complicated geography which is a part of a watershed called Dan Lao Mountain Range. It is the productive forest which not only has a great number of plants and animals but also beautiful natures, for examples, Huai Bond Cave, Hot-mineral Water Pond, Hot Spring and Mae Jai Stream. It is an importantly traveling place of Chiangmai Province. Traveler can take convenient ways to get there. It is 524 square kilometers, and has been declared a national park since September 4, 2000.

Climate
The temperature in this area is approximately 25 degrees Celsius all the year round; it is about 14 - 19 degrees Celsius on November to February, the highest temperature is 39 degree Celsius on April and heavy rain on May to September approximately 1,184 mm. of rain all the year round.

Flora and Fauna
The forest is productive and consists of semi-evergreen forest, montane forest, pine forest (coniferous forest), mixed forest and deciduous forest which have many kinds of economically valuable plants such as Malabar ironwood, wild Euphorbiaceae, Yang, Burmese ebony, Lagerstroemia, Teak wood, wild champak and emblic myrabolan etc. And more importantly, there are rare floras such as Impatiens jurpioides T. Shimizu and Rhododendronwhich which can be normally found in Doi Pha hom Pok.

The forest of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park is on complicated mountain and in contact with the forest of Myanmar so that makes many kinds of wild animal migrating into this area regularly. And because it is the productive forest so that makes it have a number of animals, for examples, mammals such as barking deer, deer, bear, wild bore, loris and mountain goat—a reserve animal of Thailand, birds such as turtledove and purple cochoa--found only in Northern Thailand, and nearly extinct butterfly such as Imperial Butterfly, Kaiser Butterfly and Phutan Butterfly.

Doi Phahompok National ParkP.O. Box. 39, Pong Nam Ron Sub-district, Amphur Fang Chiang Mai Thailand 50110Tel. 0 5345 3517-8 Fax 0 5345 3517-8 ต่อ 104

Nature of National Park Thailand

National Park is an area that contains natural resource of ecological importance or unique beauty such as beautiful scenery, waterfall, caves, and mountains, or flora and fauna of special importance.

National Parks of Thailand offer the visitors tremendous variety of attractions, in addition, they consists of ecologically, economically and scientifically valuable plants and animals. Most of Thailand National Parks are blessed with natural beauty and historical importance. The geology, landscape and natural beauty of the parks was recognized by visitor, both locally and internationally. Their appearances are self-interpretive.

National Parks, in the sense of protected areas, play significant roles in maintaining ecological stability and preserving biological diversity. These protected areas also are excellent places for recreation and education. Up to now, the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department has established 103 national parks .

According to the necessity and importance of conservation of biological and ecological diversity of nature and resource, pushed the Royal Forest Department to establish many national parks covering every part of country, from the highest peak of mountain in the Doi Inthanon National Park to the lowest area of river and sea such as Krabi National Park continuously covering sea coast and mid-sea of the Surin Islands National Park.

Regarding the diversity of species and genetics, actually the Thai academic knowledge of plant and animal species is very limited and consequently sometime is the cause of pitfall of nature and resource management. However, the conservation of natural habitats of these species and genetics in the national park boundaries throughout the country could make a confidence to our children that some varieties of wild species would be conserved at some degree. In addition, some academic research promotion is parallelly proceeded and hoped that one day Thailand would be ready and able to efficiently use this nature and biological resources diversity.

Another valued nature and resource of Thai national parks is the natural-born things which are very unique in the world or so called the natural and resource uniqueness of geological form, for example the 75 million years of shell cemetery of the Nhopharat-Thara-Phi Phi Islands National Park, the James Bond Island of the Phang Nga National Park, the exotic stalactite cave of the Jalermratanakosin National Park, Hin Ngam beach of Taru Tao National Park, the button rock terrace and cracked rock terrace of Phu Hin Rongra National Park, the cliff rock of Rom Sak Cliff and the right place of the 3-leaf pine tree on the cliff of Phu Kradeung National Park.

These prominent of nature and resources, if be destroyed, we could not recreate them by a big money at all and also our proudest possession of these nature and resources would be gone forever. The other side of these valued nature and resources which we don't have too much in the Thai national parks are the natural and resource culture of original communities. For example Chaw Le of Surin Islands National Park, Taru Tao National Park and Lanta Islands National Park, Sa Kai Wild Negrito of Taleban National Park , or the mountain tribe community which the traditional of living style and culture of these communities would gradually dilute, so the left communities are the uncomparable valued thing that we must conserve.

And the last thing is the historical nature and resources which exists here since the age of prior historical record, such as color paint picture at Pha Tam National Park or evidence and dinosaur fossil at Phu Wiang National Park or even some historical evidence which is very important for our nation appearing on many national parks, for example Khuha Khareuhash Throne at Khaow Sam Roi Yod National Park, Phra Nang Raue Lom at Priow Waterfall National Park and the political jail at Taru Tao National Park. Therefore, these nature and resources conserving for our children in Thai national parks are very difficult for us to evaluate them as a value of money.

Doi Inthanon National Park

General Information
Doi Inthanon National Park covers the areas of Sanpatong District, Chomthong District, Mae Chaem District, Mae Wang District, and Toi Lor Sub-district of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 482 square kilometers. The National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand and the source of many rivers such as Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power. The National Park has beautiful natural scenery such as waterfalls, particularly Mae Ya Waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.

Historically, the mountain of Doi Inthanon was refered to as Doi Ang Ka. Prince Intharawichayanon, the last ruler of Chiang Mai, realized the importance of the country’s forests, especially in the north, where the forest serve as the watershed for the country. He was interested in helping and supporting people who were investigating the history in his area. So he requested that his body must be placed on the summit of Doi Ang Ka. After his death, the mountain was renamed Inthanon, a short version of his name. Today, visitors can see the Inthanon Wichayanon stupa on the summit of Doi Ang Ka.

Topography

The geographical features of the National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand (2,565 meters above the sea level), followed by Doi Huamodluang (2,330 meters above the sea level). Doi Inthanon is the source of many rivers including Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem, Mae Khan, and being part of Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power.


Climate
Since the National Park is located at 2,565 meters above the sea level, it has cold weather and high humidity throughout the year, particularly on the top of the National Park. In winter, the temperature at the National Park is below 0„ac. And in summer, despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts, it is still freezing on the top of Doi Inthanon and tourists should be prepared with thick clothes.


Flora and Fauna
The forest in the park is one of the country’s very significance and valuable heritage. Forests include Moist Evergreen Forest, Pine forest and Mixed Deciduous Forest, worth in economic like teak and mountain pine. Dipterocarp spp. Xylia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus, macrocapus Terminalia sp. and Lagerstroemia sp. to name a few. In addition to these, there are many beautiful flowers including vanda orchid, phycastylis and rhododendron. Sphagnum Moss and osmanda fern are found at higher levels in the park. fifty years ago, the mountain peaks were home of hill tribe people. The biggest village was Ban Khun Klang, whose agriculture method was often destructive to the forest ecosystem. Currently the several Royal Projects, assists the villagers in growing cold-climate fruit such as strawberries, grapes and apples as well as flowers. The number of wild animals in the park is decreasing the encroachment. The animals are hunted and their habitats are destroyed for agriculture. The remaining animals include serpent, gibbons, tigers, deer, wild boars, Siamese hares and Red Jungle fowls.

Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects addition many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green-tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush and the Yellow-bellied Flower pecker are known to over summer and probably breed.

Doi Inthanon National Park
119 Ban-Luang Chomtong Chiangmai 50160 Amphur Chom Thong Chiang Mai Thailand 50160
Tel. 0 5328 6728, 0 5328 6730 Fax 0 5328 6728

List of national parks of Thailand

Haeo Suwat waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first national park, designated in 1961.

National parks in Thailand (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติทางบก) are defined as an area of least ten square kilometres that contains natural resources of ecological importance or unique beauty, or flora and fauna of special importance. Currently there are 102 national parks (including 21 marine national parks, อุทยานแห่งชาติทางทะเล). Often forest parks (วนอุทยานใน) are miscalled as national parks as well, however those are less protected and governed by the provincial administration.

The parks are administrated by the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), which is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). The department was newly created in 2002, and took over the national parks from the Royal Forest Department of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The first national park was Khao Yai in 1961, when the National Park Act B.E. 2504 was passed. The first marine park was Khao Sam Roi Yot, established in 1966. In 1993 the administration of the national parks was split into two divisions, one for the terrestrial and one for the marine parks.

Controversies about Thailand's national parks include excessive development and private concessions. Ko Samet, and other island-based national parks, are particularly impacted by private concessions, often in the form of excessive bungalow developments. Further, many of the northern parks are greatly impacted by illegal swidden farming and poaching.

There are 33 national parks and three marine parks in the process of creation, and are scheduled to be officially gazetted in the future.