Chiangmai: Chiangmai is Thailand's principal northern province. It is some 700 kilometers north of Bangkok and covers an area of some 20,000 square kilometers. Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Thai, the first independent Thai Kingdom within the fabled Golden Triangle. It was found in 1 296 and flourished as a major religious, cultural and trading centre until 1 556 when a Burmese invasion reduced it to a vassal state. The Burmese were expelled in 1785, whereupon Lanna Thai once again became part of northern Thailand. Mountains surrounding the Chiangmai city form lower extremities of Himalayan foothills and host several hill tribes. Scenic waterfalls, rivers, caves, elephant camps, cultivated orchards and plantations adorn mountain that invite detailed exploration.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. this temple is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. It is 1 5 kilometers from town, 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by funicular railcars. The temple's golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year.

Doi Inthanon National Park. Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain and towers 2,565 meters above sea level. Travel 58 kilometers west of Chiang Mai via Highway 107, by regular coach to Amphoe Chom Thong and thence by minibus to the the peak for a further distance of 48 kilometers. Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterize an area with moist and dense summit forest which is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River, one of northern Thailand's major waterways. Various streams descend, forming beautiful waterfalls throughout the park. These include the Siriphum, Vajirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang, and, the largest of all, Mae Ya waterfalls. Meo and Karen hill tribes inhabit the park. Visiting the Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing waterfalls is May through November. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The best period for ornithologists is November through March.

Elephant Training Centers. each morning, at kilometers. 1 0 on Mae Rim Samoeng route, some 30 kilometers from town, trained elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly-valued forestry skills from 9.30 until 11.00 am, at the Mae Sa Elephant Training Centre. A jungle tour on elephant back, lasting more than two hours through adjacent forests, is offered after the show. Elephants at work can also be seen at the Pong Yaeng Elephant Centre at kilometers 19 on the same route.

Trekking Tours around Chiangmai. Trek Meo, Lisu, Yao, Akha, Lawa and Karen hill tribes live throughout northern Thailand's mountains. They share animist beliefs and honor numerous forest and guardian spirits. Each tribe has distinctive ceremonial attire, courtship rituals, games, dances, agricultural customs, puberty rites, languages or dialects, aesthetic values and hygienic habits. Popular `Jungle Treks', lasting from 2 to 7 days, take visitors through forested mountains and high valleys and meadows, and include visits to remoter high-altitude hill tribe settlements for overnight stays. The best guides are hill tribe youths who customarily speak English, Thai and at least three tribal dialects. Unlike Nepal, treks commonly feature travel by foot, sometimes by boat, elephant-back, horse-back or jeep, frequently a combination of two or three modes of transportation.

Orchid & Butterfly Farms. major nurseries are located along Mae Rim-Samoeng route (Road No.1096). These farms include Sai Nam Phung, Mountain Orchid, and Mae Ram Orchid. Each provide opportunities for visitors admire these exotic year-round blooms. Certain orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures where in exotic species can be seen in their natural environment.

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