Pang Ung: Natural Haven in Mae Hong Son

Pang Ung: A Cultural and Natural Haven in Mae Hong Son Province

Discover the Rich Heritage and Stunning Landscapes of Pang Ung, Thailand’s Alpine Paradise

The Cultural Significance of Pang Ung

Pang Ung , nestled in the heart of Mae Hong SonProvince , is not just a destination for nature lovers but also a place steeped in cultural significance. Known as the "Switzerland of Thailand," this enchanting location is part of the Royal Project initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of local communities while preserving the natural environment. The serene reservoir, surrounded by towering pine trees, serves as a backdrop to the rich cultural tapestry woven by the ethnic minorities living in harmony with nature.

Morning Mist and Majestic Swans

One cannot talk about Pang Oong Lake without mentioning the ethereal morning mist that blankets the reservoir. As dawn breaks, the mist slowly lifts, revealing a breathtaking panorama of lush greenery and calm waters. Adding to the charm are the iconic black and white swans, gifted by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. These elegant creatures glide gracefully across the water, offering visitors a chance to capture unforgettable moments.

Trekking Adventure at Pha Nam Yot

For adventure enthusiasts, Pang Ung offers an exhilarating trekking experience at Pha Nam Yot . This trail takes you through the stunning natural beauty of the area, winding along the edge of the reservoir and leading up to the majestic Pha Nam Yot viewpoint. The trek is moderately challenging, making it suitable for both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers. Along the way, you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Reaching the summit rewards you with a breathtaking vista that captures the essence of Pang Oong's natural splendor.

Nearby Attractions

While Pang Ung itself is captivating, nearby attractions like Ban Rak Thai and Namtok Pha Suea - Tham Pla National Park add to its allure. Ban Rak Thai is renowned for its picturesque tea plantations and scenic landscapes, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life. Meanwhile, Namtok Pha Suea - Tham Pla National Park boasts stunning waterfalls and mysterious limestone caves, perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure.

Accommodations and Facilities

Pang Ung caters to a variety of travelers with its range of accommodations. From cozy homestays like Lung Nah Homestay to budget-friendly camping options, there's something for everyone. Prices typically start at around 100 THB per night, with basic amenities such as hot showers and clean bedding. For those who prefer a more immersive experience, tents can be rented for about 225 THB per night, allowing you to sleep under the stars amidst the tranquil surroundings.

How to Get There

Reaching Pang Ung is an adventure in itself. The journey usually starts from Chiang Mai, following the scenic Mae Hong Son tour package route. You can choose between the upper route via Pai or the lower route through Mae Sariang. Both routes offer stunning views of pristine forests and traditional villages, so take your time and enjoy the ride. Just be sure to check your car’s condition before heading out, as some roads can be steep and narrow.

Mon Jam Chiang Mai

Mon Jam A Scenic Haven in Chiang Mai’s Highlands

Dive into the vivid details of Mon Jam, a serene retreat filled with nature’s beauty and cultural richness.

A Vision of Mon Jam

Nestled atop a ridge in the Hmong Nong Hoi Village, Mon Jam is a highland paradise that offers a feast for the senses. The cool mountain air greets visitors as they ascend winding roads, revealing vistas of terraced farms and rolling hills. In the distance, the iconic peaks of Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep, and Doi Luang Chiang Dao stand proudly, adding grandeur to an already picturesque scene. During the winter months, a mystical fog wraps the landscape, creating an ethereal ambiance that feels like stepping into a dream.

Nature’s Masterpiece

Mon Jam’s terraced farms are a testament to human ingenuity and harmony with nature. The cascading fields, meticulously cultivated by the Hmong community, burst with seasonal blooms that add vibrant splashes of color to the green expanse. Visitors can wander through the lush gardens, marveling at the artistry of nature enhanced by human hands. The region’s unique biodiversity is on full display, making it a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Cultural Immersion

The heartbeat of Mon Jam lies in the traditions of the Hmong people. Their beautifully woven textiles, intricate crafts, and sustainable farming methods reflect a deep connection to their heritage and the land. A visit to the Nong Hoi Royal Project offers insights into how the community blends tradition with innovation. Guests can participate in weaving workshops or savor farm-to-table dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients, adding a layer of cultural richness to their experience.

Activities That Delight

Adventure awaits at Mon Jam with activities that cater to all types of travelers. The thrilling Formula Mong, a gravity-powered go-kart, offers a fun-filled ride down the slopes, surrounded by lush greenery. For a more leisurely pace, explore the vibrant orange gardens, where you can pick fresh oranges and indulge in an “orange buffet”. These moments of simple joy are perfect for families and couples seeking a relaxing yet engaging getaway.

Seasonal Splendor

Doi Monjam transforms with the seasons, each bringing its unique charm. Winter blankets the highlands in a soft, cool mist, while spring and summer see the gardens come alive with colorful blooms. The months from October to February are particularly magical, with crisp weather and clear skies that make every view unforgettable.

Nearby Wonders

Extend your journey with a visit to nearby attractions like the Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline, where adrenaline meets nature, or the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, offering a peaceful escape into lush greenery. Both destinations perfectly complement the serene yet dynamic allure of Mon Jam.

How to Reach Mon Jam

Mon Jam is located about 40 kilometers from Chiang Mai city and can be reached in roughly an hour by car. Private vehicles with drivers are a popular choice for convenience, while motorbike rentals offer an adventurous alternative. Many opt for Chiang Mai Holiday Packages that include Mon Jam, ensuring a stress-free experience. Be prepared for steep and narrow roads leading up to the summit.

Doi Inthanon Hike Ban Mae Klang Luang

Doi Inthanon Hike Ban Mae Klang Luang Family-Friendly Adventure in Beautiful National Park

Enjoy an accessible yet exciting day hike in Doi Inthanon with activities and sights perfect for family explorers of all ages.

Discover the Natural Beauty of Doi Inthanon Hike with the Whole Family

The Doi Inthanon Hike is a perfect family-friendly adventure that brings together nature, scenic views, and light trekking suitable for all ages. As Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon offers scenic trails, lush forests, and unique local attractions that children and adults alike will enjoy. From cascading waterfalls to short, manageable hikes and cultural sites, this one-day itinerary provides a safe and enriching outdoor experience that introduces families to Northern Thailand’s natural wonders.

If you’re looking for things to do in Chiang Mai that accommodate family fun and exploration, this hike in Doi Inthanon National Park offers an accessible journey for all.

Itinerary Highlights

Morning: Set Off for a Fun Family Day in Doi Inthanon

• 7:00 a.m. Pickup from Your Chiang Mai Hotel: Start the day with a convenient pickup from your hotel. The 1.5-hour drive offers scenic views and a great introduction to the landscape of Northern Thailand.

• Wachirathan Waterfall: Arrive at Wachirathan Waterfall, where the mist from the falls creates rainbows and a cooling spray, perfect for a family photo. This spot is great for kids to splash around in shallow areas and explore the surrounding greenery safely.

The Adventure Begins on the Mae Klang Luang Trail

• Mae Klang Luang Village & Trail (2 hours): Embark on an easy hike along the Mae Klang Luang Trail. With manageable paths, this trail offers kids the chance to see wildflowers, streams, and small fish in the clear waters. Parents can enjoy the scenic surroundings without worrying about a strenuous climb. The hike includes a stop at the lovely Pha Dok Seaw Waterfall, where families can rest, play by the water, and take in the lush scenery.

• Coffee Farm tour and Tasting for Adults & Village Visit: While the kids explore, parents can enjoy a locally brewed coffee at a nearby Karen hill tribe village, learning about their coffee-growing practices and sampling fresh coffee made right in the village.

Afternoon: Highest Peak and Cloud Forest Trail

• Lunch at a Local Restaurant: After the morning’s hike, pause for a family lunch at a local restaurant, offering authentic Thai dishes with kid-friendly options. This break provides a cozy spot for families to relax and refuel before the afternoon activities.

• Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail: Next, take a short nature walk at the park’s highest point. The Ang Ka Luang Trail leads through a misty cloud forest, creating a magical atmosphere that children often love. The moss-covered trees and dense greenery make it feel like a real-life fairy tale, sparking kids’ imagination and curiosity about nature.

Evening: Royal Pagodas and a Scenic End to the Day

• King & Queen Pagodas: The day’s final stop is at the King and Queen Pagodas. Surrounded by colorful gardens, these pagodas offer beautiful views that are great for family photos. Kids can enjoy exploring the paths around the gardens, while parents take in the panoramic views of Doi Inthanon’s valleys.

• Return to Chiang Mai: As the family adventure wraps up, head back to Chiang Mai with memories of waterfalls, forest trails, and beautiful mountain views, arriving back at your hotel in the early evening.

How to Get to Doi Inthanon National Park

Consider joining a guided national park Chiang Mai tour for a hassle-free family experience. Many tours offer convenient hotel pickup, professional guides, and family-friendly itineraries designed to accommodate travelers of all ages, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day.

Take your family on a memorable Doi Inthanon Hike adventure to experience Northern Thailand’s nature together. With easy trails, vibrant scenery, and family-friendly activities, this trip is ideal for parents and kids alike.

2 Days Doi Inthanon Trek

2 Days  Doi Inthanon Trek Discover Nature and Hill Tribe Culture in Thailand’s Highest National Park

Embark on a two-day Doi Inthanon trek that combines stunning nature trails, cultural insights, and unforgettable experiences.

An Unforgettable Doi Inthanon Trek Adventure

For those looking to immerse themselves in Chiang Mai tourist attractions while discovering local culture, a two-day Doi Inthanon trek provides the perfect escape. This trek leads you through Thailand’s highest mountain, taking trekkers to scenic waterfalls, vibrant forests, and hill tribe villages. Each moment on this journey reveals a new aspect of Thailand’s natural and cultural beauty, making it an experience rich in adventure and learning.

Day 1: From Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon’s Cultural and Natural Gems

Early Morning Start: Pick-Up and Market Visit

The day begins with a 9:00–9:30 a.m. pick-up from your Chiang Mai accommodation. Leaving the city behind, we journey along Highway 108, where rural landscapes introduce you to the Thai countryside. A stop at a bustling local market in Sanphathong gives a taste of Northern Thai life. Here, your guide gathers supplies, while you can pick up essentials for the day.

Wachiratarn Waterfall: A Natural Highlight

The next stop on this trek is Wachiratarn Waterfall, a majestic cascade in Doi Inthanon National Park. Dropping about 80 meters, this waterfall fills the air with a refreshing mist. Its lush surroundings make it ideal for photos and exploration. Here, you’ll pause to enjoy a lunch amidst the beauty of nature, surrounded by plants that thrive near this natural wonder.

The Twin Royal Pagodas and Doi Inthanon Summit

After lunch, the trek continues to the Twin Royal Pagodas, which honor the King and Queen of Thailand. Encircled by beautiful gardens, the pagodas provide sweeping views of the valley below. Next, we head to Thailand’s highest point at 2,565 meters. The cooler temperatures and unique ecosystem at the summit offer a refreshing contrast and an opportunity to learn about the region’s rare plants and wildlife.

Trekking to a Karen Hill Tribe Village

The final leg of Day 1’s journey includes a two-hour trek through evergreen forest, adding a cultural aspect to the experience. Rich with plant life, from bamboo to orchids, the trail leads to a Karen hill tribe village. Here, you’ll experience firsthand the Karen community’s traditions, adding depth to the journey. After a locally prepared dinner, you’ll stay overnight in a Karen homestay, a memorable part of this adventure.

Day 2: Waterfalls, Bamboo Rafting, and Elephant Encounters

Morning Jungle Trek to a Hidden Waterfall

Day 2 starts with a morning hike through the jungle to a hidden waterfall. This 1.5-hour hike immerses you in Thailand’s rich flora and fauna, with the sounds of exotic birds as your soundtrack. Arriving at the waterfall, you’ll have time to swim or relax before continuing the trek.

Mae Mud Village and a Bamboo Rafting Experience

Leaving the jungle behind, you’ll reach Mae Mud Village for lunch, where Thai dishes offer an authentic taste of the region. This is also the starting point for bamboo rafting along the Mae Wang Stream. Floating along lush riverbanks, this one-hour ride provides unique views and a peaceful experience—a highlight of the trek.

Visiting an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

The last part of the trek is a visit to a nearby elephant sanctuary. Emphasizing ethical treatment, the sanctuary allows visitors to feed and bathe elephants, bringing you close to these gentle giants. This unique part of the journey offers an understanding of elephant conservation and the importance of ethical tourism. By mid-afternoon, we conclude the trek with a return to Chiang Mai, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Accessing Doi Inthanon National Park

This 2 Days Doi Inthanon trek can be arranged through a trekking agency in Chiang Mai, offering organized transportation, licensed guides, and a well-planned itinerary that includes meals and lodging. Booking with a local agency guarantees a safe, enriching experience.

Why This Doi Inthanon Trek is a Must-Do

For travelers looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Northern Thailand, this Doi Inthanon trek is ideal. Each part of the journey unveils a new layer, from village life to Thailand’s tallest peak. It’s a trek that blends adventure with cultural insight, creating memories that last a lifetime.

One Day Special Package tours Chiang Mai All must place

Package tours Chiang Mai visit all point of interested in one day

Meeting the tour guide at accomodate around 8:30. Quit from the harbor and drive to the north side of Chiangmai, thailand. Take the highway number 107 approximately forty minutes to Maerim District, where you'll find several tourist sights line up along the area. forward up to the high area , Stop at Chiangmai Mae Sa Elephant park, the most famous elephant camp .

"Mae sa Elephant Camp" flanks a rushing river in a lovely verdant tropical vale a mere 45 mins. scenic drive from city center Chiangmai. Maesa Elephant Camp has been open for nearly thirty years and at this time house to seventy eight elephants.

Each day, the elephants get a routine of bathe in the river, feeding and stage a string of genius demonstrations. You can also ride an elephant approx the camp’s verdant park or learn about their wildlife from a permanent exhibit housed inside number one of the elephant’s living quarters.

And afterwardshave lunch at Orchid and Butterfly Grange, that you'll get pleasure from exotic year-round blooms and special butterfly picketing where humid varieties can be viewed in a wildlife surroundings.
After lunch, Go to see tiger kingdom. The tigers are not sedated like at other tiger spots in Thailand and the services are extremely spotless. The Tiger Kingdom assigns professional workers with each party of voyager to ensure everything goes equably and eaily. When we arrived we presently savvy that the tigers were healthy and didn't look to be dope. We visited the smallest, small and largest cats. When we went into see the smallest cats a few of them were asleep and 1 was awake, we had a picture in there and hope we had got them to come into every cage with us as we took some really good quality images, it's firmly worthy making.

Tiger Kingdom offers a scarce occasion for you to encounter these exquisite, gallant animal for yourself. Please consider doing so while you still can.
After that, tour to the biggest and most popular of the local handiwork manufactory are situated all along a 13 km stretch of the Chiang Mai - Sankampang Road.

San kampaeng handcraft village follows a road to the east of the city. all along both sides of the road are many little factories producing all number of goods that you have the opportunity to observe the craftsmen and women at work and buy their good quality goods. The tour takes you to visit the worlds biggest gem gallery, the famed Thai silk company, the hand made verge factory, lacquerware, bronze goods, leather goods, Celadon terracotta and much, a lot more.

Finally landmark for this Chiang Mai packages The tour proceeds to visit the foremost essential wat of Chiangmai, The way up to the Phra That is a cement staircase garnish with seven-headed King of nagas. Interior the temple is a Chiang Saen architecture pagoda. Following stylised Lanna drawing, the bell-shaped stupa is covered with two layers of gold leaf and has a high octagon base. Bestead to the west of Chiang Mai, tourist can clearly see the scenic see of the old town from the wat. Doi Suthep Temple is held as certainly one of one of the most principal wats in the province. It might as well be said that a visit to Chiang Mai cannot be completed with no a stop to pay a symbol of regard to Doi Suthep Temple.

Back to hotel this Package tours Chiang Mai all highlight, we will end of the tour about 6:30 - 7:00.

wat phra that doi suthep tour

No trip to Chiangmai would be done without going to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the iconic, ancient wat of pilgrimage on the eastern skew of Doi Suthep, the consecrated montane that grow upward west of Chiangmai. It is one of Northern Thailand’s major tourist destinations, yearly attracting not less than about million visitors, both Thai and foreigners.

Located about fifteen kilometres up a winding roadway, and approximately a half hour drive from the city Doi Sutep is known to everybody and getting a taxi or songtaw is easy to do at this point. If feasible stop at the observation deck about half way up the avenue, excellent for pictures and a breathtaking see.
Generally referred as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , it is a Theravada Buddhist wat with sacred sacred sanctuary, chedi, statue and painting around. The first stupa is said to have been founded in 14th century as a Buddist monastery and still is a working monastary. It is certainly one of one of the most holy sites in the region. Aspects of the wat paint from both Buddhism and Hinduism. A model of the Emerald Buddha and a imagery of the Hindu God Ganesha can be see in the temple site.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was established in 1383 under King Keu Naone and enjoys a mystical birth story. A visiting Sukhothai monk instructed the Lanna king to establish a temple with the twin of a miraculous Buddha relic (enshrined at Wat Suan Dok) . The relic was mounted on a white elephant, which wandered the mountain until it died at this spot, interpreted as the 'chosen' location.

Inside the temple neat are a number of pavilions, stupas, imagery and viharns. The pavilions contain the living quarters for monks. A small museum with antique relics, photographs and old pieces of wat wares can also be visited. The Phra Ubosot or ordination hall is the place where the prayers take place. Striking a series of small bells in the sophisticated is believed to bring good luck. Whenever there is wind on all sides the surroundings is filled with the sounds of wat bells adding to the tranquility and stillness of this lovely place. The main chapel and pagoda is surrounded by a terrace wayfarer can walk through. The walls of the veranda are covered with picturesque mural mural, that tell the yam of the Jataka and the earlier life of the Buddha.

At the bottom of the neat is a big parking that leads up to a commercial area, next onto the King of nagas staircase, 306 steps later and you are at the temple proper. If you’re not feeling up to walking the steps there's a elevator that costs just a little to go to the top.
During the Buddhist holidays of Visakha Bucha day and Makha Bucha Day Thai people come to this temple in great numbers.

Ticket : Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (admission 30 Thb.) is open every day 7am to 5pm. If you'd rather not walk the 306 steps, a special part of the experience, there's a funicular railway to the top for 50 Thb.
If you have time to see one temple while you're in Chiang Mai, make it this one. It's further out of old city and you will need to take a red truck to get there - to the top of the 'mount'.

How to go : Get here early or late to keep away from the crowds. To get here, take a red truck from in front of the zoo, at the western end of Huai Kaeo road. The fare is 50 Thb going up and 40B for the Palace. The ride can get cool, so take a pullover or jacket. The bus stops at the base of the naga staircase. Another choice you can contact Chiang Mai tour agency .This tour is available in two options join with group tour or private tour . The private option provides you better flexibility and you can spend as much or as few time at any of the places that you tour. Unlike the tight and fixed schedules of join with group tours, the private option allows you to do the tour at your own pace. This half day tour is a most worthwhile one. You can simplify matters by booking a half-day trip though any tour agency in Chiangmai for on all sides 600B, including a stop at Phuping Palace or Hmong Village that you can select one.

three Days Special Tour Packages Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Three Days Unique Package Tours Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai which combines the activities couple days in Chiang Mai and one day to Chiang Rai

For a starting day of package tours Chiang Mai Meeting the tour leader at accomodate around 8:30. Leave from the harbor and take to the north side of Chiangmai. On the highway number 107 to Mae Tang Elephant Park. Maetang elephant park is situated in the lovely maetaman valley, about 50 kilometers north of Chiangmai and is house to over forty elephants. Witness the splendor of these majestic animals because the herd wallows and frolics in the brown waters of the Maetang River and marvel at their measurement as they emerge dripping and refreshed, simply inches away from you. Touch them, odor them, really feel of their energy and speak to them. Then please select one who you like the most and give him/her a banana, he will likely be your buddy forever.
Travel :

• 8.30 Depart from your accommodation
• 9.45 Elephant Dip and Elephant demonstrations You'll rarely get a chance to get such a excellent view of elephants enjoying the water and see an wonderful show. Elephant shows take approx 50 minutes.
• 10.30 Be pleased with a beautiful ride on the back of an elephant into the rainforest. Elephant trekking forty five Minutes.
• 11.30 Take an ox-cart riding back to the elephant camp to have lunch.
• 12.00 Buffet lunch at the camp.
• 13.00 Bamboo rafting Experience journey by taking Bamboo Raft along Mae Tang waterway
• 14.30 Orchid & Butterfly Farm Drive back to Chiang mai, stopping at the “Orchid Farm and Butterfly farm
• 15.30 End of the tour return to the accommodation.

Ultimately landmark for this Package tours Chiang Mai The tour proceeds to San kampaeng crafts village follows a road to the east of the town. all along both sides of the road are numerous little workshop producing all number of goods .

Chiang mai has long been generally known as Thailand's town of handworks , and at this point in the North in the Sankampaeng District of Chiang mai is the heart of the handcraft industry. Many of Thailand's major producers are located here and you will see all of the habitual handwork of the old days and the new in the shops along the Chiangmai - Sankampaeng Road. Both sides of the road are lined with workshop and showrooms whereyou have the chance to see the umbrella manufacture, Teak Wood Carving, Silk weaving, Silver shaping, and Lacquer ware making. Return to the old city around 6pm.
Second day of Chiang Mai packages, Visit Doi Inthanon National Park impressive vision flora and creature.
“Doi Inthanon” or Mountain Inthanon was at the bebinning recognized in the northern dialect as “Doi Luang Ang Ka”, that conveys its enormous volume and feature. Myth has it that Inthanon National Park once contained a vast reservoir or “Ang” in Thai. This reservoir was where crows or “Ka” commonly came to drink water. So the locals named the mountain the “big crows’ lake mountain”. After the 7th ruling prince of Chiangmai, Chao Intha Wichayanon, who once came to explore the mountain passed away, his daughter, Chao Dara Ratsami, buried her father’s ashes here to fulfill his wish. Then Doi Luang Ang Ka was change the new name “Doi Inthanon” . In 1972, Doi Inthanon was acknowledged the 6th national park of Thailand.

The highest mountain of Thailand
On This trips we can visit summit of Thailand, King and Queen Pagoda, waterfalls, Karen village and royal project.

The summit of Thailand

Angka Luang Nature trail

King and Queen Pagoda

Hmong or Karen Market

Vachiratharn Cascade

Hilltribe Village

Finish this Full day trip Return to the accommodation around 5:00 - 5:30 pm.

Lastly of Chiang Mai packages. Chiangrai, Takes in stunning mountain views and magic surroundings from, the vales and paddy fields. Expertise the history of huge forts, the opulence and splendour of the temples, the bustle and buzz of markets and bazaars, and the traditions of a wealthy heritage.

Whole tour begins early morning. On the best way we stop at hot springs, than off to most beautiful White Temple. Strolling via Temple was strolling to Paradise.
We are going to proceed to the Golden Triangle the place you possibly can see the the assembly factors of Thailand, Burma and Loas. Right here you've gotten the option of boarding a boat alongside Mekong River to the Laos island of Don Sao.

Lunch is served at Golden Triangle. After lunch drive for half an hour to Mae Sai ( Thailand - Myanmar border ), free to take pleasure in purchasing for cheap products from China & Myanmar.
Visit an anthropologist’s paradise within the thriving villages of the Karen, Hmong, Yao Lahu, Akha, Lisu, Shan and Lawa tribes people.

Drive back to Chiang Mai. Because of the long drive, stops might be made on the way in which if any individual needs to go to toilet. End of this hold day program and come to an end of the three days package tours Chiang Mai Chiang Rai.