Doi Suthep - Doi Pui National Park

Doi Suthep Pui National Park is located within the districts of Mae Rim, Hang Dong and Muang. This steeply mountainous park is approximately 16 km northwest of Chiang Mai city.

Doi Suthep Mountain was named after the hermit Sudeva, who lived on the mountain for many years. Doi Pui at 1,676 meters is the tallest peak in the park and the climate here is cool year round. The two most outstanding historical attractions in the area are the Phu Phing Palace, where the Royal Family is accustomed to reside for some weeks in the cool season and Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep, the most revered temple in the north. Nevertheless, it is the glory of nature and the enormous variety of life that makes the park so very special.

The park covers an area of some 262 sq km. There are complete records on all the flora and fauna of the park, as naturalists have studied it in detail for many decades. It is also the home to over 2,000 different species of plant including 253 types of orchid (seven of which are only found here), 320 different kinds of bird, 500 types of butterfly and over 300 types of moth have been spotted here. Still, there are unfortunately few remaining mammals - due mainly to hunting and animal poaching.

Towards the top of the park the forest teems with fungi of all types - an indication of the richness of the eco-system. Here the predominant tree is the Chinese pine although there are many other ancient kinds. At the bottom of the mountain, where the road starts to climb, are situated Chiang Mai Zoo, the University Arboretum, the Khruba Siwichai Monument memorial and a small beautiful waterfall called Nam Tok Huai Kaeo, which is a very popular picnic place. The view back over the city becomes increasingly spectacular the higher you climb. There are also lovely walks in the park leading to unexpected hill tribe villages, crashing waterfalls and the occasional ancient ruin.

Few cities in the world have such a beautiful and 'relatively' un-spoilt natural treasure on their very doorstep. Even so, Doi Suthep has paid a price for its proximity to the mushrooming, tourist-oriented provincial capital. Along with animal poaching and both irresponsible locals and visitors, being home to at least 500 hilltribe families, many tourist resorts, government agencies, agricultural research stations and a TV relay station has (at least in part) added to the general degradation of Doi Suthep. Efforts were made in 1991 to give the area 'protected status' and although this stopped wholesale destruction, it was unfortunately too little, too late. Sadly, the west side of the park has been severely disturbed over the years and in parts virtually destroyed. Today, local citizens have launched a passionate defense of the park and in recent years a marked improvement can be seen by most who know and/or visit the area.

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