Man vs. Nature: Chiang Mai Edition

Who would ever guess several of Thailand’s national parks are only a short drive away from Chiang Mai’s bustling streets?  There’s more to Chiang Mai than just Muay Thai, yoga, and reggae bars – there’s also fresh air and nature-y stuff too.

If the Crocodile Dundee, man vs. nature instinct in you is starting to come out, you can easily flee to Doi Suthep – Doi Pui National Park for the day (or even overnight if you are keen on camping), only 5 km. from the city.  The national park itself is home to nearly 2000 species of vegetation, including some pretty rare Thai deciduous and evergreen forest plants, and random wildlife such as barking deer, normal non-barking deer, gibbons, monkeys, and lemurs.

If you aren’t afraid to exert yourself a wee bit to burn off that curry belly, there are loads of nature trails all over the park, some of which lead you to some pretty cool waterfalls.  This past time a few of us went out and conquered the small but muddy and steep trail up to Mon Thon Than waterfall, located off the main road going to Wat Doi Suthep, the hilltop temple/symbol of Chiang Mai.  We were definitely ready for some street-stall pad thai after that one!

Mon Tohn Than (kinda sounds like Mountain Man) Waterfall in Doi Suthep National Park.

View Stray Tours visiting Chiang Mai