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Ten romantic destinations to celebrate the month of love

Discovery-Thailand introduces ten of Thailand’s most romantic destinations with beautiful landscapes for lovers to cherish those unforgettably sweet memories of their love.

One of the most romantic places to be found in Mae Hong Sorn is “Pang Oong” – a small village which is hardly accessible. The landscape boasts of rows and rows of pine trees through which the morning sun shines, throwing golden reflections upon the waters of the lake. Mists shroud the lake – adding to the surreal beauty of this place.

“Pang Oong” is where His Majestic the King’s Patong 2 Royal Project is located, in an area called Baan Ruam Thai, Tambon Hmawk Chum Pay, Muang district, Mae Hong Sorn province. It was formerly and enclave of illegal poppy plantations. Today, the area is a tapestry of colors. A wide selection of flowers, vegetables and a host of herbal plants can be found as they thrive so well in these high terrains and under the temperate climate. Visitors will be enthralled at the richness of nature found here as they take in the landscape, visit the hill tribes and enjoy fresh coffee straight from the coffee plantations.

How to get there: From Mae Hong Sorn, follow the Mea Hong Sorn – Pang Mapha Route for approximately 10 kilometers. Then, take the left turn on the same route to Phu Klone passing Pha Seua Waterfall and Pang Tong Villa. At the signage on your left which reads ‘Baan Ruam Thai’ , turn left and stay on the narrow road through Huai Makeua Som to Baan Ruam Thai or Pang Oong. The winding terrain up the steep mountains and the occasional fogs call for careful driving. Tourists are therefore recommended to travel by day, The village is served by a bus service from the bus stop in fron of Mae Hong Sorn Market: buses leave for Pang Oong at 09.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. The trip takes approximately two hours.

Phu Chee Fah – Wintry Winds and Sea of Mist

Under the open sky and above the sea of mist is ‘Phu Chee Fah’. Its signature landmarks is its cliff that stretches into the Laos People’s Democratic Republic as if it were a finger pointing eastwards, and its grass-covered mountain top that is abundantly dotted by bauhinia blossoms.

Located some 1,600 meters above the sea level, the ‘Chiang Tawg’ village is within sight while beyond it is the Mekong River which runs parallel to Doi Phu Mon. During the winter months, the first light of dawn creeps up from behind the clouds to unveil the valley below, which is shrouded in a veil of mist – creating such a beautiful sight that is unforgettable.

Puh Chee Fah is part of Doi Pha Mon Range in Phu Chee Fah Park. This is part of the expansive National Wildlife Sanctuary. The right section of Mae Ing Forest and Mae Ngao Forest in the neighborhood of Moo9.  Baan Rom Fah Thong and Moo 10 Baan Rom Fah Thai, Tambon Paw, Vieng Kan district of Chiang Rai province.

How to get there : Drive along highway #1020 to Theung District and on to Highway #1155 until you arrive at the intersection. Here you make a right turn for Phu Chee Fah. Alternately, take the Chiang Rai – Theung bus to Theung district. Then, rent a car to Phu Chee Fah. Tourists can also take advantage of the #2402 van service that serves Chiang Rai and Baan Rom Fah Thai from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal. The bus leaves daily at 07.15 a.m. and 1.15 p.m.

Phu Kradeung - Abundant meadows, pine trees, cliffs and beautiful cascades

‘Phu Kradeung’ with its long winding roads and a steep climb has become the goal of many a young traveler, enthusiastic to conquer the challenge of a lifetime with a climb up Phu Kradeung. Hence in the winter months, thousands of these young tourists set out for Phu Kradeung, to enjoy not only the challenge of the climb but also to be captivated by the beauty of this mountain’s surrounding landscape – grasslands, pine forests, cliffs and beautiful cascades.

It is said that the peal of bells from Phus Kradeung is often heard on Buddhist Sabbaths, thus the name of the mountain ‘Phu Kradeung’, with ‘Phu’, meaning mountain and ‘Kradeung’, meaning bell. Phu Kradeung therefore means the mountain of bells.

Phu Kradeung is a national park set on the flat elephant’s ear (resembling a large leaf) on top of the mountain. Its Tourist Service Center (Wang Kwang) provides all the essential services including accommodation, food, advice and other forms of assistance. Tourist sites are divided into those in the’open forests’ which include the pine forests where tourists are free to roam and explore, and the ‘closed forests’ where wildlife roams. Prior arrangement and approval from park authorities are required for any visit to this part of the forest.

How to get there : Drive from Muang Loei district on Highway #201 (Loei – Chumpare), turn right into Highway #2019. Once you arrive at Phu Kradeung district, drive on until you reach the Phu Kradeung Nation Park Office. Alternatively, from the south of the province, follow Highway #201 through Chumpare district of Khon Kae province. Once in Leoi Province, drive through

Baan Pha Nok Kao and continue for approximately 8 kilometers. Then, turn left at the intersection into Highway #2019 and drive on until you reach Phu Kradeung National Park Office.

For buses that run from Muang Leoi district, take the Loei – Khon Kaen Bus. At the end of the bus service, change into a jitney at Baan Pha Nok Kao for Phu Kradeung National Park. The ride is 20 baht per persons.

Doi Mae U-Kaw – Fields of the Bua Tong blooms .

Deep in the province of Mae Hong Sorn at Khun Yuam district, there is a small and peaceful area worthy of a visit during the winter months of November and December. This is because during these cold months, the slopes of the hills in this area are almost totally covered with the blooms of the Bua Tong (Mexican sunflowers) – turning the hillside into a gloriously rich yellow.

Bua Tong is said to be introduced to northern Thailand some 70 years ago by a missionary. The yellow flower subsequently finds its way as far off as Doi Mae U-Kaw where it is now growing abundantly.

Indigenous to Central America and the West Indies, Bua Tong is a top-soil plant belonging to the sunflower family, similar to the African marigold and threeawn. It thrives well in open and sunny fields. Like a smaller version of sunflower, its petals are bright yellow in color. When the flower withers, its remaining seeds will grow into new plants in the following year.

The beauty of Bua Tong makes a most impressionable sight, especially in the mornings and evenings when the splendor of the blooms is at its highest.

To get there : By car, follow Highway #108 (Mae Hong Sorn – Khun Yuam). Approximately a kilometer before you reach Khun Yuam Municipality, turn left at the intersection into the asphalt Highway #1263 towards the vast fields of Bua Tong which is some 26 kilometers way. The yellow Bua Tong which grows in an expansive area of some 400 acres is under the care of Unit 5, The Highland Forest Development Project. Watershed Conservation Division.

Doi Tung – The Mae Fah Luang Garden

Amidst the rolling hills of northern Thailand in Chiang Rai is a beautiful garden where flowers of temperate climate thrive. This is The Mae Fah Luang’ Garden.

The original grounds of the garden, comprising some 4.8 acres of land was built in 1982. Today, it has expanded to twice its size and stands at 10 acres. The gardens are ablaze in color all year round as different types of flowers are grown here.

The ‘Continuum’, a sculpture of children standing on top of one another, grace the center of the garden. Other attractions include a rock garden featuring various collections of mountain pebbles, a water garden with a number of water plants, most notably lilies, and a garden dedicated to palm trees.

How to get there : From downtown Chiang Rai, follow Highway #10 towards Mae Sai district through Mae Chan. Then, at kilometer stone 870-871, Baan San Kong, turn left into a new road (1149) on the way to Doi Tung.

Pai – the land of mist.

Pai is a small district north of Mae Hong Sorn that shares the border with Myanmar and today is a popular destination for booth local and foreign tourists who seek the peace and natural beauty it offers.

It is a named after the river that runs its course from Tanon Thongchai and Dan Lao Ranges through three districts in Mae Hong Sorn before joining the Salween in Myanmar. Hence one of most popular activities for tourists is white water rafting down the Pai River.

The white water rafting covers approximately 50 kilometers in the waters with the grade of the rapids difficulty ranging from levels 1-4. The intensity reaches to level 5 in the rainy season when the river waters are particularly strong. Along the route, tourists will enjoy the scenic beauty and waterfalls where they may want to stop for a dip. Otherwise, exploring caves, and enjoying mud-bathing and cliff jumping could be some fun alternatives. The water, however, is ideal for cruises between June and February.

How to get there : From Chiang Mai, take Highway #108 along the Chiang Mai – Mae Sarieng – Mae Hong Sorn Route. Red bus and van services are available between 06.30 a.m. – 09.00 p.m. The trips take four and eight hours to Mae Sarieng and Pai district in Mae Hong Sorn respectively.

Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Project – Floral Fairs

One of His Majesty the King’s initiatives, the Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Center was set up initially to promote alternative crop planting in an area that was once dominated by illegal poppy plantations. The initiative was a result of Their Majesties the King and Queen’s visit to Phak Fai in Fang district of Chiang Mai.

At Ang Khang, they saw the people of the Museu tribe, who at the time still kept a long tuft of hair, were clad in black and commonly sported a pouch. They learnt also that the impoverished people made a living from planting poppy. Such cultivations were fast depleting forest watersheds and other resources, which would have severe detrimental results on the country’s ecological system. Hence in 1968, His Majesty purchased the land and the farms in some parts of Doi Ang Khange with his personal fund and set up the Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station to study into the possibility of alternative crop planting, such as vegetables that thrive well in temperate climate.

Across the 6,400-acre of land, the Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Center boasts more than 12 types of fruit trees, 60 types of vegetables, and 20 varieties of floral species that grow in temperate climate. These include among others, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, phak hwarn (Melientha suavis Pierre), dryas, the remarkable thousand-year roses (rhododendron arboretum Smith), lilies and tulips. Ang Khang enjoys a pleasant climate all year round with temperature averaging 16 Celsius. It is therefore another destination popular with tourists.

How to get there : From Chiang Mai, take Highway #107, Chiang Mai – Fang Route. Turn left at the intersection at Tambon Mueang Ngai into Highway #1178 that takes you through Baan Arunotai and on to Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Center.

Huai Nam Dang National Park – The beautiful sea of mists.

Huai Nam Dang National Park in the Pai district of Mae Hong Sorn is among Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. This 44,800-acre National Park in Chiang Dao Range is covered in thick forests and rolling hills, offering vital watersheds that contribute to its year-round mild weather.

It is attractive because the park offers many vantage locations where visitors can take in its awesome beauty -  the highlight of which must be the enthralling sea of mists at Huai Nam Dang Vantage Point, known otherwise as Doi Kew Lom Vantage Point. The experience is especially breath-taking if one catches it in the early morning as the sun creeps up from behind the mist. Apart from the Doi Kew Lom Vantage Point, Pong Deuard hot Spring and the Pong Deuard Nature Study Trail are two other attractions of the National Park that are equally worth checking out.

The National Park provides two choices of accommodation, one in the neighborhood of the Office of the National Park and the other in Pong Deuard which has a spa facility. Those who want to be close to nature can opt to camp overnight at the sites assigned by the National Park authorities. They are also able to help with providing food, beddings and such. Prior reservations are required.

How to get there : On Highway #107 (Chiang Mai – Fang), turn left at Mae Malai Market Intersection. Then, stay on Highway #1095 (Mae Malai – Pai) until kilometer stone 65. Take another right; Huai Nam Dang National Park Office is approximately six kilometers away.

Doi Mae Sloang – Enjoy fine tea and sakura blossoms.

Doi Mae Sloang in Tambon Mae Sloang Nawk, Mae Fah Luang district of Chiang Rai province is the site of Santikiri village, known formerly as Baan Mae Sloang Nawk. This is a hamlet of settlers from the 93rd Division who fled the then Burma into Thailand. In 1961, members of two battalions relocated their settlements. The 3rd battalion settled in Fang district in Chiang Mai, while those from the 5th battalion chose Mae Sloang Nawk.

From December until February, visitors to Doi Mae Sloang will be greeted by the pinkish white sakura blossoms that grow abundantly on the mountain slopes. This is the tiniest of sakura blossoms and it is very rare in Thailand since it thrives only in very cold weather. Another attraction atop the mountain is the Phra Thart Chedi Sri Nagarindra Sadhitmaha Santikiri. This pagoda, whose architecture is close to that of the Lanna style, was built as a dedication to the late Princess Mother. Seen from afar, and especially in the evening, the pagoda stands out distinctly – adding to the overall beauty and elegance of the mountains.

The fact that Doi Mae Sloang is located 1,200 meters above the sea level gives it two distinct characteristics as an attractive destination. From the mountain top, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains – altogether a wondrously beautiful landscape. Also, with the altitude, the area enjoys an all-year-round mild weather. This makes it ideal for the growing of tea, and as a result, there many tea plantations where the local people work. Ulong tea, famous for its smooth fragrant taste is grown here. It makes an excellent gift and is available from practically every shop in the village.

How to get there : By car, follow the Chiang Rai – Mae Chan Route for 30 kilometers.  From Mae Chan district, drive another kilometer, then turn left and continue the drive for 12 more kilometers to arrive at the Hill Tribesmen Welfare Development Center. This center was set up to help the hill tribes develop their skill in silverware making. Eleven kilometers from the Center is the Yao Doi Pha Deua Village, a scenic look-out point and where hill-tribe handicrafts are on sale. From Baan Yao, the road takes you to Baan I-Kaw. Turn right at the intersection for Terdtai Village, followed by another left turn into a new direction; Doi Mae Sloang is 18 kilometers away on this route. That makes the entire trip from Chiang Rai to Doi Mae Sloang a 42-kilometer ride.

Doi Inthanon National Park – Land’s End .

One of the most popular northern destination that no visitor wants to miss is the National Park on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak. It was formerly known as ‘Aang Ka Luang’. This name came from several elements: its huge raven-shaped rock formation and the large lake which provided a year-round supply of water. Later the area was re-named Doi Inthanon after the remains of Chao Intha-Witchayanont, a ruler of Chiang Mai, were permanently relocated there.

Since Doi Inthanon is 2,565 meters above the sea level, its climate is moderate all year round. January however is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging between 5 Celsius to minus zero.

Wild plant species indigenous to Doi Inthanon are considered invaluable to the National Park. These comprise Montane forests, pine forests, dry dipterocarpaceae forests and evergreen forests. Other plants in Doi Inthanon National Park that would yield good economic value include teak, Malabar ironwood, pine, Siamese sal, hiang (Dipterocarpus obtusifolia), ironwood, Burmese ebony, laurel and makhaa. In addition, there are many different species of orchids such as the Vanda Coerulea, Rhyn gigantean (red) and Paphilpedilum. These, together with the wild roses that grow abundantly all make Doi Inthanon a truly colorful paradise.

Visitors to Doi Inthanon finds themselves caught up with the rare experience of being so close to Mother Nature with its mild weather, the beautiful flowers that dot the landscape, the birds in the air, the village lifestyle of the hill tribes, and most of all the beautiful mountain landscape.

How to get there : By car, leave Chiang Mai Municipality on State Highway #108 (Chiang Mai – Hawd) through Hang Dong and San Pa Tong districts to Chom Thong district. At approximately two kilometers before Chom Thong district, turn right into Provincial Highway #1009 (Chom Thong – Inthanon). Stay on this stretch for another eight kilometers before you arrive at the Doi Inthanon National Park.

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