PHAYAO : Attraction Mae Puem National Park

Mae Puem National Park

Mae Puem National Park It comprises dry evergreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, pine forest, and mixed deciduous forest. Plants found in the park include teak, ironwood - Xylia xylocarpa, Burma paduak, Makha Mong - Afzelia xylocarpa, 2-needled pine, rosewood, Hiang - Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, plants in the Fagaceae family, as well as, more than 40 species of birds and other fauna such as barking deer, wild boars, fishing cats, mouse deer, etc. Mae Puem National Park Mae Puem National Park covers an area of 222,500 rai in Chiang Rai and Phayao Provinces. Most of the areas are steep mountain ranges, being the origin of the Mae Kaeo and Mae Puem Rivers. It comprises dry evergreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, pine forest, and mixed deciduous forest. Plants found in the park include teak, ironwood - Xylia xylocarpa, Burma paduak, Makha Mong - Afzelia xylocarpa, 2-needled pine, rosewood, Hiang - Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, plants in the Fagaceae family, as well as, more than 40 species of birds and other fauna such as barking deer, wild boars, fishing cats, mouse deer, etc. Moreover, it is a significant place of reserving water; namely, Mae Puem Reservoir with an area of around 5,000 rai. During January – March of every year, a large number of teals usually migrate to the reservoir. Activities provided are paddle boats and a nature study route. For further information, please contact Mae Puem National Park, Ban Pa Tueng, Mae Chai Sub-district, Mae Chai District, Phayao Province, 56130 or Bangkok Office, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.

PHAYAO : Attraction Phu Sang National Park

Phu Sang National Park

Phu Sang National Park Apart from the perfect natural condition, the national park is also a habitat of Pu Lu or Siamese big-headed turtles, a rare and endangered species of turtle. This kind of turtle is small, short, has a long tail and big head. As their head is large, their 4-legs and tail cannot be drawn back into their shell.

Phu Sang National Park

Phu Sang National Park is a part of Doi Pha Mon Mountain Range in King Amphoe Phu Sang, Chiang Kham District, Phayao, and Theong District, Chiang Rai, with a 30-kilometre boundary, connecting to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, covering a total area of 178,049 rai. Within the area are hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest. The precious plants include Yang – Dipterocarpus alatus, Takhian - Hopea odorata, Champi Pha – Michelia floribunda, cigar-box cedar, Burma Padauk, teak, Rang - Shorea siamensis, etc. This area comprises high and undulating mountain ranges where the summit of Doi Pha Mon, an original source of the Lao, Pueai, Bong, and Yuan Rivers, nurturing the agricultural sites of Chiang Kham District, Phu Sang Minor District in Phayao Province, and Thoeng District in Chiang Rai Province, is located. Apart from the perfect natural condition, the national park is also a habitat of Pu Lu or Siamese big-headed turtles, a rare and endangered species of turtle. This kind of turtle is small, short, has a long tail and big head. As their head is large, their 4-legs and tail cannot be drawn back into their shell. When their enemies or danger approach, especially forest fire, the turtles are usually killed by the fire. Therefore, Pu Lu turtles have become a symbol of the prevention of forest fire in Thailand. The Pu Lu turtles stay in the abundant forests on the high mountains, near the waterfalls or creeks with clean and clear water flowing throughout the year. The turtles can be observed during the nighttime, while they are searching for food.

Interesting attractions within the national park are as follows:
Namtok Phu Sang is a 25-metre-high limestone waterfall with a stream throughout the year. The water in this waterfall is 33ºC warm and clear without the smell of sulphate. Its basin is suitable for bathing. The waterfall is located by the road, 300 metres from the Office of the National Park. On its opposite side is located a welfare shop where visitors can take a rest and have a meal.

Phu Sang Warm Spring is a seepage whose water is a headspring of the Phu Sang Waterfall with a temperature of 35ºC. It is situated upstream of the Phu Sang Waterfall. The surroundings are abundant evergreen forest and freshwater swamp forest.

Tham Pha Daeng is a large-size limestone cave with a depth of approximately 450 metres. Within the cave are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It is located 48 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. A ranger leading a visit to the cave is a must. Please inform the national park in advance for a visit.

Tham Nam Lot is a small stone cave located at the foot of Doi Pha Daeng, approximately 10 metres from Tham Pha Daeng. The cave is 250 metres deep with a stream flowing through the cave. The level of the water is 50-100 centimetres deep. Visitors have to wade through the water during their cave visit and a ranger leading the visit is necessary.

Doi Pha Dam is a limestone mountain where stands a large cliff, a beautiful sculptural art of the nature. It is 1,096 metres above sea level. Doi Pha Dam overlooks the Phu Sang National Park’s Ranger Station 1 (Pha Daeng) within the compound of Rom Yen Sub-district, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province. It is 47 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. It takes 3-4 hours for a walking tour and a ranger leading the tour is necessary.

Tham Luang is a large limestone cave. It is quite wide but not deep, with a width of approximately 200 metres. It is a location of the Ranger Station 2, Huai Sa. Tham Luang is 500 metres from the station and 32 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. Visitors have to slightly climb up the mountains to the cave and a ranger leading the trip is obligatory.

Tham Nam Dang is a large cave where there is a waterfall and beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites located inside. It was once a secret refuge of the Pho Ko Kho – the Communist Insurgents.

The Nature Study Route There are overall 3 routes in the national park with a distance of 1,400 metres (Huai Miang Route), 1,700 metres (Phu Sang Waterfall Route), and 2,400 metres (Huai Sa Route). Each of them takes approximately 2 hours for a trekking tour. There are also interpretation signs along the route; therefore, visitors can take a walk by themselves.

Pu Lu or Siamese Big-headed Turtles are a rare and endangered species of turtle whose origin is in the Upper North and along the frontier connecting to Myanmar, and the southern part of China. Their unique characteristics are shortness, with dark green to black shell, with a length of approximately 15-20 centimetres. The distinctive point is that their tail is lined up in segments and longer than their shell. Therefore, they are not able to draw their head, legs, and tail into their shell. They are very good at climbing by using their nails and tail. Pu Lu turtles search for food during the night. They eat shrimp, shells, crabs, and fish, but not vegetables. During daytime, they usually hide in between the gaps of cold stones. Moreover, in winter, they will hibernate.

The National Park provides accommodation, camping areas, as well as, a welfare shop for tourists. For further information, please contact the Phu Sang National Park, Mu 10, Phu Sang Sub-district, Phu Sang Minor District, Phayao Province 56110, Tel. 0 5440 1099.

To get there: The National Park is located 90 kilometres from Phayao Province. Take the Phayao – Dok Khamtai – Chun – Chiang Kham – Thoeng Route, 6 kilometres from Chiang Kham District. Turn right into Highway No. 1093 for 17 kilometres from Chiang Kham. Prior to Phu Sang Witthayakhom School, turn right and pass the Phu Sang Minor District Office. Otherwise, travel from Chiang Rai Province – Thoeng – Chiang Kham route. The total distance is 100 kilometres along Highway No. 1021.

By bus: Take the Phayao – Chiang Kham District Bus or Chiang Rai – Chiang Kham District Bus and continue by mini bus, routing Chiang Kham – Ban Huak. The bus will pass the Office of the National Park along Highway No. 1093, a distance of 20 kilometres.

PHAYAO : General Information

PHAYAO : General Information

Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a peaceful province. Though with only modest facilities and conveniences, it is an enchanting community with delightful natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating back to more than 900 years, it used to be an independent state with its own rulers before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century. Phayao is about 691 kilometres from Bangkok and covers an area of 6,335 square kilometres. Administrative, it is divided into the following districts: Muang, Chun, Chiang Kham, Chiang Muan, Dok Khamtai, Pong, Mae Chai, Phu Sang, and Phu Kam Yao.

How to get there

By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 32 and Highway No. 1 to Phayao via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Nakhon Sawan, Tak and Lampang, a total distance of 966 kilometres. For an alternative route, take Highway No. 1 to Amphoe Tak Fa via Saraburi, Lop Buri before turning into Highway No. 11 to Phrae via Phichit, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, and then proceed to Phayao along Highways No. 101, No. 103 and No. 1.


By Bus

Bus companies which operate daily bus services from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Phayao are such as Transport Co. Ltd Tel: 0 2936 2852-66, website: www.transport.co.th; Siam First Tour, Tel: 0 2954 3601, Sombat Tour, Tel: 0 2936 2495.


By Rail

Visitors can take a regular train from Bangkok to Lampang or Chiang Mai, then connect a bus to Phayao. Call 1690 for more information.


By Air

Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and then connect a bus to Phayao. Contact Thai Airways at Tel: 1566 for more information.

AricleSource:www.tourismthailand.org

Phayao: Travel in Phayao

Phayao

Phayao has an overall area of 6,355 square kilometers and is administratively devided into 7 Amphoes (Districts) and 2 King Amphoes (Subdistrict): Amphoe Muang, Chun, Chiang Kham, Chiang Muan, Dok Kham Tai, Pong, Mae Chai, King Amphoe Phu Kam Yao and King Amphoe Phu Sang. Phayao is located 690 kilometers from Bangkok. What to see and what to do in Phayao? Wat Si Umong Kham has a pagoda of the Chiang Saen Period in perfect conditions. This monastery also houses the Buddha image "Luang Po Ngam Muang Ruang Rit" or the so-called "Phra Chao Lan Tu". It is regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image of Lanna Thai and a unique artistic symbol of Phukamyao, the ancient Phayao Kingdom. Wat Si Khom Kham is located in Amphoe Muang on the bank of Phayao Lake (commonly called "Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang") and houses a principal Bhudda image having a lap width of 14 meters, height of 17 meters. The annual fair takes place every May. Located within the monastery compound is "Ho Thai Nithat", a building with antiques, literary items, local intellectual displays and Phayao's life style scenes are shown. Phayao lake Wat Analayo is on Doi Busarakham, 20 kms. from town to the north. It is a large temple built by a Thai monk, who was known as "Phra Kru Phaiboon". Within its wide compound, resides a big, beautiful Buddhist image of the Sukhothai style, as well as, many other interesting structures. Doi Luang National Park covers areas in Chiang Rai, Lampang and Phayao. The main attraction in Phayao's area is " Champa Thong Waterfall". This beautiful waterfall is situated at Km. 7 on Phayao-Chiang Rai Highway, about 18 kms. from town. Wiang Lo Ancient Town or "Muang Phra Lo" is located around 17 kilometers away from Amphoe Chun along highway no. 1021. At Ban Huai Ngiu, there is a branch to Ban Nam Chun, which is about 12 kilometers along a dusty road. From the remainings of the old city walls and a lot of deserted temples, the site was assumed to be a city in the reign of Pho Khun Ngam Muang (King Ngam Muang). Here, an old monastery "Wat Si Ping Muang" is located. As this area is adjacent to the point where the Chun River runs to join the Ing River. It is locally called "Sop Ing" (a meeting point). Nam Pin Waterfall is located at Mu 9, Tambon Fai Kwang, Amphoe Chiang Kham. It cascades from a 10 meter high cliff and is 107 kms. from the township area by road. Articles Source: http://travel.thainn.com

Phayao: Travel in Phayao

Phayao

Phayao has an overall area of 6,355 square kilometers and is administratively devided into 7 Amphoes (Districts) and 2 King Amphoes (Subdistrict): Amphoe Muang, Chun, Chiang Kham, Chiang Muan, Dok Kham Tai, Pong, Mae Chai, King Amphoe Phu Kam Yao and King Amphoe Phu Sang. Phayao is located 690 kilometers from Bangkok. What to see and what to do in Phayao? Wat Si Umong Kham has a pagoda of the Chiang Saen Period in perfect conditions. This monastery also houses the Buddha image "Luang Po Ngam Muang Ruang Rit" or the so-called "Phra Chao Lan Tu". It is regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image of Lanna Thai and a unique artistic symbol of Phukamyao, the ancient Phayao Kingdom. Wat Si Khom Kham is located in Amphoe Muang on the bank of Phayao Lake (commonly called "Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang") and houses a principal Bhudda image having a lap width of 14 meters, height of 17 meters. The annual fair takes place every May. Located within the monastery compound is "Ho Thai Nithat", a building with antiques, literary items, local intellectual displays and Phayao's life style scenes are shown. Phayao lake Wat Analayo is on Doi Busarakham, 20 kms. from town to the north. It is a large temple built by a Thai monk, who was known as "Phra Kru Phaiboon". Within its wide compound, resides a big, beautiful Buddhist image of the Sukhothai style, as well as, many other interesting structures. Doi Luang National Park covers areas in Chiang Rai, Lampang and Phayao. The main attraction in Phayao's area is " Champa Thong Waterfall". This beautiful waterfall is situated at Km. 7 on Phayao-Chiang Rai Highway, about 18 kms. from town. Wiang Lo Ancient Town or "Muang Phra Lo" is located around 17 kilometers away from Amphoe Chun along highway no. 1021. At Ban Huai Ngiu, there is a branch to Ban Nam Chun, which is about 12 kilometers along a dusty road. From the remainings of the old city walls and a lot of deserted temples, the site was assumed to be a city in the reign of Pho Khun Ngam Muang (King Ngam Muang). Here, an old monastery "Wat Si Ping Muang" is located. As this area is adjacent to the point where the Chun River runs to join the Ing River. It is locally called "Sop Ing" (a meeting point). Nam Pin Waterfall is located at Mu 9, Tambon Fai Kwang, Amphoe Chiang Kham. It cascades from a 10 meter high cliff and is 107 kms. from the township area by road. Articles Source: http://travel.thainn.com