Doi Suthep-Pui National Park has a total area of 262.50 square kilometres, covering the area of Mae Rim District, Hang Dong District and Mueang Chiang Mai District. It consists of biodiverse forest and mountainous terrain with its major peaks including Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui. The national park’s area is where several sources of rivers and streams are found and historic, sacred, religious sites are located.

There are different types of tourist attractions throughout the national park. One of the natural attractions is Huaykaew Waterfall, a small 10-metre year-round waterfall surrounded by fantastic scenery and various kinds of shady trees. In addition, there is a nature trail running between Huaykaew Waterfall, Wang Bua Ban Waterfall and Pha Ngoep Cliff. Along the trail are the habitats of different kinds of birds, for example, the white-crested laughingthrush, the black drongo, the common emerald dove, etc. Also, visitors can have a meal and relax amidst the beauty of nature here.

Moreover, there is an arts and cultural attraction, the Bhubing Rajanives Palace, a tourist destination you should not miss. Located on Doi Buak Ha Peak, only 4 kilometres away from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, it is the royal residence where King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit stay during their seasonal visits to Northern Thailand. Visitors can enjoy a sightseeing walk around the palace and in the garden with clusters of roses, ferns, and colourful plants. Normally the palace is open to the public only from Fridays to Sundays and on public holidays. It is, however, not open to the public from the middle of December to the beginning of February as it is when the royal family stays there. For more information about the palace, tourists can contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s office in Chiang Mai.

Once visiting Doi Suthep, you should go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to pay respect to the Buddha’s relics, the relics of the year of the Goat, one of the twelve animal signs in the Chinese zodiac. Apart from its magnificent Lanna-style architecture, the temple is Chiang Mai’s historic and sacred place which you should not miss.

For those who like cultural tourism, the national park has a Hmong Village on Doi Pui Peak. Visitors can discover Hmong people’s lifestyle at the Hmong Museum and enjoy seeing their houses and flower gardens. Also take photos of you wearing their traditional outfit. For those who like taking pictures, the village is set among the natural beauty of colourful plants and mountain forest. Furthermore, a wide range of Hmong handicrafts is available for visitors to buy some as souvenirs.